With its huge variety of gameplay systems, vast galaxy of unexplored worlds, and the Bethesda role-playing mechanics that fans know and love, Starfield is unquestionably one of the most ambitious and enticing sci-fi RPGs ever developed. After years and years of waiting, the game is finally here — and from now until its global release on September 6, you can jump in if you've got Early Access.
Because Early Access allows you to blast off into Bethesda's new universe up to five days early, getting it is a very exciting opportunity for superfans. If you're hoping to play the game ahead of its full launch but don't know how, don't worry — we'll go over everything you need to know about getting Early Access below.
How to get Starfield Early Access
The main way to get Early Access to Starfield and play the game five days early is to preorder the Premium Edition of the game. At $100, this version of Starfield is considerably more expensive than the $70 Standard Edition, but it also includes some extra goodies that you wouldn't get otherwise.
In addition to Early Access, the Starfield Premium Edition also comes with Constellation skins for the Equinox Laser Rifle, Spacesuit, Helmet, and Boost Pack items, as well as Bethesda's Digital Starfield Art Book and a copy of the game's official soundtrack. You'll also get guaranteed access to the Shattered Space story DLC when it comes out (currently, it doesn't have a release date).
Right now, Newegg actually has a Starfield promo deal going on that allows you to pick up the Premium Edition with an $8 discount. That's not much, admittedly, but any savings for a brand new AAA title with this much hype behind it are nothing to scoff at. The deal is available for both the Xbox/Windows and Steam version of the game, too, so no matter where you're planning to play, you can take advantage.
Note that you can also get Early Access with the $300 Constellation Edition, a Collector's Edition-style Starfield bundle that features everything from the Premium Edition as well as some exclusive physical collectibles. These items include the gorgeous Chronomark Watch and Case, a Steelbook Case, a patch inspired by the in-game Constellation faction, and a Credit Stick with a laser-etched code for the game.
Play Starfield Early Access with Xbox Game Pass
We wouldn't blame you for thinking that there's not a way to get Early Access to Starfield if you're planning to play the game on Xbox Game Pass, but there is one after all. That's because there's a special $35 Starfield Premium Edition Upgrade available exclusively on Xbox and the Microsoft Store — the platforms that support the console and PC versions of Game Pass, respectively.
When bought, these upgrades will give access to all of the extras from the full Premium Edition, including the Constellation skins, story DLC access, and the Starfield Art Book and soundtrack. Notably, some retailers are selling physical versions of these upgrades that come with the Steelbook Case and Constellation patch from the Constellation Edition.
These Premium Edition Upgrades will only work if you have the base game, which you'll be able to play with a Game Pass subscription. As long as you do, you should be able to purchase a Premium Edition Upgrade on your chosen platform and get Early Access once the Starfield release time comes and goes.
Starfield is finally here, and it's undoubtedly one of the best Xbox games and best PC games for lovers of space exploration, deep RPG gameplay, and the sci-fi genre as a whole. In our Starfield review, we declared it to be "an absolute triumph in gaming" and "one of Microsoft's best exclusive games in over a decade."
