Starfield's official early access release date is September 1, but some gamers will get to play starting August 31 depending on where they live. Starfield is easily one of the most highly-anticipated new game releases of 2023, and for good reason. It's the first single-player Bethesda game since 2015's Fallout 4, and it's the company's first original IP in decades.
There's a lot riding on Starfield. The game is positioned as the flagship Xbox Game Pass release for 2023, and it's Bethesda's first major game since the disappointing Fallout 76. Many would argue that Bethesda's reputation was tarnished by Fallout 76, but Starfield is an opportunity for the studio to redeem itself. The game looks incredibly ambitious based on what's been shown so far, and so it's no surprise that many are eager to get their hands on it.
The official Starfield release date is September 6, but those that buy the Premium Edition, or the Premium Edition upgrade, will get to play September 1. However, it's been discovered through Microsoft Store listings that the game will technically be playable even earlier depending on where one lives. For example, those living in Central Time Zone should be able to play as early as August 31 at 7:00pm.
Those that plan on playing Starfield through Xbox Game Pass and don't want to spring for the full-priced game are in luck as well. The Starfield Premium Edition Upgrade is available for $34.99, and purchasing it will let Game Pass subscribers get in on the early access fun. In fact, those who are signed up for Xbox Game Pass can get the Premium Edition Upgrade at a $3 discount, making it just $31.49.
Those that don't want to pay anything beyond their Xbox Game Pass subscription fee to play Starfield will simply have to wait until September 6, but it's worth pointing out that the Premium Edition Upgrade is likely going to be worth it to hardcore Bethesda fans. Besides giving players early access, it also comes with a digital artbook, the soundtrack, the Constellation Skin Pack, and perhaps most importantly, the Shattered Space Story Expansion, Starfield's first DLC. The Starfield DLC doesn't have a release date at the time of this writing, but Bethesda has a history of releasing high-quality expansions, making it a safe bet.
Ultimately, those willing to pay for the Premium Edition Upgrade may actually get to play Starfield in August 31, but at the very least, they can jump in on September 1. Everyone else will have to wait for the official release date to roll around. Time will tell if Starfield gameplay lives up to the hype, but things are looking bright for the open world sci-fi RPG.
Starfield launches September 6 for PC and Xbox Series X.