Bethesda’s Starfield has captured the attention of gamers worldwide with its expansive universe and captivating narrative. As the first major DLC, Shattered Space, approaches its release in late 2024, excitement builds even more. This expansion promises to delve deeper into the mysterious faction of House Va’ruun, a cult with dark and enigmatic roots. Here’s everything you need to know about how to start the Shattered Space DLC when it launches, including important details and gameplay tips.
Step 1: Ensure You Have the Right Edition
The Shattered Space DLC will not be automatically included for all players. If you only have the standard edition of Starfield, you’ll need to purchase the DLC separately. However, if you own the Premium Edition or the Constellation Edition, the DLC is bundled with your game and will be accessible as soon as it releases. For those with a Game Pass subscription, note that the Shattered Space expansion won’t be available via the base Game Pass subscription, so you’ll either need to buy the DLC directly or upgrade to the Premium Edition to enjoy it.
Step 2: Download and Install the DLC
Once Shattered Space is released, it will be available for download via the platform where you purchased the game, whether that’s Steam, the Xbox store, or another digital distribution service. Ensure your game is updated to the latest version, as the expansion may not work properly if your game is outdated. After installation, the DLC content should automatically integrate with the base game, adding new quests, locations, and mechanics.
Step 3: Accessing the DLC in the Game
When you’ve got the DLC installed, starting it should be fairly straightforward. Shattered Space is a story expansion, so it will most likely begin similarly to other major content additions in Bethesda’s RPGs. Players can expect to receive an in-game notification or quest marker that will guide them to the new content.
Bethesda has confirmed that much of the Shattered Space expansion revolves around the alien planet Va’ruun’kai, the home of the secretive House Va’ruun. To begin the DLC, your character will likely be directed to a specific location on your star map—most likely tied to the Va’ruun system or one of its associated star systems. You may need to travel to a space station or encounter a specific NPC to kickstart the storyline.
Step 4: Preparing Your Character for the DLC
Bethesda expansions tend to ramp up in difficulty, so it’s recommended that your character be adequately leveled before diving into Shattered Space. While the base game provides freedom in progression, ensuring you have access to powerful gear and a well-rounded skill set will help you handle the challenges posed by the expansion’s new enemies, including the terrifying extradimensional creatures known as the Redeemed and Vortex Horrors.
Bethesda has stated that Shattered Space is designed to be approachable even for those who haven’t completed the main storyline. However, players who are well-versed in the lore of the base game—particularly with factions like House Va’ruun—will likely have a more immersive experience, as the expansion builds on mysteries introduced earlier.
What to Expect in Shattered Space
Shattered Space promises a shift in tone compared to the base game, with more horror elements intertwined with exploration and combat. The expansion introduces new locations, such as the city of Dazra on Va’ruun’kai, which acts as the faction’s capital. In addition to this hub, over 50 new locations across the planet will be available for exploration, with unique environmental hazards such as gravitational distortions adding to the challenge.
The expansion also introduces new enemies, including the Redeemed, a faction within House Va’ruun, and horrific monsters resulting from failed experiments with gravitational technology. As players traverse Va’ruun’kai, they’ll be equipped with new weapons and gear, including items like the Vortex Grenade, designed specifically to deal with these new threats.
Furthermore, Shattered Space is expected to feature the deep choice and consequence mechanics that Bethesda RPGs are known for. Decisions made throughout the DLC may not only impact the outcome of the expansion’s story but could also have repercussions on the broader Starfield universe.
