Those afraid Starfield could suffer yet another last-second delay can officially rest easy, as today Bethesda announced the game has gone gold. While that doesn’t completely rule out a last-second change of plans, it seems Starfield’s September launch is pretty much a lock. Those looking to be ready on Day 1 can begin pre-loading Starfield tomorrow (August 17) on Xbox Series X/S. Unfortunately, those playing on Steam will have to wait until August 30.

　　Prepare for launch.#Starfield has gone gold! Preloads begin tomorrow for @Xbox X|S and Windows PC and August 30 for Steam. pic.twitter.com/LC8xJnI8WN

　　— Bethesda Game Studios (@BethesdaStudios) August 16, 2023

　　The game’s just a little over two weeks away! In addition to the good news about Starfield going gold, Bethesda held a brief Q&A on Discord, during which they provided a few more tasty tidbits about the game. On the subject of the game’s campaign, players will be able to play through the storylines for all the game’s factions – you aren’t locked into siding with just one – and there are even stories where you can play a double-agent. While the game is very open-ended in terms of factions you unfortunately won’t be able to pull off a full-on pacifist playthrough. While there will often be non-lethal routes available, not every mission will give you the option.

　　Turning to the role-playing/sim side of the Starfield, Bethesda confirms you’ll be able to acquire houses in all the major cities in the game. Some of these can be purchased in a straightforward way, others are rewards for completing some task. Ah, but what if more ne’er do well? Well, there is also a jail system if you commit crimes, although you can simply pay your way out of the clink or try to escape if you're the more daring type. As for your ship’s crew, there are over 20 different characters you can recruit, some of which will come with some pretty compelling stories attached. That said, these crewmembers don’t level up – they come with a set level and specific skills and stay that way.

　　Starfield launches on PC and Xbox Series X/S on September 6, although those who buy the Premium Edition of the game can play 5 days early on September 1. What do you think? Are you getting excited for Bethesda’s latest RPG extravaganza?