Starfield Reaches 15 Million Players With Updates, New Content

Bethesda's Starfield has reached 15 million players since its release in September 2023.

The game launched with six million players on its first day, making it Bethesda Game Studios' most successful launch, surpassing The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4. Its availability on Xbox Game Pass from day one played a significant role in its rapid growth.

See Also: Xbox Game Pass Brings Big Titles In Late November, Including Stalker, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

“We’re thrilled that so many of you have embarked on this journey with us, and we appreciate your feedback,” Microsoft Corp.‘s (NASDAQ:MSFT) Bethesda said in a statement on its website.

To mark the milestone, Bethesda released Update 1.14.74, which includes gameplay adjustments, bug fixes, and new content. The update introduces the Deimog, a land vehicle described as "built for speed and endurance," with features like a fully enclosed cabin and a rocket launcher for defense.

A new quest, The Perfect Recipe, was also added. The story takes players to Akila City, where they assist Harbhajan, a mechanic with a hidden passion for cooking, by returning a lost recipe book that could help him pursue his dream of becoming a renowned chef.

New Features For Gamers

Update 1.14.74 also brought significant quality-of-life improvements and changes:

• Uncapped Frame Rate: Xbox Series X players can now enable this option for smoother gameplay.
• Achievement Compatibility: Creations by Verified Creators are now achievement-friendly, though achievements won't retroactively unlock on prior saves.
• Enhanced Creation Kit: Lipsync animation data generation is now available, making modding easier for creators.

Bethesda has also addressed several gameplay and quest bugs, ensuring smoother experiences for players navigating its vast universe.

Mixed Reception For Shattered Space

While the updates are widely welcomed, Bethesda's first Starfield expansion, Shattered Space, has faced criticism.

Despite being billed as a return to form, the expansion currently holds a “mostly negative” rating on Steam, with some players expressing disappointment in its execution.

According to Xbox head Phil Spencer, Bethesda's Todd Howard had even questioned whether to delay the expansion for a more impactful launch.

Read Next:

• Phil Spencer Responds To ‘This Is An Xbox’ Criticism: ‘We’re In The Middle Of A Transition’

Image credits: Shutterstock.