The excitement surrounding Starfield, Bethesda’s highly anticipated space RPG, has reached a fever pitch. With its vast, open-world gameplay and immersive universe, fans from all platforms are eager to dive in. But for PlayStation owners, the big question remains: Can I play Starfield on PS5? Unfortunately, the answer is no—Starfield is not available on PS5.
Let’s dive deeper into why this is the case, explore alternative ways to experience the game, and answer some common questions about Starfield’s platform availability.
Why Can’t I Play Starfield on PS5?
The main reason Starfield is not available on PS5 stems from the acquisition of Bethesda by Microsoft. In 2021, Microsoft purchased ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda, making all of Bethesda’s future titles Xbox and PC exclusives. This includes highly anticipated games like Starfield and the upcoming The Elder Scrolls VI.
In previous years, Bethesda games such as The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4 were released on multiple platforms, including PlayStation. However, with the new corporate structure, the future of Bethesda’s game releases has shifted, with Starfield being an exclusive to Xbox Series X/S and PC.
Can Starfield Be Played on PS5 Using Cloud Gaming?
For PlayStation 5 owners who are keen to experience Starfield, there is a workaround: cloud gaming via Xbox Game Pass. Xbox Game Pass offers cloud gaming on a variety of devices, including some non-Xbox platforms. While Starfield is not available on PS5 natively, PlayStation users could potentially use a service like Xbox Cloud Gaming to stream the game through their PC or mobile devices.
Some enthusiasts have also speculated that it may be possible to mod the PlayStation Portal, a new handheld device by Sony, to access Xbox Game Pass. However, this would require a technical workaround and is not an official solution.
How to Play Starfield if You Own a PS5
If you’re a PS5 owner determined to play Starfield, there are a couple of options available:
- Buy an Xbox Series X/S: The simplest and most straightforward option is to purchase an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S. These consoles are designed to run Starfield natively, offering full performance and access to the game.
- Play on PC: If you have access to a gaming PC, you can experience Starfield with enhanced graphics and modding capabilities. A capable PC setup will allow you to take full advantage of the game’s visuals and features.
- Cloud Gaming (Xbox Game Pass): If you own a PC or Android device, you could stream the game via Xbox Game Pass. This would allow you to play Starfield on a variety of devices, but it requires a stable internet connection for optimal performance.
The Future of Bethesda Games on PlayStation
There’s still some speculation about whether other Bethesda titles might eventually find their way to PlayStation. Microsoft has previously stated that some of their Xbox-exclusive games might appear on PlayStation platforms in the future, but Starfield was confirmed as an Xbox exclusive, and no PS5 version is planned.
That being said, the world of gaming is ever-evolving, and there could be future developments. It’s worth keeping an eye out for announcements from Bethesda and Microsoft about potential changes in the exclusivity of their titles.
Comparison Chart: Platforms for Playing Starfield
| Platform | Availability of Starfield | Performance/Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X/S | Yes | Optimized for console play, best performance |
| PC | Yes | High customization, mod support, excellent visuals |
| PS5 | No | Not available due to Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda |
| Xbox Cloud Gaming | Yes (via Xbox Game Pass) | Requires strong internet for streaming, limited experience |
| PlayStation Portal | No (unofficial workaround) | Potential modding of the device for cloud gaming |
Conclusion
To sum up, Starfield is not available on PS5 due to Bethesda’s acquisition by Microsoft, which has made the game an Xbox and PC-exclusive. For PlayStation players, this means that if you want to play the game, your best bet is to invest in an Xbox Series X/S or a PC capable of running the game. While there may be potential to stream the game through cloud gaming, this is not an official method and may not provide the best experience.
So, while PS5 owners are out of luck for now, there are plenty of other ways to explore the universe of Starfield—it’s just a matter of choosing the right platform.
