Starfield 2 Release Probably Years Away, But Promised to be “One Hell of a Game”

Starfield 2: A Former Dev's Bold Prediction and a Long Road Ahead

Starfield's 2023 launch has already sparked anticipation for a sequel. While Bethesda remains tight-lipped, a former lead designer offers insight. Read on to discover what we might expect from a potential Starfield 2.

A Promising Sequel?

Bruce Nesmith, a former Bethesda lead designer with a hand in Skyrim and Oblivion, boldly predicts that Starfield 2 will be "one hell of a game." He believes the foundational work of the first game provides a strong base for an even better sequel, building upon lessons learned and addressing player feedback. Nesmith points to the evolution of the Elder Scrolls series, highlighting how each iteration improved upon its predecessor. He suggests Starfield, while impressive, was largely built from scratch, and a sequel can leverage this established foundation to incorporate new features and fix existing issues.

A Distant Horizon

However, don't expect Starfield 2 anytime soon. Bethesda's director, Todd Howard, confirmed plans for annual story expansions for Starfield, indicating a long-term commitment to the franchise. But with The Elder Scrolls VI and Fallout 5 still in development, a Starfield sequel is likely years, perhaps even a decade, away. Bethesda's track record of lengthy development cycles supports this prediction. Considering estimates placing The Elder Scrolls VI at least five years out, Starfield 2 might not arrive until the mid-2030s.

The Future of Starfield

While Starfield 2 remains speculative, Bethesda's dedication to the franchise is clear. The recent release of the Shattered Space DLC addresses some initial criticisms, and more DLC is planned. For now, fans can enjoy the existing game and anticipate future expansions while patiently awaiting the possibility of a truly exceptional Starfield 2.