When can I preload Starfield – preloads on Xbox, Windows and Steam explained

18 August 2023 , 10:06

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Starfield comes in at over 100GB, so here's when you can preload. (Image: Bethesda)

Starfield is so close than we can taste it, but a game this huge has a equally giant file size to go along with it. Thankfully you'll be able to preload it to have things ready for launch.

Starfield is almost here. The next big title from Bethesda Game Studios – and the first while under the Xbox banner – is set to be the team's biggest game yet if the hefty 140GB file size is anything to go by. Starfield was originally set to launch on November 11, 2022 before being pushed to early 2023 and finally, here we are just weeks out from the September 6, 2023 release date.

Starfield marks the first major Bethesda Game Studios title in eight years, with Fallout 3, Fallout 4, and Skyrim director Todd Howard back in the director's chair. The studio's output since those AAA titles have mainly being mediocre spinoffs like Fallout 76 and The Elder Scrolls: Blades.

With Starfield going gold, the question on everyone's mind is 'when can I preload Starfield?' Well, the answer to that question is very different depending on which platform or storefront you're using. We've compiled a handy guide for you to answer that question.

When can I preload Starfield?

Starfield preloads are different depending on which platform and storefront you're using. If you're on Xbox, the Starfield preload is available right now and is 126GB in size.

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PC players who are going to be playing the game on the Windows Store (which, let's be real is the majority since it's on Xbox Game Pass) are also able to start preloading the game right now, with the game coming in at larger 140GB size on PC.

Players who are planning on playing Starfield on PC through Steam have worse news however. For whatever reason, preloads for the Steam version of Starfield will be unavailable until Wednesday, August 30. This means you'll have around two days to preload the entire 140GB file before Starfield Early Access launches on September 1, 2023.

It's unknown why Steam users are having to wait just under two weeks extra to preload, but at least you'll have a chance to.

Scott McCrae