Summary
Finally making its way to release earlier this month after numerous delays, Bethesda Game Studio’sStarfieldrepresents the developer’s latest entry into the open-world RPG genre that it helped popularize. Sticking toStarfield’s main quest takes players on a whirlwind tour of the galaxy that gives them an overview of the countless characters and conflicts present in the game’s expansive universe, but this only scratches the surface of what awaits players willing to do a bit of exploring. Much likeThe Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimbefore it, the true extent of what the game has to offer is only revealed once players dig intoStarfield’s side quests.
By the time that players reachthe end ofStarfield’s campaign, they’ll have become acquainted with the numerous factions inhabiting the universe and some of the planets they call home. Featuring some truly unexpected twists and turns and an end-game option that reimagines what a New Game+ mode could and should be,Starfield’s central narrative makes for a surprisingly thrilling tale. But it’s only once players start seeking out the game’s numerous side quests that the real scope of Bethesda’s sci-fi RPG comes into focus, showing that some of the most interesting and exciting adventures await those willing to venture off the beaten path.
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Starfield’s Main Quest Is Packed With Excitement, But Also Repetition
The main campaign inStarfieldsees players taking on the role of the newest member of Constellation, a group of explorers dedicated to learning more about the biggest mysteries the universe has to offer. As players work with the group to uncover the truth behind the mysterious artifacts spread throughout the galaxy, perhaps even taking time toromance their Constellation companionsalong the way, the story unfolds in some unexpected ways. But even as the narrative continually ups the ante in terms of action, much of what players actually do across the main campaign falls into a fairly predictable pattern after a while.
Visiting the wildly varying planets fillingStarfield’s star systemsthroughout the main campaign is undoubtedly exciting, but once players touch down the tasks awaiting them on terra firma can quickly start to blend together. Although the campaign introduces some interesting new game mechanics to engage with over its runtime, many ofStarfield’s story missions amount to little more than highly polished fetch quests. To get the fullStarfieldexperience players will need to step away from their obligations to Constellation and explore off the beaten path, diving headfirst into the game’s countless entertaining side quests.
Starfield’s Side Quests Are Where the Game’s Biggest Adventures Await
While the main quest inStarfieldmay give players the chance to unlock some truly impressive cosmic powers as they uncover the secrets of the universe, it can’t hold a candle to some of the outlandish adventures awaiting those willing to do some digging. From channelingBreaking Bad’s Walter White and becoming a kingpin responsible for manufacturing andsellingStarfield’s addictive Aurora, to uncovering the long-lost lair of the mysterious vigilante known as the Mantis, all sorts of unusual and unexpected quests await players on the fringes of the galaxy.
Gamers can pick up these often wildly entertaining side quests in a number of different ways, from overhearing a conversation as they wander through a crowded city to answering the unsolicited transmissions fromStarfield’s ships. No matter how they stumble upon the game’s side quests, though, nearly every one will offer something entirely new for players to do. The sheer diversity of side quests on offer is staggering, ensuring that even those with little interest in completing the main campaign will never lack something new and different to do.
The universe ofStarfieldis filled with an abundance of adventures for players willing to look beyond the game’s central story. From high-stakes heists to smaller, surprisingly moving missions centered around their Constellation companions,Starfield’s spectacular side quests are what will keep gamers returning to the stars for years to come.
Starfieldis available now for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
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