Starfield is Xbox’s biggest release of 2023 but will fans be able to play it at no additional cost via Game Pass on release day?

If you’re counting down the days until the release of Bethesda’s Starfield, you’re not alone. But don’t go placing those pre-orders just yet!

Instead of purchasing the game outright, Xbox Game Pass subscribers will be happy to learn that their monthly expense is about to pay off once again.

Is Starfield on Xbox Game Pass?

Yes, Starfield will be releasing on Xbox Game Pass on its official launch day: Wednesday, September 6, 2023.

The Bethesda title will be available to play on Xbox Series X & S via Game Pass, or Windows devices with PC Game Pass.

Game Pass users can even pre-load Starfield right now, ahead of its September 6 launch.

Starfield will also be eligible for Xbox Cloud Streaming for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. This feature will let fans play the game on Xbox One consoles, as well as mobile devices and tablets, so long as they have a stable internet connection.

Starfield Space Combat

If you’re a new Game Pass subscriber, you’ll be able to get your first month of the PC or Ultimate for just $1. After that, the subscription fees are as follows:

  • Console Only – $10.99 monthly
  • PC Only – $9.99 monthly
  • Game Pass Ultimate (PC, Consoles, & Cloud) – $16.99 monthly

With Microsoft’s subscription service, you’ll be able to get access to Starfield without buying the game outright. But there’s one major benefit to pre-ordering Starfield that Game Pass can’t give you…

How to Get Starfield Early Access on Game Pass?

Starfield Early Access is not available on Xbox Game Pass by default, but Game Pass users who purchase the Digital Premium Upgrade can access the game beginning on September 1.

Bethesda’s title will only arrive on the service for all users on its official launch day: Wednesday, September 6, 2023.

The Digital Premium Upgrade costs $34.99, and if you end up canceling Game Pass at any point, you’ll lose access to Starfield, as you only own the upgrade itself.

But it’s still cheaper than purchasing Starfield’s more expensive editions outright.

Those who pre-order the Constellation or Premium Editions of Starfield will also receive 5 days of early access to the new release – beginning on Friday, September 1, 2023.

Starfield Premium Edition Upgrade Physical

For many people, paying an extra $30 for the ability to play 5 days early (and getting access to Starfield’s first expansion pack for no additional charge), is a no-brainer.

But other Xbox Game Pass subscribers will have to wait for the game’s official release before they can explore the universe for themselves.