Two years after its launch, Starfield is finally getting the space gameplay overhaul fans have been waiting for. Bethesda has confirmed that it is actively reworking interstellar travel “to make the travels there more rewarding,” alongside new free updates and an upcoming DLC story.
Starfield fans spotted Cruise Mode in leaks
Earlier this month, dataminers uncovered references to a new “Cruise Mode” hidden in Starfield’s game files. Players speculated it would allow seamless travel between planets in the same system, though it wouldn’t permit flying between systems or straight from a planet’s surface into orbit like in No Man’s Sky.
Bethesda later scrubbed the references in a patch, fueling even more speculation.
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Bethesda confirms space gameplay updates
Veteran developer Tim Lamb has now confirmed that the team is focused on space systems. “Part of the team has been working on Starfield’s space gameplay to make the travels there more rewarding,” Lamb said in a new video. He also teased additional systems, “smaller delights,” and contributions from verified creators.
Importantly, Bethesda reaffirmed that a new DLC story is still in development, though details remain under wraps.
Starfield expansions face delays
Despite this positive news, fans are still waiting for major content drops. Reports suggest that Starfield’s second expansion and its long-rumored PlayStation 5 port have slipped into 2026, following the disappointing reception of 2024’s Shattered Space, which holds a “mostly negative” rating on Steam.
Todd Howard had previously promised annual expansions, but Bethesda now appears to be using gameplay revamps as a way to keep the community engaged in the meantime.
Starfield’s rocky road since launch
Launched in September 2023 as Bethesda’s first new IP in 25 years, Starfield reached 15 million players but never hit the heights of Fallout or The Elder Scrolls. Poor reviews for its first expansion fueled speculation that Bethesda might scale back support.
In June 2024, however, the studio doubled down on its commitment, confirming more expansions and long-term updates. Lamb described making Starfield as “like making four games at once,” citing combat, space battles, ship building, and outposts as separate experiences.
With Cruise Mode and new space systems on the horizon, Bethesda now seems determined to prove Starfield still has a future among its major franchises.
