The widely visible and somewhat contentious Starfield will be making its way to PlayStation 5 at some point, if rumors and leaks are to be believed. Bethesda's space-faring extravaganza wouldn't be the first high-profile Xbox exclusive to jump ship to PS5 in recent years, with hot properties like Forza Horizon 5 and Sea of Thieves traipsing onto Sony hardware despite their already-significant success on Xbox. That is to say, there's a strong precedent for Starfield to leave the Xbox ecosystem.

This could be a complex and even controversial move on Microsoft's part, as Starfield is no doubt the company's biggest console exclusive of this generation: audiences already expect the likes of Halo and Gears of War to be locked to Xbox, but a console-monogamous Bethesda game is another story. Bringing such a popular, relevant title to other platforms could be interpreted as Xbox walking back its implicit promise to players at the start of the Xbox Series X|S lifecycle, the promise that it would be home to exclusives that could compete with what's on PS5 and Switch. Indeed, Starfield on PS5 could present some dangerous waters for Xbox to navigate, but such a port would come with some objective upsides as well.

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Starfield On PS5 Would Mean the Addition of DualSense Features

DualSense Haptics Have the Potential To Elevate Starfield

Starfield is far from universally beloved, but perhaps it could enjoy a second life of sorts if launched on the PS5. After all, such a port would spread the IP to a considerably wider audience, considering the mass adoption of Sony's current-gen platform, which in turn could facilitate a more robust, well-rounded consensus about the game's legacy. Having said that, this theoretical port would also just be "more Starfield," as it's unlikely that it would be joined by any kind of major new content.

But the much-lauded features of the DualSense controller could very well have a transformative effect on the Starfield experience. The sophisticated and multifaceted haptics of Sony's proprietary controller could bring Starfield's myriad planetary landscapes to life, elevating immersion through environmental factors, gravitational force, and the like. There's also the matter of the PS5's adaptive triggers, which have the potential to augment gameplay in addition to being an accessory for immersion and exploration.

How the PS5's DualSense Controller Could Specifically Benefit Starfield

When thinking of the best uses of the DualSense on the PS5, a few choice titles come to mind:

  • Returnal
  • Kena: Bridge of Spirits
  • Marvel's Spider-Man 2
  • Death Stranding

These games make use of the DualSense in different ways, but they all leverage the tech to service the central elements of their respective gameplay experiences. For instance, Returnal is all about dense atmosphere and unique weaponry, so the DualSense is used to further these ends, deepening the game's various biomes while providing alternate firing modes for each weapon. Meanwhile, games like Spider-Man 2, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, and Death Stranding take advantage of the controller's adaptive triggers for game-specific activities, like web-swinging, balancing packages, and drawing a bow.

Starfield on PS5 ought to follow the philosophies of these games with respect to its DualSense integration. That is, it should elevate already-strong game mechanics with the controller, rather than using it for gimmicks or superfluous features. Spaceship control is an obvious target area, as it's a unique activity that could be better realized with strong, weighty haptics. Starfield is also notable for its vastly improved gunplay relative to previous Bethesda RPGs, and the integration of the DualSense could make this facet of the game even better, especially when it comes to less conventional weapon options.

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.

Steam Deck Compatibility
yes
Genre(s)
Action, RPG
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty
How Long To Beat
20 Hours
X|S Optimized
Yes
File Size Xbox Series
101 GB (September 2023)