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Image: Bethesda Softworks
Category:
GAME GUIDES

Can Game Pass Subscribers Play Starfield During Early Access?

Image of Matthew Kevin Mitchell
Matthew Kevin Mitchell
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Published: Aug 22, 2023 12:01 pm

Are you wondering if Game Pass subscribers can play Starfield during Early Access or if you must wait until the game’s official launch on September 6? If you browse the Xbox or Microsoft store page for Starfield, then your confusion is warranted because they don’t explain how the various versions work for Game Pass subscribers and whether or not they can play during early access. Here’s everything you need to know about getting Starfield early access on Game Pass so you can launch into the stars five days early!

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Can You Get Starfield Early Access on Game Pass?

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Image: Bethesda Softworks

Yes, Game Pass subscribers can play Starfield during Early Access. However, Game Pass provides the Standard Edition of Starfield, which will not allow you to play Starfield during the 5-day Early Access because the base version of the game doesn’t include this feature. Instead, you must pay to upgrade from the Standard Edition version of Starfield to the Digital Premium Edition (Upgrade) to gain access to 5-day Early Access.

The Premium Edition Upgrade will cost you $34.99, so you won’t need to pay full price for the upgrade since you already pay for a Game Pass Subscription. Remember that the Starfield Digital Premium Edition (Upgrade) is only available on the Xbox Series X|S and Microsoft Store because this version is explicitly meant for Game Pass subscribers who want to pay extra for the ability to play during Early Access.

Related: Starfield Install Size Revealed: Here’s How Much Space It Will Take on PC and Xbox

In addition to the 5-day Early Access, you will get the following in-game items when upgrading to the Starfield Digital Premium Edition (Upgrade) version:

  • Shattered Space Story Expansions (upon release)
  • Constellation Skin Pack: Equinox Laser Rifle, Spacesuit, Helmet, and Boost Pack
  • Access to Starfield Digital Artbook and Original Soundtrack

The Shattered Space Story Expansions, an essential aspect of this package, will require an upgrade upon release since DLC is not usually included on Game Pass at launch, making the upgrade worth the purchase from a long-term aspect.

Author’s Note: I wrote this guide while playing Starfield on Xbox Series S.

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Author
Image of Matthew Kevin Mitchell
Matthew Kevin Mitchell
Matthew Kevin Mitchell has been a contributing writer for Attack of the Fanboy and PC Invasion since 2022. Matthew primarily covers Manga like One Piece, horror movies like Scream, and survival horror games like Dead by Daylight. His favorite moment came during his first press event covering Scream 6 for AotF. He hails from Denver, Colorado, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Regis University. When he isn’t scaring himself silly or writing, he loves to play ice hockey, spoil his dog, and drink an unhealthy amount of coffee.
twitter Link to matthewkevinmitchell.com