Bethesda’s future plans forStarfieldare currently being kept in the dark, as the developer’s sci-fi adventure has struggled to capture audiences the way its predecessors have. Right now, the jury is out on whetherStarfieldwill become an ongoing franchise likeThe Elder ScrollsorFallout, but if it does, there is a major challenge ahead.
The ending ofStarfieldsaw its story come full circle, as players entered the Unity to become a Starborn. It was a compelling take on the New Game Plus feature, but it also leaves its sequel in a tricky situation. With rumors ofStarfieldcoming to the PS5, it’s clear that Bethesda intends to expand the IP, but when it comes to a follow-up, there’s no clear starting point for its story.Starfieldcould easily be a standalone story, so if Bethesda plans on bringing another chapter to life, going a completely different route may be the best decision.
A Sequel to Starfield May Be Best Off Starting From Scratch
Starfield’s Story Feels Wrapped Up
No matter what decisions players make inStarfield, the intended endgame is always for the main character to become a Starborn. There have been rumors thatStarfield’s next expansioncould be titled “Starborn,” but that remains to be seen. Of course, a sequel could dive deeper into life as a Starborn, as well, but that may be too predictable. Instead, Bethesda allowingStarfield’s sequel to expand its world even further instead of focusing on the Starborn may be a stronger path.
Starfield Could Play Around With a Time Jump
In order to add some more spice to the IP, Bethesda may want to consider venturing into the past or far off into the future. The concept of the United Colonies is fascinating, and a prequel centered around the group’s early formation could bring forth more intrigue. Players could have the opportunity to take on the role of a colony founder during the early days of the government’s formation. Even more interesting, though,a newStarfieldgamecould explore a fascinating point in the United Colonies' history.
The Narion War in 2196 sawthe United Coloniesand the Freestar Collective go head-to-head. One of the more prevalent criticisms ofStarfieldis that its world can sometimes feel lifeless, and throwing a galactic war into the mix could set the stage for some truly compelling storytelling. The conflict spanned two decades, so a story that required players to choose sides of the conflict may present some fascinating moral dilemmas, even if the outcome of the war is known.
The Narion War concluded when both groups agreed to sign the Treaty of Narion.
Starfieldcould easily be a standalone story, so if Bethesda plans on bringing another chapter to life, going a completely different route may be the best decision.
A Starfield Sequel Should Finally Embrace More Aliens
While Bethesda’s preference for a more grounded sci-fi experience was an interesting choice, the lack of intelligent alien life may be doing the IP a disservice. Of course, aliens don’t always have to be in sci-fi stories, but to makeStarfield’s world more diverse, introducing a brand-new alien-based faction might be exciting. If Bethesda really wants toexpand the scope ofStarfield, bringing aliens into the mix could serve as a strong starting point for a more compelling story.
Whether it’s an aggressive, intelligent alien government who has come to challenge the United Colonies or a more peaceful faction that has become a new member of the organization, it could be one of the clearest ways tobreathe new life intoStarfield.Starfieldhas had a rocky road since launch, but if a sequel ever becomes reality, it may give Bethesda the perfect opportunity to improve upon a premise that still has potential.
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.
