Starfield will receive significant additions in the Free Lanes update, new ‘Terran Armada’ DLC, and a PS5 release all on 7 April.
Bethesda Game Studios has unveiled the largest update yet for its sci-fi RPG Starfield. The new Free Lanes update, alongside the Terran Armada DLC and a long-awaited PlayStation 5 release, is set to arrive simultaneously on 7 April.
What’s in the Starfield Free Lanes update?
The Free Lanes update will be released as a free expansion, introducing substantial additions to spice up your exploration. Players will now be able to freely travel between planets within a star system, as an alternative to fast travel.
A new Cruise Mode has also been introduced, allowing players to carry out onboard activities–such as decorating their ship, interacting with crew members, and using workbenches–while travelling through space.
Bethesda has also added dynamic space points of interest (POIs) that appear during travel, enabling players to change course at any time. In addition, space encounters have been increased, with some events forcing players out of Cruise Mode and requiring immediate attention before continuing.
X-Tech added for customisation
One of the most significant additions is X-Tech, a new resource designed to expand customisation options for weapons, gear, and ships. X-Tech can be obtained through combat, boss encounters, chests, and shipwrecks.
Weapons can now feature re-rollable legendary effects, using a combination of X-Tech and credits. The update also introduces Tier 4 Legendary Effects for equipment such as weapons, helmets, and packs, with some items reaching “Exotic” status at maximum upgrades.
Outpost improvements
Outposts receive major upgrades in this update. A new Shared Outpost Container allows players to access and transfer items seamlessly across all linked outposts, significantly improving resource management.
A new in-game hub, the Database System, has also been added. This feature helps players track outposts, discovered locations, recipes, and resources, all in one convenient interface.
Additionally, players can now adopt a new outpost pet, the Milliwhale, a customisable alien companion that resides in your base. It can be unlocked by completing the Housesitting quest in Anchorpoint.
New DLC: Terran Armada
Bethesda has also revealed the Terran Armada DLC, which introduces a brand-new storyline and companion. The Terran Armada is a mysterious new faction that has emerged in the Settled Systems, claiming to be the true descendants of Earth. The group is composed of former members of the United Colonies and Freestar Collective who disappeared during the Colony War. Now, they have returned as a highly advanced military force, largely consisting of robotic soldiers.
The new questline is integrated into the existing game world, with choices and outcomes that carry consequences across the galaxy. Players will also gain a new companion, Delta, a reprogrammed Terran robot.
The DLC will also introduce new ships, gear, elite crew members, and expanded outpost customisation options.
Starfield PlayStation 5 release is imminent
PlayStation 5 players will finally be able to join Constellation and explore the Settled Systems when Starfield launches on the platform on 7 April, alongside the major update.
The standard edition will be priced at US$49.99, while the Premium Edition, priced at US$69.99, includes two DLCs (including Terran Armada), a Constellation Skin Pack, 1,000 Creation Credits, and additional content.
Read more about the Starfield Free Lane update and the Terran Armada DLC here.
