Starfield: Release date, trailer, features, gameplay details and more

At the Microsoft & Bethesda E3 2021 showcase, the gaming world was rocked with the first official glimpse of Starfield, and the news that the long-awaited RPG will be an Xbox console exclusive. With PlayStation fans left fuming, we take a look at all the Starfield details, including the release date, the teaser trailer, story, gameplay details, features, and the platforms.

Starfield release date

Mark your calendars for launch! Starfield will release on 11th November 2021, as announced by Microsoft and Bethesda.

(Picture: Bethesda & Microsoft)

As you can see from the image captured from the teaser trailer, Bethesda had a clever way of announcing Starfield's release date. While Starfield is still well over a year away, fans are already excited about the first new IP from Bethesda Game Studios in over two decades.

Starfield trailer and story

The Starfield teaser trailer didn't reveal too much about the game's story. However, we do now know that players will form part of a faction called "Constellation".

Starfield's story is set 300 years into the future, and players will "embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery."

That's all we really know so far about the Starfield story details so far. The game's official website also lacks any additional story details. However, we will be sure to let you know once more is revealed.

Despite earlier rumours, it appears Tom Cruise is not in Starfield. Sorry, not sorry.

Starfield gameplay & features

There's still very little we actually know about Starfield's gameplay and features. From the trailer, we know the game is built on the Creation Engine 2.

From one snippet of information, we can dig out a few gameplay details and features: "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."

(Picture: Bethesda & Microsoft)

This official description reveals there will be a character creator feature. Further, players will have the freedom to explore Starfield the way they like.

According to known industry insider Nibel, the game will be similar to Skyrim in terms of structure. The developers are also focusing to make Starfield's world feel "lived-in".

Lastly, there will be many factions in Starfield. The main one, however, will be Constellation, as revealed by the teaser trailer. 

Starfield platforms - No PS5 release?

By far the biggest blow to PlayStation fans revealed at the Microsoft & Bethesda E3 2021 showcase is that Starfield is an Xbox console exclusive.

What this means is that Starfield will release on Xbox Series X/S as well as PC, leaving PS5 gamers in the dust. 

(Picture: Bethesda & Microsoft)

This is a massive downer for anyone who prefers PlayStation consoles, to say the least. To sweeten the pot for Xbox Game Pass subscribers will be able to play Starfield with their subscription service, without paying anything extra, starting on 11 November 2022.

At the time of writing, it appears there will be no Xbox One version of Starfield, as the game is a "next-generation role-playing game" according to Starfield's official website.

• Read more: Xbox Game Pass update - New games, release schedule and future Day 1 titles

For more E3 2021 coverage, check out our general video games section, filled with announcements and explainers on the latest titles.