‘Starfield Shattered Space’ DLC Finally Gets a Release Window

‘Starfield’ enthusiasts can rejoice as the highly anticipated first expansion, ‘Shattered Space,’ finally has a confirmed release window after months of anticipation. Initially revealed before Starfield’s launch, this DLC served as an extra incentive for players eyeing the game’s Deluxe or Constellation Editions, promising immediate access to the content upon release.

However, beyond a vague mention of a 2024 launch, Bethesda remained tight-lipped about the specific timing. As per the initial announcement, ‘Shattered Space’ promises to introduce fresh storylines, locations, gear, and more into the game, although the exact nature of these additions remains undisclosed. Many speculate that the expansion will delve into the enigmatic House Va’ruun, the third interstellar government referenced frequently in Starfield’s main campaign.

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Despite its significance, the base of operations for House Va’ruun has remained unseen, shrouded in mystery to prevent its discovery. This storyline presents a tantalizing prospect for ‘Shattered Space,’ potentially unveiling an entirely new star system ripe for exploration while enriching the existing lore.

During an interview with Greg Miller of ‘Kinda Funny Games,’ Bethesda’s Todd Howard revealed that ‘Shattered Space’ is slated for release in the Fall of 2024. This places its launch almost a year after Starfield’s debut on 6th September 2023, or 1st September for those who pre-ordered the Deluxe or Constellation Editions, likely extending the wait beyond players’ expectations.

Starfield’s conclusion sees players embarking on a new game-plus-style journey, reincarnated as a Starborn upon discovering the Unity and traversing into an alternate dimension. This setup offers virtually endless gameplay possibilities, allowing players to restart and experience the game anew each time. While each iteration introduces varied elements, some players had hoped for prompt updates or expansions to inject freshness into the game.

In recent times, other Bethesda titles, notably the ‘Fallout’ series, have experienced a resurgence, partly fueled by Amazon’s successful live-action adaptation, drawing both new and returning players. This surge in interest has been sustained by fan-made mods, facilitated by Bethesda’s Creation Club, which continually provides new content, fostering a vibrant community across console and PC platforms.

Bethesda’s announcement of a next-gen patch for ‘Fallout 4,’ coinciding with the show’s popularity, exemplifies the company’s strategy to engage returning players with fresh content. The inclusion of free Creation Club items further enriches the experience, offering quests, weapons, apparel, and decorations. Similarly, Bethesda plans to release a Creation Kit for Starfield, mirroring the approach taken with ‘Fallout 4.’

While the timing for this release remains unspecified, its availability could serve to retain player interest in the interim or supplement the forthcoming Shattered Space expansion, ensuring a prolonged engagement with the game.

On the PC platform, modders have already begun augmenting Starfield with additional content, ranging from the incorporation of iconic ‘Star Wars’ characters and starships to the introduction of customizable pets drawn from across the Settled Systems. These mods provide a glimpse of the potential awaiting players once the official Creation Kit launches, promising further enhancements and gameplay diversity.

The prospect of a year-long hiatus without substantial new content raises concerns among fans, questioning whether Bethesda’s delayed release of Shattered Space might diminish its impact. While the gestation period for AAA game development is undeniably protracted, the norm in the industry has typically seen DLC expansions released within months of a game’s launch, contrasting with Bethesda’s approach.