As the release date for Starfield’s Shattered Space DLC approaches on September 30, many players using Game Pass are curious about its availability. The good news is that it will be accessible, but there’s a catch. Regular Game Pass subscribers will not have access to the DLC’s unique content, which includes the Voruun’kai world space, the quest chain to unlock it, new characters, weapons, and the zero-G mechanic.
If you hold a Game Pass subscription, there are several ways to play the DLC at launch, but none come at no cost.
Starfield Shattered Space DLC Pricing on Xbox Game Pass
While Bethesda has yet to officially confirm whether Shattered Space will be offered for free on Xbox Game Pass, the answer appears to be no. The existing Game Pass library includes “Starfield,”which is simply the base game. To access the upcoming DLC, players must either purchase it separately or acquire the Starfield Digital Premium Edition.
For Game Pass members, here are the available options:
- Starfield Premium Edition Upgrade: $31.49 ($34.99 without the Game Pass discount)
- Standalone Starfield Shattered Space DLC: $26.99 ($29.99 without the Game Pass discount)
You can also purchase the complete Starfield Premium Edition at a discounted price of $79.99 for Game Pass subscribers. This option grants access to the entire game and any future DLCs indefinitely. For those planning to maintain a long-term Game Pass subscription, buying the Premium Edition Upgrade is the most efficient route.
It’s important to clarify that while the DLC won’t be free at launch, this pricing will likely hold up until at least the end of 2025, assuming the current model remains. Bethesda aims to keep Starfield engaging with annual story expansions available through the Premium Edition bundle, which only retains its value if these DLCs continue to have a cost.
A comparable example can be observed with the Skyrim: Anniversary Edition. The legacy DLCs like Hearthfire, Dawnguard, and Dragonborn were made free after they were integrated into the base game in the Special Edition. However, to enjoy the additional Anniversary Edition content, gamers must pay $40 (with Game Pass discount applied).
This scenario might complicate things for modders. If future mods utilize new assets introduced with Shattered Space (including House Varuun armors and the zero-G mechanic), the DLC will become essential. Fortunately, the modding community hasn’t yet reached that point, giving players time to consider their options.
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