Bethesda Surprises Fans with Starfield Patch Amid Oblivion Remastered Excitement

With the buzz surrounding *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered*, Bethesda has dropped a surprise patch for *Starfield*, its ambitious space RPG. This latest update introduces a 'Very Low' display setting aimed at enhancing performance on less powerful devices, along with expanded support for Creations (mods). Additionally, the patch addresses issues related to quests, vehicles, the user interface, and the Shattered Space DLC.

The update is currently available via Steam beta, where PC players can opt in to test it. Bethesda has encouraged feedback and shared the patch notes, which include minor feature additions and crucial bug fixes. Despite these improvements, players are still eagerly awaiting word on potential DLC, as this update falls short of delivering major content.

*Starfield*, released in September 2023 as Bethesda’s first original IP in 25 years, didn’t quite live up to the expectations set by its predecessors in the *Elder Scrolls* and *Fallout* series. The *Shattered Space* expansion, launched a year later in September 2024, has garnered mixed reviews on Steam. Nevertheless, with over 15 million players, some speculated that Bethesda might shift focus back to its legacy franchises. However, the studio remains committed to supporting *Starfield*, promising at least one more story expansion after *Shattered Space*. During a recent interview, Todd Howard hinted at annual story expansions for the game, indicating long-term plans.

In March, rumors swirled about a potential PlayStation 5 release after fans noticed a PlayStation logo on Bethesda’s Creations website. Although the logo was linked to a work-in-progress ship decal for *Starfield* and later removed, fans continue to speculate about the game’s future on consoles beyond PC and Xbox.

Despite the current challenges, *Starfield* players are hopeful for big announcements at the upcoming Xbox Games Showcase on June 8, such as the rumored PS5 release or a new expansion.

Starfield Update 1.15.214 Patch Notes:

FEATURES

• Introduced Very Low display settings to optimize performance on lower-end devices.
• Creation Kit: Enabled creators to add custom icons to the game.
• Creativity Store now supports bundling Creations.
• Creation Kit: Allowed uploads of Creations up to 2GB in size.

BUG FIXES

GENERAL

• Creations: Fixed an error related to restoring load order when managing multiple mods.
• Creation Kit: Resolved a crash issue when loading plugins with ingredient forms.
• Addressed a control lock when switching views while seated in a vehicle.
• Resolved rare movement locks during forced dialogue scenes.
• Control lock fixes when disabling vehicle Creations tied to loaded saves.
• Fixed an issue preventing exit from the vanity camera (PC).
• General crash and stability improvements.
• Creations UI fixes and enhancements.

GAMEPLAY

• Skill persistence for Cargo Link and Robots after Unity transition.
• Adjusted Space-Adept legendary effect to remove negative modifiers for terrestrial damage.
• Fixed issues with cargo access and status effects text clarity.
• Grav jumping issues resolved after hailing in Freestar or UC space.
• Missile XP award fixes and player placement issues addressed.
• Resolved creature movement and item status bugs.

GRAPHICS

• Updated resolutions to include 32:9, 32:10, and additional aspect ratios.
• Performance: Frame rate drops fixed when opening the scanner during long play sessions.
• Celestial bodies now remain visible after entering and exiting interiors.

QUESTS

• Fixed rare Trade Tower elevator issues and In Memoriam quest glitches.
• Perfected Shonda’s recovery during quest objectives.
• Adjusted dialogue options in The Starjacker and Top of the L.I.S.T.
• Tracker’s Alliance HQ bounty board audio interactions fixed.

LOCATIONS

• Mannequins and shelves now function as intended.
• Deserted Biotics Lab opening and Vent Hazard displays corrected.

UI

• Ship Builder: Resolved upgrade menu and selection issues with large fonts.
• Vehicle Builder: Compass markers and camera fixes implemented.
• Localization: Text cutoff and status effect strings fully translated.

VEHICLE

• Boost button keyboard binding added (PC).
• Vehicle deployment improved at non-spaceport locations.
• Foggy condition visual artifacts resolved.

SHATTERED SPACE

• Outpost modules unlocked after Unity transition.
• Gymnastics skill progression fixed inside gravity bubbles.
• Lift button issue on Dazra’s Mourning level addressed.
• Penumbra weapon damage adjusted for headshots.
• Stutter issues in the Well and outside Dazra resolved.
• Data Menu and lens flare flicker issues fixed.