Playing Starfield Early Access requires paying extra money. You have to buy a special version of the game, like the Premium or Collector’s Edition. These versions let you start playing the game five days before everyone else. However, these special editions are quite pricey. It’s important to understand what you’ll be allowed to do and what benefits you’ll get with Starfield Early Access. Below, I’ll tell you all the important details about getting early access to Starfield, including when it becomes available and how you can get it.
Getting Starfield Early Access
To be able to play Starfield Early Access, you need to purchase either the Premium Edition or Constellation Edition of the game. These are more expensive versions of the game. Let me explain what they include and how much they cost in simple terms:
Starfield Premium Edition ($100/£100, digital or physical options)
- Base Game
- Up to 5 days Early Access
- “Old Mars Skin Pack” with alternate skins for Laser Cutter, Deep Mining Helmet and Deep Mining Pack
- Shattered Space Story Expansion (upon release)
- “Constellation Skin Pack” with alternate skins for Equinox Laser Rifle, Spacesuit, Helmet and Boost Pack
- Access to Starfield Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack
Starfield Constellation Edition ($300/£250, physical only)
- Base Game
- Up to 5 days Early Access
- “Old Mars Skin Pack” with alternate skins for Laser Cutter, Deep Mining Helmet and Deep Mining Pack
- Shattered Space Story Expansion (upon release)
- “Constellation Skin Pack” with alternate skins for Equinox Laser Rifle, Spacesuit, Helmet and Boost Pack
- Access to Starfield Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack
- Steelbook Display Case
- Constellation Patch
- Starfield Chronomark Watch and Case
- Credit Stick with Laser-Etched Game Code
If you already bought the Standard Edition of the game but want the cool extras that come with the Premium Edition, you can upgrade to the Premium Edition. This upgrade includes Starfield Early Access. This is a good choice for those who use Game Pass as well. Of course, this means spending more money than just getting the base game. But remember, you’re not only paying for Early Access, you’re also getting other great stuff, which might be really appealing.
When does Starfield Early Access begin?
Starfield Early Access becomes available “up to 5 days” before the official release. This kind of vague phrasing means the game unlocks for everyone around the world at the same time. So, for example, if you’re in the US, Starfield Early Access starts on August 31. But if you’re in a time zone ahead of the UK, it starts on September 1.
Below, you can find the exact starting times for Starfield Early Access in different major regions. We’ve also included a helpful map from Bethesda for more detailed breakdowns of different time zones.
- NZ – 12PM September 1
- AUS – 10AM September 1
- EU – 2AM September 1
- UK – 1AM September 1
- ET – 8PM August 31
- PT – 5PM August 31
Starfield Early Access offers players the chance to play the game before its official release by purchasing either the Premium Edition or Constellation Edition. These editions include various in-game items, expansions, and physical collectibles. The vague “up to 5 days” early access window ensures a simultaneous global release, accommodating different time zones. Players can upgrade from the Standard Edition to the Premium Edition for early access. While these editions are pricier, they provide unique benefits beyond just early access.