How to pre-load Starfield on Xbox Series X|S and PC

Starfield is one of the most highly anticipated games in years and you can pre-load it right now.

Image: Bethesda / Microsoft

2023 is shaping up to be one of the best years ever in the gaming industry. The next big game, Starfield, arrives on September 6, however, you can pre-load it beginning today, August 17th. We will show you how to go through the process and discuss the different versions and what they will include.

When you pre-load a game, you are downloading it before it is available to play. When a highly anticipated game is released, the servers can run slow due to millions of people trying to download the game simultaneously.

If you pre-load the game though, it is available to play on the release date with no additional wait.

How to pre-load Starfield on PC and Xbox Series X|S

Image: Microsoft Store

Starfield is a free download on Xbox and PC with your Game Pass membership. Remember that if you are playing on PC, you must download the Game Pass version from the Microsoft Store, not Steam.

To pre-load Starfield on PC, do the following:

• Open up the Microsoft Store App (or click here)

• Search for "Starfield"

• Click on Starfield Standard Edition

• Click the button that says "Pre-install Included with Game Pass"

Once you do that, you are good to go. Sit back and let it download.

If you are on Xbox, boot up your console and do the following:

• From the home menu, hit the "Y" button

• Search for "Starfield"

• Go to Starfield Standard Edition

• Click the button that says "Pre-Install All Coming Sep. 5"

You should now be all set up, and Starfield should download for you automatically once it becomes available. This pre-load feature is especially useful if you live in an area with limited internet where downloading a game that is 125GB might take a while.

What are the different versions and how can I play Starfield early?

Image: Bethesda / Microsoft

The standard version of Starfield will arrive on September 6th. However, you can play almost a week early. If you want to pay to upgrade to the Starfield Premium Edition, you can play the game as early as August 31, 2023.

In addition to the base game, you would also receive the following:

• Shattered Space Story Expansion (when it is released)

• Early Access

• Constellation Skin Pack: Equinox Laser Rifle, Spacesuit, Helmet and Boost Pack

• Access to the Starfield Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack

You can upgrade to this version for $31.49 if you are a Game Pass member. If you are not a Game Pass member and want to buy the package outright, it will cost $99.99.

The price disparity is because Game Pass members don't have to pay for the base game, which is why that option is almost $70 cheaper.

If you want to just purchase the base game for now, you can also do that for $69.99. Then, later on, if the expansion pack looks interesting, you can purchase the premium edition upgrade for $34.99.

Suppose you are someone who likes to collect physical items. In that case, you can purchase the Starfield Premium Edition Upgrade for Xbox Series X at stores like Best Buy and Amazon.

If you choose this route, you will get everything that you do with the digital version with the additional bonus of receiving a nice-looking Starfield Steelbook.

There is also a bigger Starfield: Constellation Edition that includes everything in the Premium Edition Upgrade, plus a nice Chronomark watch, alongside a case for the watch. But, good luck getting your hands on it, as it's sold out pretty much across the board.

What is Starfield?

Image: Bethesda / Microsoft

Starfield is the first new universe from Bethesda in over 25 years. It is set in 2330 when humanity explores beyond our solar system.

Bethesda’s new adventure is all about you as you create your character, decide your backstory and skills, and build your own spaceship. No one's playthrough will be precisely the same as you have the opportunity to visit more than 1,000 planets in the game.

Starfield will allow you to fly and command the ship of your dreams. One minute you could be exploring a fascinating new world. Next, you can take off and fly off into space, getting caught up in a dogfight and even potentially boarding and taking over control from enemy vessels.

Who will you choose to be as you explore the universe of Starfield?