Starfield fans might finally have something to look forward to in 2026. Multiple sources claim Bethesda held a secret, behind-closed-doors event showcasing upcoming improvements to the sci-fi RPG, sparking talk of a “Starfield 2.0” update. However, insiders are urging caution, warning that this won’t be the massive transformation that saved Cyberpunk 2077. The update reportedly includes space travel improvements, Creation Engine upgrades, and could coincide with the long-rumored PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 ports.
The Secret Bethesda Event
According to Windows Central, Bethesda invited select content creators and influencers to preview upcoming Starfield content sometime in late 2025 or early 2026. YouTuber Luke Stephens addressed the rumors on social media, noting he’d been contacted by multiple people about the alleged event. However, he cautioned followers to “temper expectations” because “this probably isn’t a Cyberpunk 2.0 scale update.”
The peculiar aspect of this event is the lack of an NDA requirement, which is unusual for pre-announcement game previews. Despite supposedly being shown significant content, attendees haven’t shared specific details publicly, leading to skepticism about what was actually demonstrated. Windows Central spoke with sources having first and second-hand knowledge of the event, corroborating that something did happen, though the scope remains unclear.
What Improvements Are Coming
The most significant rumored change involves space travel. Players have long complained about excessive loading screens when traveling between planets and systems. The update reportedly makes space flight “more free-form and continuous,” potentially allowing players to manually pilot their ships between destinations rather than fast traveling everywhere. This aligns with earlier datamined references to a “Cruise Mode” that Bethesda accidentally leaked and quickly patched out.
Todd Howard himself hinted at these changes back in August 2025, stating the team had been “focused on space gameplay to make the travels there more rewarding.” He mentioned adding “some new game systems, and a few other smaller delights” without providing specifics. The Creation Engine 2, which powers Starfield, has also reportedly received substantial technical improvements that will carry forward to future Bethesda titles like The Elder Scrolls VI.
| Rumored Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cruise Mode | Manual spaceflight between planets with reduced loading screens |
| Creation Engine 2 Upgrades | Major technical improvements for better performance |
| Terran Armada DLC | Second story expansion delayed from 2025 |
| PS5 Port | PlayStation version launching alongside update |
| Switch 2 Port | Nintendo version confirmed for 2026 |
| Free Updates | Quality of life improvements and player-requested features |
Why This Isn’t Cyberpunk 2.0
The Cyberpunk 2077 comparison is inevitable but misleading. CD Projekt Red’s 2.0 update fundamentally rebuilt core systems, overhauled police AI, redesigned the skill tree, added vehicle combat, and completely reworked perks and cyberware. It was a massive transformation that essentially made Cyberpunk 2077 feel like a different game alongside the Phantom Liberty expansion.
Starfield’s update appears far more modest. While improved space travel and engine upgrades sound significant, they’re addressing specific pain points rather than reimagining the entire experience. The game doesn’t have the same technical disaster reputation that Cyberpunk 2077 had at launch. Starfield’s issues were more about unfulfilled expectations, repetitive gameplay loops, and lackluster exploration rather than broken fundamental systems.
The Shattered Space Problem
Context matters here. Starfield’s first expansion, Shattered Space, launched in September 2024 to overwhelmingly negative reception. Steam users gave it a “Mostly Negative” rating, and sales reportedly fell short of Bethesda’s expectations. The expansion was criticized for being too small, too expensive at $39, and not addressing core game issues that players wanted fixed.
This poor performance reportedly caused Bethesda to delay the second expansion, Terran Armada, which was originally planned for annual releases. The studio apparently realized they needed to fix fundamental problems before asking players to buy more DLC. The rumored 2026 update could be their attempt to win back disillusioned fans before launching new paid content.
PlayStation and Switch 2 Strategy
The timing of these improvements likely aligns with Starfield’s multi-platform expansion. Reports suggest the game is coming to PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026, marking a significant shift for what was initially marketed as an Xbox exclusive. Launching on new platforms with a broken or underwhelming game would be commercial suicide.
