Amid the buzz surrounding The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, Bethesda has rolled out an unexpected patch for Starfield, enhancing performance with a new 'Very Low' display setting, bolstering support for Creations (mods), and addressing issues across quests, vehicles, user interfaces, and the Shattered Space DLC.
This update is currently available in Steam beta, accessible to PC players who opt in. Bethesda is actively seeking feedback and has detailed the patch notes on its website.
While this patch introduces new features and resolves several bugs, Starfield enthusiasts are still eagerly awaiting news on further DLC expansions.
Starfield, Bethesda's first new IP in 25 years, launched in September 2023 to a mixed reception, unlike the studio's well-received Elder Scrolls and Fallout series. The Shattered Space expansion, released in September 2024, garnered a 'mostly negative' user review rating on Steam despite reaching 15 million players.
Amidst growing discontent over communication and updates, Bethesda has reassured fans of its commitment to Starfield. In June 2024, the company confirmed ongoing support and the development of at least one additional story expansion following Shattered Space. In an interview with YouTube channel MrMattyPlays, Bethesda Game Studios' Todd Howard expressed intentions to release annual story expansions for the foreseeable future.
Speculation about a PlayStation 5 release for Starfield intensified in March after a PlayStation logo appeared on Bethesda's official Creations website, linked to a work-in-progress ship decals Creation. Although the Creation was removed, fans continue to speculate about a potential PS5 launch.
As attention shifts to Oblivion Remastered, Starfield players hope for significant announcements at the Xbox Games Showcase on June 8. Could this include a PS5 version and a new expansion? Or perhaps a surprise release mirroring Oblivion Remastered? The gaming community will find out soon.
Starfield Update 1.15.214 Patch Notes:
FEATURES
- Added 'Very Low' display settings to enhance performance on various devices.
- Creation Kit: Enabled Creators to add new icons to the game.
- Creations Store now supports bundling Creations.
- Creation Kit: Increased upload size limit for Creations to 2GB.
BUG FIXES
GENERAL
- Creations: Fixed potential errors when restoring load order after installing and deleting numerous mods.
- Creation Kit: Addressed possible crashes when loading plugins with ingredient forms.
- Fixed potential control locks during view changes while seated in a pilot seat.
- Addressed rare movement locks during forced dialogue scenes.
- Fixed control locks related to disabling vehicle Creations during save loads.
- Resolved rare control locks when opening menus immediately after loading during takeoff.
- Fixed issues preventing exiting vanity cameras on PC.
- Addressed crashes related to moving or removing buildings at the Main Outpost in Andraphon.
- Fixed rare crashes when entering the Unity.
- Prevented removal of quicksaves when rapidly pressing quicksave.
- Implemented general crash and stability fixes.
- Improved Creations UI.
GAMEPLAY
- Skills: Ensured persistence of Cargo Link and Robots build limits from Outpost Management skills post-Unity.
- Weapons: Removed negative terrestrial damage modifier from the Space-Adept legendary effect.
- Gameplay Options: Fixed cargo access issues in some interiors.
- Gameplay Options: Clarified status effects text for Malnourished and Hydrated.
- Fixed Grav jumping issues post-hailing in Freestar or UC space.
- Addressed rare issues with item display in the Razorleaf.
- Fixed XP award issues with missiles.
- Resolved player placement issues post-new creation installation and save loading into UC Vigilance.
- Fixed creature movement issues when stuck, particularly in water.
- Addressed lost stolen status on dropped items.
- At Hell's Gate: Fixed Crucible Blade damage to ships in orbit when used inside ships.
- At Hell's Gate: Ensured correct audio playback for the Crucible Blade post-save or fast travel.
- Fixed audio interactions with the Bounty Board at Tracker's Alliance HQ.
GRAPHICS
- Added support for 32:9 and 32:10 resolutions, along with additional 16:9, 16:10, and 21:9 resolutions.
- Performance: Fixed frame rate drops when opening the scanner during long sessions.
- Ensured celestial bodies remain visible in the sky after entering and exiting interiors.
QUESTS
- All That Money Can Buy: Fixed rare issues with the Trade Tower elevator.
- In Memoriam: Addressed issues preventing completion with Sarah as the companion after "At Hell's Gate."
- Perfect Recipe: Ensured Shonda recovers if downed while collecting Ashta meat.
- The Starjacker: Adjusted dialogue options for characters post-Unity entry.
- Top of the L.I.S.T.: Resolved control locks after selling survey data to Phil Hill.
- Trackers Alliance: Fixed timeout issues with bounty scanner quests.
- Trackers Alliance: Addressed rare issues with bounty mission completion.
- Worlds Apart: Prevented premature planet departure post-temple exit.
LOCATIONS
- Ensured mannequin persistence in New Atlantis Penthouse.
- Enabled modification of shelves and cabinets in the Core Manor, Akila City.
- Fixed issues preventing scanning of some flora.
- At Hell's Gate: Added Plasma Research Facility to the surface map.
- Fixed visible openings in the Deserted Biotics Lab.
- Corrected display of Vent Hazards on Jemison.
UI
- Ship Builder: Fixed issues with the ship upgrade menu when only one module is available.
- Ship Builder: Addressed selection issues with large fonts.
- Ship Decoration: Updated names of Empty ship modules.
- Ensured all buttons function in the Vehicle Builder menu with large fonts.
- Localization: Fixed cut-off text for Dehydrated debuff in Spanish and Polish with large fonts.
- Localization: Ensured consistent localization of bounty boards in Tracker's Alliance HQ.
- Localization: Fully localized strings for Hydrated and Dehydrated status effects regarding sneak attacks.
VEHICLE
- Added keyboard binding for the boost button on PC.
- Added vehicle marker to the player's compass.
- Fixed camera issues for players with maxed Surveying skill.
- Improved logic for exiting vehicles when partially obstructed.
- Enabled vehicle deployment at locations other than spaceports or landing pads.
- Addressed visible artifacts with the Rev-8 when boosting in fog.
SHATTERED SPACE
- Enabled access to Va'ruun outpost modules post-Unity entry.
- Skills: Counted enemy kills inside gravity bubbles on Dazra towards the Gymnastics skill.
- Fixed issues with buttons on the lift on the Mourning level in Dazra.
- Weapons: Increased bonus headshot damage for the Penumbra.
- Performance: Addressed slight stutters in the Well and outside Dazra.
- Fixed pixelation of the Va'Ruun Schimaz's blade on the Data Menu.
- Fixed lens flare flicker with the Citadel on Dazra.
- Zealous Overreach: Adjusted Mirek’s dialogue options for characters post-Unity.
- Zealous Overreach: Resolved issues if the player cleared Shadow Station Epsilon before speaking to Ekris.
