Starfield Early Access and how to play it

To play Starfield Early Access you’ll need to pay extra, buying a premium or collector’s version of the game that comes with permission to play the game five days early ahead of the standard release date. However, these come with their own hefty price tags, and exactly what the restrictions and benefits of EA are is something that’s worth getting into. Here’s everything you need to know about early access for Starfield below, including when it unlocks, and how you can get it for yourself.

HOW TO GET STARFIELD EARLY ACCESS

Starfield Early Access is exclusively up for grabs with the Premium or Constellation Editions of the game, which are pricier but come loaded with extras. Here’s the lowdown on what each offers and how much they’ll set you back:Starfield Premium Edition ($100/£100, digital or physical)

• Base Game
• Up to 5 days Early Access
• “Old Mars Skin Pack” featuring cool alternate skins for Laser Cutter, Deep Mining Helmet, and Deep Mining Pack
• Shattered Space Story Expansion (upon release)
• “Constellation Skin Pack” with alternate skins for Equinox Laser Rifle, Spacesuit, Helmet, and Boost Pack
• Access to Starfield Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack

Starfield Constellation Edition ($300/£250, physical only)

• Base Game
• Up to 5 days Early Access
• “Old Mars Skin Pack”
• Shattered Space Story Expansion
• “Constellation Skin Pack”
• Access to Starfield Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack
• Steelbook Display Case
• Constellation Patch
• Starfield Chronomark Watch and Case
• Credit Stick with Laser-Etched Game Code

Sure, you’re shelling out more cash for the privilege of Early Access, but it’s not just about those precious few days. You’re also getting a whole bundle of goodies, which might sweeten the deal for many.

WHEN DOES EARLY ACCESS FOR STARFIELD UNLOCK?

According to Bethesda’s hype, Starfield Early Access kicks off “Up to 5 days” before the official release, with a side note saying that “Actual play time depends on purchase date and is subject to possible outages and applicable time zone differences.” Barring any unforeseen glitches, this means Early Access players should be blasting off into the Starfield universe around September 1, 2023.