Rethinking the Sequel: Why Starfield’s Successor Might Benefit from a Fresh Approach

With the upcoming release of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered in April 2025, it seems like the Starfield era is drawing to a close. Bethesda Game Studios’ newest original IP, Starfield, received a cooler reception than many had hoped for. Now, it feels like Microsoft and Bethesda are quietly moving on. There’s been talk about a potential PS5 release for Starfield, but it seems the space-exploration RPG might be staying put for now.

It’s a pity things have turned out like this, especially since Starfield was Bethesda’s first new franchise in over 25 years, drawing considerable attention. It had a decade-long runway to its debut, and by the time it finally neared launch, a special Starfield Direct at the 2023 Summer Game Fest had managed to win over the fans. Despite this, the Shattered Space DLC aimed to patch the game’s issues but couldn’t fully deliver. There’s still a glimmer of hope for untapped potential in another Starfield game, but it can’t just be a straightforward sequel.

Bethesda can’t simply expand on Starfield’s identity; it needs a complete rewrite. This may sound odd considering the success of their other RPG series, like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, which have thrived by building on their foundations. Although a new Starfield might retain familiar controls, the surrounding elements of its mechanical core need an overhaul. The decisions shaping Starfield’s narrative and world didn’t quite resonate with fans, so it demands a comprehensive reboot to capture their interest.

Setting aside logistical concerns, there will likely be a considerable gap before a potential sequel comes to light. Any new installment would benefit from a fresh start, perhaps adopting a subtitle or tweaking its current name, much like James Gunn’s approach with The Suicide Squad. This new version could retain elements like Starfield’s narrative twist and New Game + feature, but reimagined to deliver the experience players originally sought.

A reimagined Starfield would barely resemble the original, needing a different approach to create something compelling. Incorporating diverse alien life, especially intelligent NPC species, could set a new standard for the game, even if it shifts closer to a Mass Effect feel. The goal should be a universe brimming with discovery, supported by a more engaging setting.

The sequel should abandon the largely barren landscapes that characterized the original. Instead, focusing on a few richly detailed planets, akin to Borderlands 3 or Outer Worlds, could prove more effective. While this approach might not offer vast space exploration, it allows for a streamlined narrative and refined gameplay. Attempting to mimic the expansive draw of No Man’s Sky isn’t the best move, given its challenges. Starfield’s legacy can indeed be revitalized, but it’ll take a thoughtful reconstruction to stand the test of time.