Summary
Bethesda’s sci-fi epicStarfieldhas certainly seen better days — namely, the first weeks of its launch — as time has seemed to work against the game that was initially marketed as one that would defy time by matching the ongoing lifespan ofThe Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim. However,Starfield’s struggles may soon be alleviated, if a recent rumor proves true.
According to apost on X by user Odahfield(@Odah_SFA),Starfieldis rumored to receive a “code-altering” update this year that “no one expected.” While these details are far from official and only exist due to rumors, it’s still worth speculating on what the update could bring toStarfield, although the term could mean any number of things.
Speculating on Starfield’s Rumored ‘Code-Altering’ Update
The Rumored Update Could Significantly Overhaul Starfield’s Space Gameplay
One path the rumored “code-altering” update could take is to significantly overhaulStarfield’s gameplay. For example,Starfield’s space exploration has proven to be a bit shallow, especially in comparison to what othergames likeStar Wars Outlawsoffer, andStarfield’s reported update could improve that by adding more dynamic events to its space gameplay, making the open cosmos more of a playground and less of a backdrop. At the moment,Starfield’s space gameplay is thoroughly predictable, so if the rumored update were to add more dynamic events to the game’s space exploration mechanics, it might sit well with fans.
Starfield’s Economy Could Be Reworked in the Rumored Update
The rumored update might affectStarfield’s economyas well, if it turns out the update is real. SinceStarfieldis a space exploration game, players can be expected to acquire plenty of loot on their journey. Unfortunately, the game’s vendors often possess a limited amount of credits, which makes it difficult to sell high-quality items or large quantities of goods. Furthermore,Starfield’s economy lacks a surprising amount of depth, with few opportunities for meaningful financial progression or investment. This has long been a point of contention in Bethesda games and nowStarfieldas well, so perhaps the reported update will finally resolve those issues.
More Fundamental Changes Could Be at the Root of the Rumored Starfield Update
Since the rumored update is supposedly “code-altering,” it would make sense for it to change things forStarfieldon a more fundamental level. What first comes to mind here isStarfield’s loading screens, which the game has been criticized for since its launch. WhileStar Wars Outlawstechnically has loading zones, it proved that players can still have a seamless and immersive experience, regardless of the game’s size and where players choose to travel. In the same way, perhaps this rumored upcoming update forStarfieldmight see its loading screens completely removed to provide a more immersive experience.
Since the rumored update is supposedly “code-altering,” it would make sense for it to change things forStarfieldon a more fundamental level.
Another fundamental change the rumored update could make toStarfieldmight involve the game’s AI. As is the case with many Bethesda games,Starfield’s friendly and enemy AI has been known for acting predictable and unintelligent, making the game a bit easier and more frustrating than it should be. Of course, Todd Howard has expressed thatStarfield’s AI behaviorwas intentionally simplified in order to provide a better gameplay experience. Even so, perhaps that design decision could be walked back with the rumored update.
If the rumors are true, a “code-altering” update could mark a pivotal moment forStarfield, potentially turning itself around and becoming what it originally set out to be. Whether through enhancingStarfield’s space exploration, overhauling the economy, refining AI, or reworking its loading mechanics, Bethesda has the chance to breathe new life into its sci-fi RPG.
