Starfield May Update: New Features and Improvements
The latest update for Starfield is here, packed with fresh features and enhancements to elevate the player experience. The May Update introduces detailed surface maps, new gameplay difficulty options, flexible ship customization, enhanced display settings for Xbox Series X, and much more.
Surface Maps Overhaul
Surface maps now feature terrain markings instead of surface dots. This, combined with visual points of interest, makes navigation and location pinpointing much simpler. New markers in major cities highlight vendor locations, each serving as a fast travel point. Players can warp to these destinations directly from their Scanner or surface map.
Expanded Gameplay Options
The update grants players more control over their gameplay. Adjust vendor credits and carry capacity, or access ship cargo from anywhere via the player inventory. New survival features allow fine-tuning of food effects and environmental hazards. Additionally, new combat settings make space combat tougher and run-and-gun combat easier. A new Extreme difficulty level is also available, offering a challenge beyond Very Hard. These settings let players tailor their experience to their preferred playstyle.
Enhanced Ship Customization
In Starfield, your ship is your home. The May Update expands interior customization options, including new empty hab modules for personalized decoration. More doorways can be added, allowing for greater flexibility in ship layout design.
Xbox Series X Display Settings
Xbox Series X players can now choose between prioritizing visual quality or performance. A Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) display running at 120hz or above is highly recommended. Players can select frame rates of 30, 40, 60, or an uncapped rate on VRR displays. Non-VRR displays can choose between 30 or 60, though screen tearing may occur at 60.
Players can prioritize visuals or performance while maintaining their chosen frame rate. Performance mode is suggested for higher frame rates, while prioritizing visuals maintains the highest resolution with full detail. Both modes dynamically adjust internal resolution during heavy scenes or action.
VSync can now be toggled on or off. Turning it off may result in screen tearing as game frames separate from the monitor’s refresh rate. Turning it on synchronizes the frame rate with the monitor’s refresh rate, avoiding screen tearing but limiting the number of frames.
New Game Plus Trait Respeccing
Replayability in Starfield gets a boost with New Game Plus. After entering the Unity, players can change their appearance and Traits, allowing for continued character refinement and experimentation with different playstyles after each playthrough.
Quality of Life Improvements
The May Update brings numerous quality-of-life improvements. Players can toggle the dialogue camera off, watching scenes from their chosen perspective. New tabs in the Container and Barter menus simplify navigation, making menu cycling quicker and more intuitive.
Looking Ahead
Exciting features are on the horizon, including a land vehicle for faster planetary exploration, official mod support for Starfield, and the massive Shattered Space expansion. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming months.
Bethesda Unveils Starfield Live Action Trailer at Gamescom
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Microsoft Windows
