‘Starfield’ gameplay: Players will join the Constellation faction and explore the Settled Systems

Bethesda previously released teasers for three locations to be featured in the “Starfield” maps. Each area appears to house different factions that exist in the game, but it is unclear if players will have to choose which group to join. Thanks to a new unlisted YouTube video, Bethesda confirmed that players would assume the role of the newest member of the Constellation factions.

Design director Emil Pagliarulo describes Constellation as an organization dedicated to uncovering the mysteries of the galaxy. Going by that description, it appears that part of Constellation’s mission is learning from the existing factions instead of choosing a particular group to be its ally. But this mission also makes sense as it provides a reason for the player’s character to visit various areas in the game.

Bethesda also reveals that the main area in the Milky Way galaxy that will be explored in “Starfield” is called the Settled Systems. The developer says its location starts in the Earth’s solar system and expands 50 light-years outwards.

The new video, still unlisted as of this writing, also provided a glimpse into the “Starfield” lore. While the game is set in 2330, part of its story is a bloody war that happened 20 years earlier and was fought by the two main factions United Colonies and Freestar Collective. In the game’s present time, it appears that this conflict has been resolved on the surface. While the factions seemed to learn to co-exist, Bethesda describes the current situation as an “uneasy peace.”

While there are systems in place after the bloody colony war, the Settled Systems is still considered dangerous. The new teaser also offers a sneak peek into some of the potential enemies that players will encounter in “Starfield.” The video shows concept character models for hostile forces, including Ecliptic mercenaries, Crimson Fleet pirates, and violent Spacers. Bethesda also mentions the game will feature religious fanatics of the House Va’ruun, but the video does not show how they look.

As mentioned, Bethesda previously revealed three of the locations that players will likely explore in “Starfield” called New Atlantis, Akila, and Neon. Their economy and their inhabitants are vastly different, suggesting that the Settled Systems is a very diverse area in space.

It is not surprising that Bethesda is only sharing concept art at this point. “Starfield” is not launching for another year. It will be released on Nov. 11, 2022, on PC and Xbox Series X/S with a day-one availability on Xbox Game Pass.