Bethesda’s Starfield Early Access: Can you play it on Xbox Game Pass?

Bethesda's Starfield Early Access Can you play it on Xbox Game Pass - Featured

With less than 24 hours until we get our hands on Bethesda’s highly anticipated release this year, Starfield, many Xbox Game Pass subscribers wonder if Early Access is available on the subscription. However, one thing that’s confused most Xbox players is whether Starfield’s Early Access period will be available on the Game Pass. If you want to play Starfield in Early Access, keep reading to find out more about it.

Everything you need to know about Starfield on Xbox Game Pass

Many Xbox users were thrilled when Bethesda and Microsoft confirmed Starfield on the Xbox Game Pass as a Day One release. Similar to other subscription services, what this means is you only need the Game Pass to play the game. You won’t have to get a copy of the game, as it will be available for subscribers alongside other games that are part of the service.

The Xbox Game Pass gives you access to hundreds of games you can play either on your PC or Xbox consoles. Some other perks with subscribing to the pass are discounts and the ability to download the games currently available in the catalog.

As of writing, these are the tiers of the Xbox Game Pass subscription:

  • Regular Subscription (PC) – $9.99 USD per month
  • Regular Subscription (Console) – $10.99 USD per month
  • Ultimate Subscription – $16.99 USD per month

The Ultimate Tier also comes with the perks of Xbox Live Gold, which gives gamers discounts and online multiplayer features.

Can you play Early Access for Starfield on the Xbox Game Pass?

Unfortunately, Starfield is a Day One release on the service. This means you will get the game alongside everyone else once it’s officially released on September 6, 2023.

The version of Starfield included in the Xbox Game Pass is only the base game. The only way to participate in the Early Access period for Starfield, which begins tomorrow, is by upgrading to the Premium Edition. However, this means you must pay an additional $35 USD.

Although it’s a bit of a price tag on the upgrade, we’re sure it will be worth getting Starfield five days earlier. This means you can explore the vast open-world map Bethesda has passionately crafted to give its players a gaming experience like never before.

Is Early Access available on the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?

It doesn’t matter if you have the Regular or Ultimate Pass. Early Access for Starfield is exclusive to those who purchase the Premium or Constellation Edition.

If you’re still thinking about the Premium Edition upgrade, here are the other benefits that come along with it:

  • Up to 5-days early access (Requires Game Pass Subscription or Digital Version of the Base Game)
  • Old Mars Skin Pack
    • Laser Cutter
    • Deep Mining Helmet
    • Deep Mining Pack
  • Shattered Space Story Expansion (upon release)
  • Constellation Skin Pack
    • Equinox Laser Rifle
    • Spacesuit
    • Helmet
    • Boost Pack
  • Access to Starfield Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack

That said, those are the things you will get with the $35 USD upgrade. Of course, it still depends on gamers on whether the price is right for 5 days of early access.

What to expect from Bethesda’s Starfield

Starfield is gearing up to be one of the biggest gaming releases this 2023. Most gamers believe this will be a top contender for GOTY during The Game Awards 2023. From the previews we’ve seen, Starfield has a breathtaking environment that will keep players busy for hours on end.

There will be plenty of things to do in Starfield. However, what takes the cake, in our opinion, is the fact that it will be one of the most immersive space games ever released. Playing the game in Early Access will allow you to get a headstart on other players and be one step closer to solving humanity’s greatest mystery.


What do you think of Starfield so far? Was Bethesda able to create a game that will be a promising contender to beat for the coveted Game of the Year title? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below! You can also discuss this with other Starfield fans and gamers.

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