Bethesda has hinted at changes to Starfield’s space gameplay, with free updates and a second DLC in development, according to Tim Lamb, who says this in a new developer spotlight. The team says it will add new game systems and focus on space travel to make piloting and encounters feel more rewarding for players.
A major gripe of mine has been the space gameplay – flying and fighting in your ship has rarely felt necessary or rewarding. Exploring stations and ships on foot is fine, but I usually end up fast-traveling rather than piloting from place to place. Who wouldn’t want better ship combat and reasons actually to use the cockpit?
Tim Lamb, a long-time Bethesda developer, teased changes at the end of a developer spotlight video: “I’m really excited for players to see what the team’s been working on,” he says. “We have some cool stuff coming, including free updates and features the players have been asking for, as well as a new DLC story. I can’t go into all the details just yet, but I will say part of the team has been focused on space gameplay to make [your] travels there more rewarding. We’re also adding some new game systems, and a few other smaller delights.” Oh, that sounds promising.
We don’t yet know precisely how Bethesda will change space travel or ship combat, though the emphasis on new systems suggests players may be nudged into spending more time behind the controls rather than on foot. Until specifics arrive, it’s hard to say how profound the changes will be, but they’re pointing at the right problem.
As for the second DLC, I had hoped for an announcement sooner, but since it wasn’t shown at Gamescom, it seems likely to arrive in 2026. Rumors and reports are already suggesting that timeline, and that the DLC might launch alongside a PS5 port of the game.
Please discuss this in the comments below – I’d love to hear what changes you want to see.
