In the world of gaming, few upcoming titles have generated as much buzz as Starfield. As the next big sci-fi RPG from Bethesda Game Studios, the masterminds behind classics like Skyrim and Fallout, expectations are sky-high for this futuristic adventure. But many have one pressing question – will Starfield have online multiplayer?
Starfield: Will it have Online Multiplayer?
No Multiplayer or Co-Op at Launch
According to Bethesda, Starfield will not include any multiplayer or co-op functionality at launch. This confirmation means it will be strictly a single-player experience out of the gate. None of Bethesda’s previous RPG flagships like Skyrim, Fallout 3, or Fallout 4 had official multiplayer modes either.
In recent years, Bethesda has experimented more with multiplayer in games like Fallout 76 and Elder Scrolls Online. However, for their biggest new IP in decades, the development priority is clearly on delivering a stellar single-player narrative adventure first and foremost.
Possibility of Post-Release Multiplayer
While multiplayer won’t be there on day one, Bethesda hasn’t definitively ruled out integrating it further down the road. Given the widespread trends in gaming right now, adding some form of co-op or other multiplayer features via future updates is not out of the question.
Implementing multiplayer post-launch could provide more gameplay variety and increased longevity for players. As seen with games like No Man’s Sky, integrating multiplayer can significantly expand and enhance an open-world space game. However, developing and properly integrating that technology takes substantial time and resources.
Bethesda’s Core Focus Is Single-Player Immersion
For this first flagship entry in the vast Starfield universe, Bethesda’s stated focus is on crafting an incredibly immersive single-player RPG centered around rich worldbuilding, exploration, and storytelling.
Having multiplayer in the initial launch could detract focus and resources away from realizing that primary goal to the fullest. As Director Todd Howard has explained, lessons learned from their multiplayer experiences in recent games are being used to make this the best solo adventure possible.
Massive Scope Already
With over 1,000 explorable planets already touted, Starfield is clearly massively ambitious in scope and scale even as a single-player game.
Attempting to also integrate a whole multiplayer component would expand that scope exponentially, adding a major risk of delays or issues. Keeping the launch focused on delivering an incredible single-player experience first allows the concentration of resources into making that main quest as complete and polished as possible.
Conclusion
The bottom line – Starfield will launch as an exclusively single-player RPG, without integrated multiplayer or co-op. But post-release, adding multiplayer remains a possibility.
At launch, expect to journey through the stars alone or with AI companions only. But future updates could potentially allow sharing the adventure with actual friends too. We’ll have to wait and see what surprises this bold new universe holds!
I swear I've NEVER seen a game have the whole ENTIRE gaming industry, celebrities, fans, steamcharts & wishlist & Social Media trends in a chokehold! #Starfield is THAT GAME! 🔥🔥 I can NOT wait for this game any longer ya'll, its hard! 😂 pic.twitter.com/6ywTpT6b27
— Darrius Fears (@TheRealDfea) August 18, 2023
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