Bethesda reveal more Starfield details ahead of release

In a Q&A on Discord, Bethesda revealed more about what audiences can expect from ‘Starfield’, including the ability to smuggle illicit goods and the existence of a religion worshipping a celestial serpent.

Lead designer Emil Pagliarulo and lead quest designer Will Shen teased details on some new aspects of the game. 

Players can acquire houses in all of the major cities, some buy purchasing them, and others players will be rewarded with completing quests. 

Contraband can be smuggled past checkpoints during ship inspections, using special ship modules, allowing players to roleplay as Han Solo. 

Quests for factions are not mutually exclusive and can be completed independently. 

Up to 20 different companions can join the player’s crew, follow them around, and carry their stuff. 

There is a system of law and order in the galaxy. If players break the law, they could go to jail, pay a fine, or even resist arrest. 

The mechs that have been spotted are in ruins and therefore not usable by the player. 

Anyone who enjoys doing a full nonlethal playthrough will be disappointed, because in ‘Starfield’ it’s impossible.

Religion will play a major role in the galactic setting of ‘Starfield’. 

There are several belief systems, including the Sanctum Universals who believe space exploration is a way to get close to God, and a group of atheists called The Enlightened who are focused on secular, humanitarian programs. 

And then there’s House Va’ruun, a death cult that loves snakes.

Pagliarulo describes it as follows:

“So, in the game, you’re not really sure what the complete truth is, but…The gossip among the guards is this: A colony ship sets off for a new world, making grav jumps along the way. After one of the grav jumps, one of the passengers claims he spent that time communing with a celestial entity known as the Great Serpent. 

“What was a few seconds for everyone else was…much longer for him. And he brought back a mandate, which is basically, ‘get on board, or be devoured when the Great Serpent encircles the universe.’”

‘Starfield’ is the subject of much hype and scrutiny. It’s the first original IP Bethesda has launched in 25 years. 

The game is similar to ‘Skyrim’ and ‘Fallout 4’, giving players a massive open world with tons to do and explore. The game will be set in a spacefaring future. 

‘Starfield’ releases on Xbox Series X|S and PC on September 6.