Starfield (2026) Review – How It Feels on PS5 After Years of Updates

I originally played and reviewed Starfield upon its initial release in 2023 on the Xbox Series X, and It was a game that I very much enjoyed, despite some noticeable flaws. Now, two and a half years later, Starfield is about to make the jump over to the PlayStation 5 for the first time alongside two massive updates. Having not returned to the game since its original launch, I was eager to see what years of updates had changed and how the game would play on PS5. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed by the experience I’ve had, even if it wasn’t all that surprising either.

Game Name: Starfield
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Reviewed On: PS5
Publisher(s): Bethesda Softworks
Developer(s): Bethesda Game Studios
Release Date: April 7th, 2026 (on PS5)

This review focuses on how Starfield has changed since its original release, as well as the PS5 version of the game. That means I will not be discussing elements such as the story, since there has been little to no change in those areas. If you want my thoughts on the narrative and other unchanged aspects, be sure to read my original Starfield review.

The Evolution Of Starfield

From the moment I booted into Starfield on my PS5 Pro to begin a new save, one thing became clear very quickly. If you have not played Starfield since that original 2023 launch, it has changed a lot. Some of these changes are smaller quality-of-life additions, like map markers in settlements and a vehicle for land travel. Others are much bigger, potentially game-changing additions, such as optional survival mechanics and even an extreme difficulty mode. Then, of course, there is the Shattered Space expansion, a story DLC that was released in 2024.

That is before even getting into the new Free Lanes update and the Terran Armada expansion, both launching alongside the PlayStation 5, as well as the Xbox Series X|S and PC versions, on April 7th, 2026. Free Lanes will be available to all players at no additional cost. On the other hand, Terran Armada is included in the premium edition of Starfield, meaning that if you do not own it, you will need to purchase it for $9.99.

A bit frustration for those who already own Starfield on Xbox or PC and are looking to play on the PlayStation 5, the game does not support cross-saves, I had to start a new with a new game save. Due to this I have only scratched the surface of the Terran Armada expansion so far. What I can say, however, is that I have found it immediately more engaging than Shattered Space. One thing that helps it stand out is its stronger focus on ship combat and spending more time in space itself. I am excited to continue its story and see where it goes.

Free Lanes Is A Game Changer

The biggest change since I first played Starfield is, without a doubt, the Free Lanes update. Being able to set a destination and activate cruise mode not only reduces the number of loading screens between planets, but also allows you to multitask. While your ship autopilots to its destination, you can get up from the cockpit and craft, manage storage, or interact with your crew.

These changes may seem small on paper, but they remove much of the friction from the original experience, resulting in a smoother, less stop-and-start gameplay loop. In my time with Free Lanes, I found the game far more immersive. Having downtime between destinations, instead of constant loading screens, lets you stay engaged with the world in a way that simply was not possible before.

That’s Not All Folks

Travel is not the only area improved by Free Lanes. Thanks to a new material called Xtech, you now have more control than ever over your weapons and gear. Xtech allows you to re-roll perks on weapons and gear, even letting you select specific perks if you do not receive them within five attempts.

Alongside Xtech, there are tier four legendary, or Exotic, weapons, new gear quality levels, and additional ship upgrade options. Xtech could be the system that brings players back, giving them something meaningful to chase. I know I will be hunting it down for upgrades on my New Game++ save. Yes, I am currently on my third, almost fourth, New Game+ run in my main save.

Speaking of New Game+, there has been a major improvement that makes it more viable and enjoyable than ever. With the Free Lanes update, Bethesda now allows you to use Quantum Essence, the resource tied to the game’s special abilities, to store certain items and carry them into New Game+.

If you find that perfect weapon or stockpile healing items, you can now take them with you. This enhances what I would argue is already one of the most unique New Game+ implementation in gaming. There is a reason that this is so popular and if you are new to the game, I recommend not spoiling it for yourself. It still makes me say wow every time.

PS5 Pro Is The Best Console To Play On

If you are jumping into Starfield in 2026, there is a good chance you will be playing on PlayStation 5. If you are wondering how it performs, I’m told that it does so very well. However, since I no longer have access to a base PS5, I have been playing on PS5 Pro, and on console, this is easily the best way to experience Starfield.

Not only do you benefit from nearly three years of patches that have addressed many bugs and issues from what was already Bethesda’s least buggy launch, but the game also offers multiple performance options. You can choose between 30fps, 40fps for VRR displays, 60fps, or even uncapped frame rates, across graphics, performance, and PS5 Pro enhanced modes.

From my testing, graphics and performance modes appear comparable to the Xbox Series X version. However, my preferred way to play is in PS5 Pro enhanced mode at 40fps. If you have a VRR-compatible display, this mode offers a noticeable improvement in visual quality while maintaining a stable frame rate.

Final Thoughts

Revisiting Starfield has been a blast. While returning players may need some time to adjust to the changes, there is no doubt in my mind that, with years of updates culminating in Free Lanes and Terran Armada, Starfield is a better game in 2026 than it has ever been.

If you are jumping in for the first time on PlayStation 5, you will be playing the most polished version of Starfield yet. And if you have a PS5 Pro, you will also be playing the best-looking console version available.

If you enjoyed this review, explore more of our in-depth video game reviews across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.

Review Disclosure Statement: A copy of Starfield was provided to us for review purposes by Bethesda. For more information on how we review video games and other media/technology, please review our Review Guideline/Scoring Policy for more info.