Starfield is about to launch its upcoming Shattered Space expansion, which aims to solve one of the most significant criticisms since its release (too many load screens). Famous for its large open-world RPGs, Bethesda aims to sustain Starfield for an extended period, and this is the most important upgrade to the game since it came out.
Upon its launch, Starfield received varied reviews, with players pointing out a number of problems. Even with recent updates addressing a variety of problems, such as new difficulty settings and a vehicle for efficient planet travel, the loading screens remain a critical issue. Players often experience regular, sometimes lengthy, load screens as they move between planets, cities, and different zones in the same area. This slightly reduces immersion, especially in a gaming age where SSD technology generates faster load times more often. The issue, as per gamers POV, has been one of the foremost complaints.
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At least in regard to the expansion’s content, Shattered Space may provide a solution to part of this problem. The whole story in this new expansion occurs on a single handmade planet, so the recurring need for load screens while moving between locales and in or out of the ship will be less frequent. Although Starfield would not be capable of the smooth planetary transitions featured in games like No Man’s Sky because of its core design, this planet-focused format may represent an important enhancement.
Handcrafted Design, Fewer Load Screens
The extensive universe in Starfield requires procedural generation as one of the key factors for the visibility of load screens. The emphasis on procedural generation in Shattered Space takes a step backward because the expansion takes place in a unique, handmade locality. This eliminates the traditionally necessary zone generation that causes loading screens. Even with load screens remaining for fast travel between map points, the regular interruptions experienced in the core game should be much less obvious.
A Smoother Experience in Expansion Content
Bethesda has clarified that all the expansion content is only located on this one planet. Players have the ability to depart the planet if they want, but the major storyline would not necessitate it, thus cutting down on the demand for regular ship-loading screens. Players could find a load screen when going into particular cities or major areas, although the artisanal quality of the expansion’s landscape suggests there will be fewer cases of these types of interruptions. Although Shattered Space would not completely alter Starfield’s overall loading methods, it gives a glimpse into what an improved, more immersive experience could offer. With the gaming community holding their breath for further news, it is likely players will experience some freedom from the heavy load screens in this fresh chapter of the Starfield universe.
