Starfield preloading begins well ahead of launch as Bethesda has revealed some players can download and install the game starting tomorrow, August 17.
A tweet from the developer (below) confirmed the previously rumoured date, with Xbox Series X and S, and Windows PC players able to preload Starfield on August 17 and Steam users able to preload on August 30.
Prepare for launch.#Starfield has gone gold! Preloads begin tomorrow for @Xbox X|S and Windows PC and August 30 for Steam. pic.twitter.com/LC8xJnI8WN
— Bethesda Game Studios (@BethesdaStudios) August 16, 2023
This means players can have the epic sci-fi RPG ready to go the moment it launches fully on September 6. Assuring fans this release date is for real (after two delays to the game), Bethesda also confirmed Starfield has gone gold, meaning the launch version of the game is officially finished and ready for release day.
Starfield is perhaps the most anticipated video game release in recent memory and has therefore captured the attention of fans in some wild and wonderful ways. Virtual sandwiches got people talking about it being locked at 30 frames per second, for example, while an ESRB rating revealed drugs, in-game purchases, and jetpack sex.
Those looking to get a taste of the game ahead of its release date can also read Starfield’s canonical history or check out its skill tree that players have already put together.
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.