Starfield’s Biggest Challenge as a New IP Lies Right in Front of It

Bethesda’s future plans for Starfield are currently being kept in the dark, as the developer’s sci-fi adventure has struggled to capture audiences the way its predecessors have. Right now, the jury is out on whether Starfield will become an ongoing franchise like The Elder Scrolls or Fallout, but if it does, there is a major challenge ahead.

The ending of Starfield saw its story come full circle, as players entered the Unity to become a Starborn. It was a compelling take on the New Game Plus feature, but it also leaves its sequel in a tricky situation. With rumors of Starfield coming to the PS5, it’s clear that Bethesda intends to expand the IP, but when it comes to a follow-up, there’s no clear starting point for its story. Starfield could easily be a standalone story, so if Bethesda plans on bringing another chapter to life, going a completely different route may be the best decision.

A Sequel to Starfield May Be Best Off Starting From Scratch

Starfield’s Story Feels Wrapped Up

No matter what decisions players make in Starfield, the intended endgame is always for the main character to become a Starborn. There have been rumors that Starfield‘s next expansion could be titled “Starborn,” but that remains to be seen. Of course, a sequel could dive deeper into life as a Starborn, as well, but that may be too predictable. Instead, Bethesda allowing Starfield‘s sequel to expand its world even further instead of focusing on the Starborn may be a stronger path.

Starfield Could Play Around With a Time Jump

In order to add some more spice to the IP, Bethesda may want to consider venturing into the past or far off into the future. The concept of the United Colonies is fascinating, and a prequel centered around the group’s early formation could bring forth more intrigue. Players could have the opportunity to take on the role of a colony founder during the early days of the government’s formation. Even more interesting, though, a new Starfield game could explore a fascinating point in the United Colonies’ history.

The Narion War in 2196 saw the United Colonies and the Freestar Collective go head-to-head. One of the more prevalent criticisms of Starfield is that its world can sometimes feel lifeless, and throwing a galactic war into the mix could set the stage for some truly compelling storytelling. The conflict spanned two decades, so a story that required players to choose sides of the conflict may present some fascinating moral dilemmas, even if the outcome of the war is known.

A Starfield Sequel Should Finally Embrace More Aliens

While Bethesda’s preference for a more grounded sci-fi experience was an interesting choice, the lack of intelligent alien life may be doing the IP a disservice. Of course, aliens don’t always have to be in sci-fi stories, but to make Starfield‘s world more diverse, introducing a brand-new alien-based faction might be exciting. If Bethesda really wants to expand the scope of Starfield, bringing aliens into the mix could serve as a strong starting point for a more compelling story.

Whether it’s an aggressive, intelligent alien government who has come to challenge the United Colonies or a more peaceful faction that has become a new member of the organization, it could be one of the clearest ways to breathe new life into Starfield. Starfield has had a rocky road since launch, but if a sequel ever becomes reality, it may give Bethesda the perfect opportunity to improve upon a premise that still has potential.

Starfield

Systems

10/10

Released

September 6, 2023

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs, Strong Language, Violence

Engine

proprietary engine