In 2023, the gaming industry was abuzz with the fact that Bethesda was about to launch its first new IP in 25 years.Starfieldwas set to bring the studio to a whole new locale while also delivering everything that fans have fallen in love with over the years. While it did end up mostly accomplishing that, it’s no secret thatStarfielddid not entirely match the lofty expectations set for it, and its recent Shattered Space DLC did little to change that.
Shattered Space was supposed to bethe next big step forward forStarfield, yet it seems to have mostly fallen flat with audiences. Because of that, fans are left wondering what Bethesda has planned next for this IP, especially after Todd Howard mused about potential annual story expansions. As of now, there has been little to no news on just what a next chapter will look like, but if Bethesda wantsStarfieldto be as big as it can be, then it needs a 2025 filled to the brim with things to look forward to.
Starfield Needs to Impress Its Audience in 2025
Since launch,Starfieldhas seemingly failed to matchthe heights ofThe Elder ScrollsandFallout. Although the universe Bethesda crafted is impressive, the actual mechanics and story have left much to be desired. Many players just found the universe to be too massive, the main story lacking intrigue, and the gameplay repetitive. The game’s first DLC, Shattered Space, promised to scale things down, but that too seems to have fallen flat with players.
Shattered Space expandedStarfieldwith all sorts of new characters and environments for players to explore. Unlike the main game, this entire experience was set on a single planet. Not only could that make the story more focused, but it also meant players were in store for a more standard Bethesda adventure. Even with all of that, the DLC was met with mixed to negative reviews, with it holding a mostly negative average on Steam. What could have helped driveStarfieldforward has instead been met with a whimper, which means it’s up to another DLC to fix it.
New DLC and Updates in 2025 Could Help Right the Starfield Ship
Not much is known aboutwhat comes next forStarfield, but Todd Howard has said thatStarfieldhas the potential for annual story expansions. If Bethesda wants to actually fulfill that plan, then it needs to get the ball rolling on that in 2025. If the studio showed off the next big chapter of the sci-fi RPG as soon as the year rolled around, then fans would have something to look forward to and reasons to stick around inStarfield.
Of course, the next expansion cannot receive the same reception as Shattered Space has. If Bethesda ensures that it is more on the level of the likes of classic Bethesda DLCs likeFallout 4’s Far HarbororSkyrim’s Dawnguard, then it could be a great tailwind for the ailing game. With that momentum at its back, it can commit to even more ambitious expansions.
It will be interesting to see just what the future ofStarfieldhas in store. As of now, the studio is likely focusing on delivering the long-awaitedThe Elder Scrolls 6,but until that hits store shelves, there is a ton of room for more galactic adventures. As long as the studio can ensure future DLC additions are top-notch, then players may soon forget the mixed reception of Shattered Space completely.
Starfield
WHERE TO PLAY
Starfield is the first new universe in 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4. In this next generation role-playing game set amongst the stars, create any character you want and explore with unparalleled freedom as you embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery.The year is 2330. Humanity has ventured beyond our solar system, settling new planets, and living as a spacefaring people. From humble beginnings as a space miner, you will join Constellation – the last group of space explorers seeking rare artifacts throughout the galaxy – and navigate the vast expanse of the Settled Systems in Bethesda Game Studios’ biggest and most ambitious game.
