Is Starfield coming to PS5?

The upcoming RPG's exclusive platforms, explained.

A screenshot of a Starfield pilot, preparing for takeoff.
Image via Bethesda

With Starfield being the first Bethesda IP in over 20 years, fans are desperately looking to get their hands on the game and may wonder if Starfield will ever be on PlayStation 5.

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Coming from the studio that built the successful franchises of The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, Starfield was arguably the most highly-anticipated game in the world ahead of its Sept. 6, 2023 release date. Boasting over 1,000 planets to explore, numerous factions to align yourself with, and a slew of customization options, there’s plenty to see and do in Starfield—but only if it comes to a console or platform you own.

Thousands of fans on PS5 are eager to get their hands on Starfield and join their Xbox and PC peers, and recent news suggests they may not have to wait much longer.

Can you play Starfield on PlayStation?

Starfield ship in a warp jump
Soon, perhaps. Image via Bethesda

Starfield was not made available to PS5 users on launch, with the game released for users on Xbox and PC through Steam and the Game Pass.

But a February 2024 report suggests Microsoft is changing its approach to exclusivity, and it appears Starfield will be available for PlayStation 5 users in early-to-mid 2024. This availability will not extend to the previous generation, however, so PS4 users will almost certainly not be able to play Starfield.

In September 2020, Microsoft purchased Bethesda’s parent company, ZeniMax Media, for $7.5 million, handing Xbox launch exclusivity to the developer’s future titles—including Starfield and the next game in the Elder Scrolls franchise. Prior to this, Bethesda was a multi-platform developer.

Microsoft does not always restrict access to its titles after acquisitions, however, with Mojang’s Minecraft continuing to be available on a variety of platforms, while the company has promised Call of Duty would not be an exclusive title if its planned takeover of Activision Blizzard goes ahead.

Those wanting in on Starfield will have to play on Xbox or PC for now. If the rumors are true, however, PS5 users might not be waiting much longer to get their spaceship up and running.

Author
Image of Josh Challies
Josh Challies
Staff Writer. Professional writer since 2014. Pokemon, Marvel, Star Wars and overall geek. Previously wrote for Yahoo Sport, Stats Perform and online news publications.
Author
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Nicholas Taifalos
Weekend editor for Dot Esports. Nick, better known as Taffy, began his esports career in commentary, switching to journalism with a focus on Oceanic esports, particularly Counter-Strike and Dota. Email: nicholas@dotesports.com