Summary

  • Starfield, Bethesda Game Studios' latest RPG, has gained immense popularity, with millions of players checking out the game since release.
  • The game's appeal lies in its vast game world with over 100 unique star systems and 1,000 planets and moons to explore, including stunning views of gas giants from the surfaces of moons.
  • A player discovered a moon called Pontem in the Wolf star system that orbits so closely to its gas giant planet that they appear to be touching, creating a breathtaking and awe-inspiring sight.

A Starfield player is treated to a gorgeous view when they happen upon a moon orbiting impossibly close to its gas giant. Bethesda Game Studios' latest single-player RPG, Starfield launched in September and amassed ten million players in three weeks, topping sales charts and becoming Bethesda's fastest-selling game ever.

A major part of Starfield's allure is allowing players to hop in their spacecrafts and traverse a game world containing over 100 unique star systems and 1,000 planets and moons to land on. Many of these star systems are loaded with gas giants, barren moons, asteroid fields, goldilocks planets that harbor life, and more. Some explorers have come across some truly breathtaking views of gas planets from the surfaces of moons, and Starfield' s photo mode encourages players to look out for moments like these as they roam the stars.

RELATED: Starfield Reveals Patch Notes For November 2023 Update

One player discovered a particular moon in Starfield that orbits its gas-giant planet so closely that they almost appear to be touching. On Reddit, ultra99999 posted a stunning photo mode image of said moon from space and several more from down on the surface. On the moon, the wavy tan gas planet dominates the sky, making for an incredibly impressive view that would serve as an enticing and enveloping backdrop for an outpost.

Beneath the post, ultra99999 added that this specific moon is called Pontem and orbits Etherea in the Wolf star system. The Wolf system is an early game location and is in very close proximity to some of Starfield's starting systems like Narion, Sol, and Alpha Centauri. Since Pontem is accessible so early on, it's puzzling as to why it's only just now being discovered over two months past launch. One commenter under the post mentioned the possibility that this seems to be a bug, as they checked Pontem in their own game and didn't find the same dramatic scene. Supporting this theory, others discuss that in reality, a moon orbiting this closely would almost surely collide with the planet. However, since all the planets and moons in Starfield move in real-time, it's possible that Pontem's orbit around Etherea is elliptical and that ultra99999 arrived at the moon at just the right time.

It would surely be disappointing if it's true that ultra99999's discovery is just a bug, as many players would certainly want to experience a moment like this for themselves. Nevertheless, Starfield's real-time orbit system continues to surprise players with incredible scenes as they explore the Settled Systems. It'll be interesting to know if Starfield's upcoming Shattered Space DLC will add any more star systems, and if so, whether they'll feature any moon orbits as astonishing as Pontem's dance around Etherea, bugged or not.

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
Starfield Tag Page Cover Art
10 /10

Starfield
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Action
RPG
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Systems
PC-1 Xbox-1
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Top Critic Avg: 85 /100 Critics Rec: 83%
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Released
September 6, 2023
ESRB
M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs, Strong Language, Violence
Developer(s)
Bethesda
Publisher(s)
Bethesda
Engine
proprietary engine
Cross-Platform Play
no multiplayer
Cross Save
no
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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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.

Genre(s)
Action, RPG
How Long To Beat
20 Hours
Metascore
86