Despite having been released close to two years ago, the post-launch life ofStarfieldis still full of twists and turns. The launch of the ambitious Bethesda title did not quite have the impact that the studio would have been hoping for, putting an added level of pressure on the game’s post-launch plans to really deliver. A big effort to revitalize the project came with the late-2024 launch of itsShattered Spaceexpansion, though another big development is now dominating discussion around the game.
According to recent reports, fans now supposedly have a solid idea of whenStarfieldwill become available on PlayStation consoles. Allegedly,Starfieldwill make its way over to PS5 around Spring 2025, with other reports suggesting that another big expansion is planned for the game alongside some major quality-of-life updates. While this seems like a big positive forStarfieldat face value, it places the PS5 port of the title’s release in extremely close competition with one of the most anticipated releases of all time.
Starfield’s PS5 Port Release Window Has Some Major Competition
The reports and leaks aroundStarfield’s PS5 port come from MP1st, which suggests that the game’s initial plans for a PlayStation expansion in 2025 are no longer on the table. Initially, Microsoft wanted to coincide the release ofStarfield’s PS5 port closer to thelaunch of the game’sShattered SpaceDLC, although the expansion did not generate the momentum that Bethesda was hoping to see.
Shattered Spaceachieved a peak Steam player countof just over 20,000, with this being in stark comparison to the 330,000-player peak ofStarfield’s base game on the platform. It is clear that this under-performance has been quite a blow to the efficacy ofStarfield’s post-launch plans, with Microsoft possibly being of the impression that a PS5 port around the time ofShattered Spacewould have been a wasted opportunity.
There are still plans for potentially manyStarfieldexpansions beyondShattered Space, however, and Bethesda is supposedly waiting for the game’s next major DLC to finally pull the trigger on PlayStation availability. It remains to be seen if the next DLC forStarfieldwill be able to beat the performance ofShattered Space, but the high-profile launch ofGrand Theft Auto 6around the time of these future plans is going to be a real pain to contend with.
The Spotlight on Grand Theft Auto 6 Might Shine Too Brightly For Starfield’s PS5 Plans
After several delays that gripped the gaming industry, Rockstar has seemingly settled on a firmrelease date forGrand Theft Auto 6. Accompanied by a new official trailer that generated huge amounts of engagement and discussion, Rockstar has touted May 26 as the revised release date for the title. Of course, fans have been waiting well over a decade for a new majorGTArelease, withGrand Theft Auto 6already setting some eye-watering expectations.
GTA 5currently holds the title of the most profitable piece of entertainment media ever made, withGTA 6only being expected to improve upon its predecessor. It is no surprise that many other major titles are moving their intended release dates as far away fromGrand Theft Auto 6’s launch as possible, yetStarfieldseems to be walking straight into the lion’s den. ASpring 2026 release window forStarfield’s PS5 portand next major expansion would place them directly in the crosshairs ofGTA 6’s May release, and it will most likely be even harder for the game to find its feet and launch a revival in the immense shadow of the upcoming Rockstar project.
The total franchise revenue forGrand Theft Autois reported to be close to $10 billion, being just one signifier of the immense scale and expectations surroundingGrand Theft Auto 6.
Starfield
WHERE TO PLAY
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.