A “Definitive Edition” bundling all updates, improvements, and DLC makes perfect business sense. It gives PlayStation and Switch 2 players the best version while re-engaging Xbox and PC players who abandoned the game. The question is whether these improvements justify another full-price purchase or if existing owners get free upgrades. Bethesda hasn’t clarified their monetization strategy yet.
Community Skepticism Remains High
The Starfield community on Reddit expressed mixed reactions. Some players are excited about potential improvements, while others feel frustrated by the extended wait. If the update doesn’t arrive until March 2026 or later, that would mean 15 to 18 months without substantial new content beyond unofficial mods. One Reddit user pointed out this feels like groundhog day, with constant rumors of improvements that never materialize on schedule.
Others questioned why Bethesda is stretched so thin. The studio is simultaneously supporting Starfield, developing The Elder Scrolls VI, and reportedly working on remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas. Some fans suggested Bethesda should have delayed Starfield’s original launch instead of releasing an incomplete vision and spending years fixing it.
When Will We Know More
The Xbox Developer Direct event scheduled for January 22, 2026, could provide official announcements. Bethesda has historically used Microsoft’s showcase events to reveal major Starfield updates and expansions. However, there’s no confirmation that Starfield will be featured, and the event might focus on other Xbox Game Studios titles instead.
Todd Howard previously mentioned on social media in March 2025 that Bethesda had “big plans” for Starfield, but those plans never materialized throughout the rest of that year. The game’s second anniversary in September 2025 passed with only a vague social media tease about something called “Terran Armada,” which is presumably the second expansion’s name.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Starfield 2.0?
Starfield 2.0 refers to a rumored major update coming in 2026 that will improve space travel, reduce loading screens, upgrade the Creation Engine 2, and potentially launch alongside PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 ports. However, insiders warn it won’t be as transformative as Cyberpunk 2077’s 2.0 update.
When will the Starfield 2.0 update release?
No official release date exists. Speculation suggests anywhere from March 2026 to summer 2026, potentially coinciding with the Terran Armada DLC and multi-platform launch. The Xbox Developer Direct on January 22, 2026, might provide official announcements.
Will Starfield come to PlayStation 5?
Yes, multiple reports indicate Starfield is coming to PS5 in 2026, likely as part of a definitive edition that includes all updates and DLC. This would mark a significant shift from its initial Xbox and PC exclusivity.
What is Cruise Mode in Starfield?
Cruise Mode is a datamined feature that would allow players to manually pilot their spaceships between planets and systems rather than using fast travel and loading screens. Bethesda accidentally leaked references to it in game files before quickly patching them out.
Why was Shattered Space poorly received?
Shattered Space received “Mostly Negative” Steam reviews because players felt it was too small, overpriced at $39, and didn’t address core gameplay issues. The expansion focused on a single planet and didn’t include the quality-of-life improvements players wanted.
Will the Starfield update be free?
Todd Howard mentioned “free updates and features” coming alongside paid DLC, suggesting at least some improvements will be free for existing owners. However, a potential definitive edition for new platforms might be sold separately.
Is Bethesda working on other games besides Starfield?
Yes, Bethesda is simultaneously developing The Elder Scrolls VI and reportedly working on remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas. Sources indicate the studio is “quite stretched” managing multiple projects.
Conclusion
The Starfield 2.0 rumors offer hope for a game that failed to live up to its massive pre-launch hype. Improved space travel, Creation Engine upgrades, and a fresh start on PlayStation and Switch 2 could revitalize interest in Bethesda’s sci-fi RPG. However, expecting a Cyberpunk 2077-level transformation seems unrealistic based on what insiders are saying. The improvements sound more incremental than revolutionary, addressing specific complaints without reimagining the core experience. Whether that’s enough to win back disappointed fans remains to be seen. Until Bethesda makes official announcements, probably at the January 22nd Xbox Developer Direct, all we have are rumors from a mysterious event that may or may not have happened. For a game that already struggled with unfulfilled promises, more vague teases aren’t exactly inspiring confidence.