Buzz
Bethesda, the publisher of the game, first announced Starfield in 2018. However, this week, they unveiled a treasure trove of fresh details—including a 15-minute clip showcasing the open-world sci-fi RPG. It’s impressive: expect 1,000 planets across 100 solar systems, the ability to build and customize your own spaceship, an expansive storyline, and much more.
Unfortunately, even if everything goes according to plan, Starfield won’t be available until 2023. So, prepare yourself for a bit of a wait. In the meantime, check out the 15 games listed below, each of which will give you a taste of what’s to come from Bethesda’s highly anticipated mega-game.
No Man’s Sky (2016)
The last time I was this excited for the release of a massive space game, it was No Man’s Sky—which, at launch, was a bit of a letdown. However, No Man’s Sky has evolved significantly over time, transforming into a truly immersive and often breathtaking space exploration game. I imagine some or most of Starfield’s 1,000 planets will be procedurally generated, much like No Man’s Sky does.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, macOS, Microsoft Windows
Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim (2011)
Bethesda’s Todd Howard has referred to Starfield as “Skyrim in space.” To get a feel for it, just launch Elder Scrolls 5, imagine the elves as stars, and the dragons as planets—you’ll get a basic idea of what Starfield might be like. Well, maybe not exactly, but it’s still an incredible game.
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Doom (2016)
Starfield blends shooting elements with RPG mechanics, and Bethesda is no stranger to the shooter genre. A prime example: Doom. If Starfield proves to be even half the shooter that Doom is, it will far exceed expectations.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Android, Google Stadia
Mass Effect (2007)
As the gold standard for space-based role-playing, revisiting Mass Effect 1, 2, and 3 will get you in the mood for epic intergalactic adventures. These games are the benchmarks against which Starfield will be judged.
Platforms: Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3
Destiny 2 (2017)
When I watched the Starfield trailer with my child, we both immediately agreed: “This looks like Destiny.” And honestly, you could find worse inspirations than this fast-paced, primarily multiplayer, sci-fi shooter.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Google Stadia, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows
Kerbal Space Program (2011)
One of the standout features of Starfield is the ability to design and personalize your own ships. To prepare for this, refine your spacecraft-building skills with Kerbal Space Program. While Starfield’s ships may not be as challenging to construct or as prone to accidents as KSP’s, and its characters likely won’t be as charming, it’s still a great way to hone your skills.
Platforms: Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Fallout 3 (2008)
The expansive world, captivating storyline, and unpredictable nature of Fallout 3 make it an ideal foundation for a space exploration game; plus, it’s another gem from Bethesda. Let’s hope Starfield captures some of the distinctive atmosphere of the Fallout series.
Platforms: Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Halo: The Master Chief Collection (2014)
While lacking in RPG elements and deep exploration, the Halo games set the standard for sci-fi shooter action, perfecting it and standing as some of the finest examples of the genre.
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows
Dead Space 3 (2013)
When Starfield launches, it’s promised to feature 1,000 planets to explore. I’m hoping that at least a few of them will capture the same claustrophobic, chilling vibe as Dead Space 3—I absolutely adore horror set in space.
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
The Outer Worlds (2019)
Obsidian Entertainment’s first-person sci-fi RPG, The Outer Worlds, has earned praise for its exceptional writing. The narrative would have collapsed under its own weight if the smaller stories weren’t as compelling as the main plot—consider this a writing masterclass for Bethesda.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Eve Online (2003)
For nearly two decades, the massive space MMORPG Eve Online has been captivating players. If you’re just starting now, you’ve missed quite a bit, but despite its enormous complexity, Eve is surprisingly welcoming to newcomers.
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, Macintosh operating systems
SpaceEngine (2010)
SpaceEngine is not a game but rather a simulation of the universe, allowing you to travel across stars, visit far-off planets, and manipulate time to witness the grand spectacles of the cosmos. It blends real celestial bodies with procedurally generated ones, based on the most accurate scientific predictions, providing a near-infinite universe to explore until Starfield arrives in 2023.
Platform: Windows PCs
Surviving Mars (2018)
The developers of Cities: Skylines applied their signature detail-driven, system-heavy approach to building a Mars colony in Surviving Mars. In this sandbox game, the fate of hopeful colonists lies in your hands as you create a self-sustaining colony on the Red Planet. (My apologies for the numerous casualties, folks.)
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Macintosh operating systems, Classic Mac OS
Star Trek Voyager: Elite Force (2000)
The original Star Trek series essentially laid the groundwork for the concept of exploring distant planets in a spaceship, with self-contained adventures on each one. This format is something I hope Starfield will adopt as well. Unfortunately, there haven’t been many standout Star Trek games, but Star Trek Voyager: Elite Force stands as an exception—though you’ll have to tolerate its outdated graphics and controls.
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Windows PC, MacOS
Elite Dangerous (2014)
Elite: Dangerous takes a highly flexible approach, allowing players to engage in a wide range of activities, which contrasts with the more story-driven, plot-rich style of a typical Bethesda RPG. However, in the vast expanse of space, having endless possibilities should be a given—after all, what is the universe if not an expansive sandbox?
Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, MacOS
