Many players are wondering whether Starfield offers a co-op mode, allowing them to explore the universe alongside friends. In this article, we delve into the possibilities of a Starfield multiplayer experience and explore the factors that may influence its inclusion or exclusion in the future.
Will Starfield Multiplayer be added post-launch?
Currently, Starfield is not designed as a multiplayer game, and there have been no official announcements from Bethesda Game Studios regarding the development of any multiplayer modes. The game’s listing on Steam clearly designates it as a single-player title, with no mention of multiplayer capabilities. Given Bethesda’s history with single-player RPGs, there’s little reason to anticipate a change in this regard.
However, the discussion surrounding the potential for a Starfield multiplayer mode is fueled by the industry’s recognition of the financial success that multiplayer experiences can bring. Players are often more inclined to invest their money towards in-game items, such as weapons and cosmetics, when they can showcase them to others in an online multiplayer environment. Bethesda’s own Fallout 76 stands as a prime example of the studio’s exploration into multiplayer dynamics within a traditionally single-player franchise.
Nevertheless, it’s important to note that Fallout 76’s introduction of multiplayer did not achieve the level of success initially envisioned by Bethesda, and it significantly differs in gameplay style from classic RPGs like Fallout 4 or Skyrim. Starfield, with its thematic resemblance to these single-player RPGs, would likely require a fundamentally different approach to incorporate multiplayer, potentially necessitating the development of an entirely new game rather than a simple patch or expansion.
Considering these factors, it’s improbable that players will engage in outer-space dogfights with friends anytime soon. While Starfield may receive a series of DLCs and expansions following its launch, as Bethesda’s past titles have, there’s currently no indication from the developers or Todd Howard that a multiplayer mode is on the horizon.
Have Bethesda Game Studios’ Other Games Had Multiplayer?
In Bethesda Game Studios’ history of developing RPGs for consoles and PC, multiplayer and co-op modes have been very rare occurrences. Notably, Fallout 76 is the only title within the studio’s mainline RPG series that ever introduced multiplayer elements. All other Bethesda Game Studios titles, including Fallout 4 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, have provided a purely single-player experience.
It’s essential to acknowledge that Fallout 76’s development was primarily handled by a different studio within Bethesda, the Austin team, rather than the Maryland-based core team responsible for the mainline RPGs. This distinction highlights the unique nature of Fallout 76 within Bethesda’s portfolio and the studio’s limited experience with co-op modes.
Furthermore, the Elder Scrolls Online MMORPG was created and developed by Zenimax Online Studios, again a different studio and company altogether. Having to outsource that level of work and design to another studio and team creates its own fair share of problems and challenges that Bethesda could do without.
As Starfield sets its course for the stars, the absence of a co-op mode in the game’s initial design is clear. Bethesda Game Studios’ focus on creating ambitious single-player experiences, coupled with the challenges posed by introducing multiplayer in a universe as expansive as Starfield, makes it unlikely that an official co-op mode will be added.
While nothing is set in stone, players may look to the modding community to explore potential co-op possibilities, as has been the case with previous Bethesda titles like Skyrim. For now, Starfield remains a solitary journey through the cosmos, inviting players to embark on a solo adventure filled with exploration, discovery, and the mysteries of the universe. For all things Starfield be sure to check out our website for all the latest news, tips, tricks and builds for Starfield!
