Starfield is an open world game with over 1,000 planets featuring across 100 different star systems.
Starfield is a sprawling space odyssey that has captured the attention of millions and has generated substantial excitement for several reasons, a major of which is the size of the universe on offer. As an ambitious creation by Bethesda, it invites players to traverse diverse galaxies within the Settled Systems. The sheer magnitude of its offerings prompts many to ponder whether it boasts the most extensive open-world map ever created, a reasonable ask given the game's claim of over 1,000 planets to explore.
How big is Starfield?
Starfield's vastness is nothing short of monumental, housing an awe-inspiring collection of over 1000 planets and moons, each nestled within hundreds of intricately designed 'systems' awaiting exploration. The sheer scale is mind-boggling, as gamers are offered a world filled with bustling cities, space stations, mysterious caves, and a plethora of fascinating constructs to uncover as they embark on their intrepid journeys.
Consider this: if one embarks on a journey from one planet to another, be prepared for a journey that spans several hours. Attempting to circumnavigate an entire planet? It may feel near-infinite, but that’s a design choice by Bethesda Game Studios. These planets are divided into 'tiles,' each stretching thousands of meters. Thus, players will find themselves needing to take off and land in another tile as they reach one's boundary.
However, fret not, as fast travel options are generously scattered throughout, enabling relatively uninhibited leaps from system to system. Without them, navigating the entirety of Starfield would be an insurmountable task. Realistically, exploring every planet, moon, space station, and installation within a single lifetime is close to impossible as it would likely span thousands upon thousands of hours.
Is Starfield the biggest open world game ever?
Naturally, when it comes to comparing Starfield's size with that of other open-world games, it presents a unique challenge. This is because many other titles in the space genre also rely heavily on procedural generation to shape their expansive universes. Take, for instance, two notable examples: Elite Dangerous and No Man's Sky, both set in the vastness of space, each boasting colossal open worlds.
In the case of Elite Dangerous, the game lays claim to a staggering 400 billion star systems. Within these systems lie procedurally generated worlds, each governed by intricate faction dynamics and economic systems. On the other hand, No Man's Sky takes procedural generation to the next level, with a technology that supposedly generates an astronomical 18 quintillion worlds for players to explore.
In the grand scheme of things, it's important to note that while Starfield may not hold the title for the largest map, it certainly stands as a contender and is undeniably the most extensive map ever crafted in any of Bethesda's games.
How long will it take to complete Starfield?
After much anticipation, players can now embark on their epic space adventure in Starfield. This sprawling RPG allows them to explore planets, journey through distant solar systems, and customize their spacecraft. With a wealth of content to offer, players may be curious about the time commitment required, whether they focus solely on the main storyline or pursue a comprehensive, completionist playthrough.
According to data from Howlongtobeat.com, completing the main story will take approximately 19 hours to complete. Engaging in both the main narrative and side missions can extend the gameplay to over 50 hours. However, for those aiming for a full completionist experience, be prepared to invest around 185 hours to attain that coveted platinum trophy.
FAQs
A. Among the multitude of planets in Starfield, approximately 10% of them are teeming with life, promising players encounters with various organisms on roughly 100 planets during their journey.
A. Yes, players can access Earth by choosing the Sol system from the star systems map, navigating to the third planet orbiting the sun, selecting a landing spot, and initiating the descent.
A. Starfield's design maintains a clear distinction between planetary surfaces and the space that separates them, yet, given ample time and patience, players can indeed embark on direct interplanetary journeys.
