Summary

  • Starfield modder Ideki creates a compendium mod for comprehensive planetary data.
  • The mod enhances in-game exploration by providing valuable information without external websites.
  • Bethesda's official modding tools boost the game's popularity.

A Starfield modder has created a useful in-game compendium mod for the game that contains comprehensive data about a huge number of planets and systems. The mod launched via the official, Bethesda-supported Starfield Creations mod repository.

Though Starfield received positive reviews during the game's original release period, many players expressed dissatisfaction with what appeared to be the limits of Bethesda's vision of space exploration, particularly compared with rival space games like Elite Dangerous or the current versions of No Man's Sky. But in the wake of the launch of the Starfield Shattered Space DLC, the game is experiencing a resurgence of interest from the community.

starfield-laser-gun
Starfield Could Spice Up its Universe by Breaking One Tenet of Hard Sci-Fi

Starfield features an expansive universe filled with many mysteries, but by breaking a hard sci-fi tenet, the game could make things more interesting.

By 

That interest is helped by the release of official modding tools for Starfield by Bethesda, making the game significantly easier to alter by modders. One such mod is the recently released Starfield Compendium mod, which adds a massive source of information to the in-game interface, available to players for calling up without having to resort to an external website.

Starfield Compendium Mod Adds Useful Planetary Info to In-Game Menu

The Starfield Compendium mod by modder Ideki compiles a huge amount of information on the different planets and moons available to explore in Starfield's Settled Systems game universe. The information is pulled up from the titular Starfield Compendium website, but makes the info available at the touch of a button from the player menu. The info focuses on planetary resources, and is thus most helpful to players seeking the ideal place to build an outpost in Starfield.

The mod allows players to directly search for planets in the database, as well as filter them to find what they're looking for, such as when hunting for the rarest Starfield resources. According to Ideki (via a post from their Reddit account, Zorglub01), the mod's functionality is limited compared to the website, and does not yet contain a complete list of organic resources available directly from a planet's surface via manual gathering as opposed to outpost-based automated extraction. Ideki said they are working on adding it, and are 86% complete as of July 6, 2024. Support for Starfield on Xbox is also planned.

Reaction from players to the update was largely positive, with some exploration-focused players celebrating the ability to consult planetary data without having to leave the game. Others asked whether it was possible for the compendium to hide information that players hadn't discovered themselves in-game, but Ideki responded that while a "dynamic" compendium that grows as players explore is their goal, it isn't currently possible due to the technical limitations of the engine and its interaction with mods. They said that Bethesda is willing to "look into" making it possible, but it would be dependent on the company's availability.

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
Starfield Tag Page Cover Art
Starfield
Display card tags widget Display card system widget
Display card community and brand rating widget
10 /10
Display card open critics widget Display card main info widget
Released
September 6, 2023
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end

WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Starfield is the first new universe in 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4. In this next generation role-playing game set amongst the stars, create any character you want and explore with unparalleled freedom as you embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery.
The year is 2330. Humanity has ventured beyond our solar system, settling new planets, and living as a spacefaring people. From humble beginnings as a space miner, you will join Constellation – the last group of space explorers seeking rare artifacts throughout the galaxy – and navigate the vast expanse of the Settled Systems in Bethesda Game Studios’ biggest and most ambitious game.

ESRB
M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs, Strong Language, Violence
Developer(s)
Bethesda
Genre(s)
Action, RPG