While its original Xbox Series X|S and PC launch was probably not up to the standards compared to their other mainline franchises, Starfield continues to receive further development. Bethesda Game Studios has announced that the space exploration RPG will officially arrive on the PlayStation 5 on 8 April 2026. This platform expansion is scheduled to launch in tandem with two significant content drops: the Terran Armada story expansion and the Free Lanes update, both of which will be available across all supported platforms on the same day.
The PlayStation 5 version of the title has been developed to utilize specific hardware features of the console. This includes support for the controller’s lightbar, touchpad, and adaptive triggers. Additionally, players using a PlayStation 5 Pro will have access to two additional graphical options: a Pro Performance Mode designed to prioritise higher frame rates, and a Pro Visual Mode for increased graphical fidelity.
Accompanying the new platform launch is the Terran Armada story DLC. This expansion introduces a new questline that sees players confronting an incursion of robotic forces. The DLC adds fresh characters, locations, and enemies to the Settled Systems. While it is a paid addition, players who currently own the Premium Edition on Xbox or Steam will receive the expansion at no extra cost.
A free update titled Free Lanes will also be released for all players. The most prominent feature of this update is the introduction of manual interplanetary travel within star systems via a new “cruise mode.” This allows players to travel between planets while remaining on their ship. The Free Lanes update includes several other gameplay additions:
- An update to the Starborn system allowing a limited number of items to be carried through the Unity into a New Game Plus.
- A new land vehicle called the Moon Jumper.
- X-Tech, a new resource used for upgrading weapons and ship modules.
- Increased variety in dungeons and points of interest.
- Enemy modifiers that introduce tiers with extra shielding or elemental damage.
- Outpost system updates, including cross-outpost storage and the addition of a Milliewhale pet.
- New crew members, including Muria and a mini-bot.
Furthermore, Bethesda is expanding the Trackers Alliance bounty hunting content. Five new adventures are being made available, introducing more targets and rewards for those pursuing the bounty hunter path. These missions are provided for free to players who already own the original Trackers Alliance content, while new players can acquire the full set for 700 Creation Credits.
Following these updates, the base version of Starfield will be available on all platforms for $79.95 AUD.
