We all know that Starfield had a somewhat rocky launch, but it has been improving with several updates, a major DLC, and other QoL additions to the point that this spacefaring journey feels way more complete now. However, the story for the Starborn and their crew isn’t over because Bethesda has prepared many more surprises. In this case, I’m referring to the upcoming Free Lanes & Terran Armada updates, which we saw during a hands-off presentation and which have convinced us that the future of Starfield is looking brighter than ever.
Starfield: Free Lanes Revamps Interplanetary Travel
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a hands-off preview event for the new Free Lanes and Terran Armada updates coming to Starfield, where Tim Lamb walked us through many of the improvements, additions, and even some story content. Now, before I dive further into what I saw, I need to make something clear, just in the same way that Todd Howard and Tim Lamb did: this is not Starfield 2.0. Many people have spread rumors that a major revamp for the game is coming, but that isn’t the case. Yet, that doesn’t mean these updates aren’t substantial, because they are, and will surely bring several players back, and even a few new ones, too, as the PS5 release is also close.
First, let’s start with the Free Lanes update. As the name implies, this is a free update coming to all Starfield players, and it will forever change how we explore space. One of the major complaints players had when the game launched was how it lacked the immersion of flying from one planet to another in real-time. This update will finally address that, as players will get a cruise mode that allows interplanetary travel. All you need to do is turn on the cruise mode and watch as you go to that faraway planet.
Of course, this isn’t just a new system that allows for more scenic space travel. Players will also encounter several situations, such as anomalies, asteroids, and other encounters, to make every interstellar journey feel different, rewarding, and slightly dangerous. And as a bonus for those with huge ships, there are also new FOV options to let you see your ship completely.
Starfield: Terran Armada Is a Brand-New Story DLC
The second update, which will be free for those who purchased the Premium Edition on Xbox and Steam, is a brand-new story DLC that introduces the titular Terran Armada robotic faction. Out of all the things we saw during the event, we didn’t get a lot of details, as Tim and the team wanted to keep it a surprise. However, there are several new enemy types coming, Terran Armada ships, gear, weapons, and what seems to be a pretty intriguing narrative that will take players across the stars.
Now, the next thing that many were already speculating was about Starfield joining another platform, and I can finally confirm that it will land on PS5 on April 7, alongside the other two updates we’ve mentioned. This will be great as new players will experience a more complete version of the game, full of QoL features, several additions, and now these two huge updates.
Existing players, however, will also get several new things, such as X-Tech, which is a new resource that will allow them to roll Legendary Perks for their weapons. Once you roll enough times, you can pick a specific perk and continue adding more until you create a gun with planet-ending capabilities. Alright, it won’t be that powerful, but there are some wild combinations out there. And to test these armaments, you’ll also find enemies with new modifiers that will put your skills to the test.
For those who prefer to embrace their explorer side, there are new POIs, dungeons, and random encounters coming. Also, to make traversal easier in some locations, we’ll all get the Moon Jumper, a new land vehicle that defies gravity and can perform some physics-defying jumps to reach any place on a planet’s surface. And if you are a fan of building outposts in the game, but just want to make a quick stop, we’re also getting a furnished cabin that you can plop down on any planet and has all the necessary amenities, so you can do some quick gathering and move on. Oh yes, and shared storage is coming, meaning you can access resources from anywhere around the galaxy.
Furthermore, those looking for a more wholesome or cozier side of your adventure, we’ll get a new Milliwhale pet that you can customize and keep at your base. Yet, one of the most surprising additions is the Colony War Hero Collection, which will allow players to collect action figures to gain a passive bonus after grabbing them for the first time, and either put them in a display case or in a diorama. Frankly, this is one of the features I’m most excited about, as I always love collecting things to bring back to my base, and these ones are just as cool as they are rewarding.
If that wasn’t enough, Bethesda heard our Starborn players, and we’ll now be able to take items with us after we decide to go through an NG+ loop. You’ll have to build an item for this, but it will basically allow you to place your armor, weapons, or other things there, and then collect them once a new loop begins. And speaking of Starborn, there’s also a revamp coming to Starborn Powers, which now allows you to upgrade and even the ability to put these skills as favorites, so you can access them quickly in combat.
Last, but certainly not least, we’ll all get a home away from home, or in other words, our space home. Yes, players will now get their own home inside an asteroid, which, from what we saw, is huge and full of different rooms that go from a Bond villain aesthetic to a true spacefarer.
The Best Time to Return
After watching the presentation, my itch to return for one more flight grew considerably, and I’m sure many will get their spacefaring thirst after seeing everything Bethesda has in store for us. The truth is that these two updates are huge and will bring several things that will further revitalize this jaw-dropping space adventure. Now, all that remains to do is wait for April 7, when Free Lanes and Terran Armada land on Starfield.
