Todd Howard personally dispelled rumors of Starfield’s demise. In a message to players, the head of Bethesda Game Studios stated that the space RPG remains “an important part of the studio’s future,” despite major cuts at Xbox and a shift in focus to Fallout and The Elder Scrolls. Most importantly, a new story-driven DLC called Starborn is coming in 2027.
The numbers Bethesda used to accompany the announcement look impressive. Over 17 million people have played Starfield—including Game Pass, of course, but still impressive. In total, players have accumulated nearly a billion hours of playtime. More than 40% of users are already customizing the game through Creations, a user-generated content system that Bethesda will continue to actively develop.
Tellingly, the announcement comes amid dire news: Xbox is laying off 1,600 employees, with another 1,600 expected in the coming fiscal year. Bethesda also came under fire, but Todd Howard made it clear: Starfield is not a closed project, but a long-term investment.
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Starborn DLC Release Date and Bethesda Platforms Details
Starborn does not have a specific release date yet. Bethesda is only talking about 2027. But this is not a single patch or a minor update—the studio describes the content as part of a comprehensive roadmap for the third year of support.
In an official statement, the developers promised “new storylines, targeted gameplay improvements, and additional updates.” Platforms include Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5 (the PS5 version launched in April 2026 along with the Earth Armada DLC and a major free Free Lanes update).
Incidentally, in the same statement, Bethesda confirmed that Fallout 5 is in pre-production, and remasters of Fallout 3 and New Vegas are in the works. So Starfield is not the studio’s only game, but it is certainly not forgotten.
Who are the Starborn History of the Race in Starfield Lore?
For those unfamiliar: the Starborn are people who underwent the Unity and gained the ability to travel between universes. They did not create the Artifacts and Temples, but were a direct result of them. In the main campaign, the player encounters them as the Emissary and the Hunter—two factions with different visions of humanity’s fate.
Why the DLC is called Starborn is a logical question. The base game does not fully explore this theme. Fans have long wondered who is really behind the Starborn, whether it is possible to become one without the Unity, and what is going on beyond the known universes. Apparently, Bethesda intends to fill these gaps.
There is also a more pragmatic theory: the game still lacks proper Starborn weapons and unique mechanics associated with this race. The DLC could fix this. In any case, the name was not chosen by chance – it is a direct promise to delve into the most mystical part of Starfield lore.
What Content and Gameplay Mechanics Await Players in the New DLC?
Bethesda is officially vague: “new stories,” “improvements,” and “additional updates.” But insiders and the fan community are already speculating.
Expected Quests and Fan Theories
First, a continuation of the Paradiso quest or the LIST storyline. These plots were left abruptly interrupted, and players are hoping that Starborn will finish them. Second, a possible expansion of the New Game+ system, which in its current form is too abstract. Third, new planets and possibly interplanetary travel mechanics without loading screens.
Comparison of Starborn and Shattered Space DLC
A comparison with the previous DLC, Shattered Space (2024), is obvious. That add-on introduced a new location and storyline, but many considered it too short and shallow. Starborn, judging by the announcement, should be larger in scope—if only because Bethesda calls it part of a long-term plan, not a one-time event.
Reaction of the Gaming Community to the DLC Announcement
There are two waves of excitement online. The first is relief. Rumors that Bethesda was winding down support for Starfield have been circulating since early 2026, especially after the layoffs at Xbox. The announcement of Starborn put paid to these rumors.
The second is cautious skepticism. Many fans remember how Shattered Space failed to live up to expectations. Forums are posting, “If Starborn is the same size as Shattered Space, it is a failure.” Others, on the contrary, see the title as a hint at something bigger—perhaps a reimagining of the game’s entire ending.
A separate issue is its technical state. Starfield continues to be criticized for bugs, outdated animation, and empty planets. Todd Howard previously admitted, “If the game did not hook you right away or you found it boring, I do not think that will change.” So Starborn is likely aimed at those who already loved Starfield, rather than recapturing a lost audience.
However, most agree on one thing: the very fact that it was announced is a good sign. Starfield is alive, Bethesda believes in it, and 2027 promises to be exciting for anyone brave enough to venture into the Habitable Systems.
