Starfield’s recent 20GB update and Terran Armada DLC introduce the Freelanes feature, enhancing space travel with a new cruise mode, improved planetary exploration with unique content and collectibles, and expanded customization options for ships and gear. These additions, alongside quality of life improvements and new quests, significantly enrich gameplay by encouraging exploration and addressing previous shortcomings, resulting in a more immersive and rewarding experience.
Starfield recently received a substantial update and DLC, with a 20GB download on consoles and 12GB on Steam. The update introduces the Freelanes feature, which enhances space travel by adding a new cruise mode that allows players to freely fly within a star system, move around their spaceship, and enjoy immersive visuals. Cruise mode unlocks after the introductory mission and includes speed controls, autopilot, and a more zoomed-out third-person ship view. While free flying is possible, players must use autopilot to interact with planets and space encounters effectively.
The update also brings a significant overhaul to points of interest (POIs) on planets, making exploration more engaging with more frequent and less repetitive locations. New unique content, such as a special vehicle and rare enemies with unique modifiers, has been added. Exploration is further incentivized by the introduction of new collectibles like Xtech, which can be used to upgrade ships, weapons, and armor, including rolling legendary effects on gear. This system encourages players to explore extensively to gather resources and enhance their equipment.
In addition to Xtech, the update adds weapon skins, quality upgrades for weapons and armor, and upgrade modules that provide stat boosts. Players can also find Colony War action figures that grant one-time bonuses and can be displayed in a new showcase. These features collectively aim to deepen gameplay and empower players, making late-game progression more rewarding. The update encourages exploration both in space and on planets, significantly enriching the overall experience.
The DLC, Terran Armada, introduces new content such as a space station hub with quests, new recruitable crew members, and exclusive ship parts and weapons. Some features, like new outpost habitats and advanced ship customization, are DLC-exclusive. There were initial issues with DLC access on Xbox, but these have since been resolved. The update also improves quality of life features, including better outpost management, a landing camera option, and enhancements to starborne powers, which can now be upgraded more easily and used more frequently with the introduction of quantum essence hotkeys.
Overall, the Freelanes update and Terran Armada DLC significantly improve Starfield by addressing previous shortcomings, particularly in space travel and exploration. While not a complete turnaround, the update adds depth and enjoyment, making space and planetary exploration more integral to gameplay. The new content encourages players to spend more time exploring and customizing, reducing reliance on load screens. Although some criticisms remain and opinions vary, the update has been generally well-received and promises to enhance the long-term appeal of Starfield.