The big part of this patch 1.11.33 is of course the new “Performance” modes on Xbox Series X|S. Starfield suffered a lot of jeers upon release because it was capped at 30 frames per second on its own manufacturer's new-generation console. A pitfall that will soon be a thing of the past. The next patch will allow you to choose 30, 40, 60 FPS modes or even blow the ceiling at your own risk. Bethesda recommends using a panel that supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) at 120 hertz while aligning with 40 FPS to achieve the best possible visual compromise. Another bit will allow you to prioritize visual quality or performance in tense scenes – prioritizing performance will reduce the amount of detail in the environment, lights and crowds in real time to avoid stuttering.
Advertisement
No more science-friction
But smooth images are nothing without gameplay, and above all, without changing scenery. Which is not given when you get lost in the urban mazes of Starfield. The new planetary maps will make it much easier to find your way around with a faithful reproduction of the environment from a bird's eye view. A real constellation of icons (also visible in game) will help us navigate. Bethesda is also showing off a new interior decoration system for our beloved ship and gameplay modifiers letting us rebalance the difficulty and game mechanics as we wish. The fierce will be able to hurt themselves with the new Extreme difficulty while the new game plus will now allow it to redefine its initial characteristics.
Bethesda also (briefly) addresses the future by revealing first prototype images of a land vehicle, in order to reduce the omnipresent walking in Starfield. Producer Tim Lamb, in charge of modding, also reiterates the upcoming arrival of the Starfield Creation Kit in our cottages without getting hung up on the date. First versions were sent to content creators to get them off on the right foot, generate some publicity, and gain feedback. As for the Shattered Space narrative expansion, you will have to wait until the fall to discover it.
Patch 1.11.33 is currently available on Steam Beta and the patch notes can be found here. Warning, the recap video below contains spoilers.