How big are planets in Starfield?
Overview
Starfield, an upcoming sci-fi role-playing game developed by Bethesda Game Studios, is expected to have a vast array of explorable planets, each with its unique landscapes, atmosphere, and experiences. As players, you will venture through the stars to explore these planets, but just how big are they?
Comparison with other Bethesda games
For reference, the map of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim spans approximately 15 square miles, while the map of Fallout 76 covers a vast 39.78 square miles. These numbers provide some perspective on the scale of Starfield’s planets, as it has been revealed that each of the game’s 1,000 planets will be larger than a single planet in either of these games.
Planetary tiles
To manage the sheer scale of its vast galaxy, Starfield splits each planet into smaller tiles. Each tile is thousands of meters across, making the planet as a whole appear larger. This system allows for an enormous amount of surface area to explore without feeling overwhelmed.
Starfield planets vs. Earth-like planets
In our own solar system, planets vary significantly in size, from Mercury at just 4,879 kilometers in diameter to Jupiter, with a massive 142,984 kilometers. For perspective, Starfield’s planets are likely to be even larger, as the game’s developer aims to create a sense of infinite possibility within its galaxy.
| Planetary Size Comparison | Diameter (Km) |
|---|---|
| Earth | 12,742 km |
| Mars | 6,794 km |
| Mercury | 4,879 km |
| Jupiter | 142,984 km |
Planet-to-planet variability
Unlike Earth, which is the only known home to intelligent life, Starfield’s planets will each have unique characteristics, ranging from deserts to forests, and from ice caves to bustling cities. Some planets might be entirely devoid of atmosphere, while others could have an atmosphere thick enough to slow down your spacesuit-clad character. Variable gravity, a factor we’ve seen in previous Bethesda games, also promises to add to the complexity of each planet.
How big are individual tiles?
To manage the scope of each planet, tiles are designed to be relatively large, each containing several square kilometers of explorable terrain. With a minimum of kilometer-wide boundaries separating tiles, the transition from one to another will be relatively seamless.
Why smaller planets can be more impactful
Contrary to our intuitive notion that larger planets must be more impressive, some argue that smaller planets with fewer inhabitants can be even more emotionally impactful. Fewer settlements and fewer aliens could mean a more intense sense of discovery and isolation as you explore these untamed worlds.
Romancing and companions in Starfield
As you journey across these vast planets, you will encounter various alien species and potentially even establish relationships. While romancing options are available in the game, companions come in four unique packages, each with their distinct characteristics. This aspect adds depth to your exploration experience and further enhances the sense of discovery within Starfield.
In conclusion, Starfield’s planets are enormous, spanning thousands of meters across each, and splitting into smaller, tile-based explorable areas. The size and scale of these worlds create a sense of infinity and limitless possibility, which promises to be a cornerstone of the game’s charm and gameplay. As we embark on this interstellar journey, we can look forward to exploring these awe-inspiring planets, interacting with various alien species, and forging lasting connections along the way.