Starfield: Shattered Space DLC Launches to Mixed Reviews

In the ever-expanding universe of Starfield, players had high hopes for the release of its first major DLC expansion, Shattered Space. Yet, as the dust settles, it seems that this much-anticipated addition hasn’t quite hit the mark for everyone. With reviews pouring in across platforms like Steam, the community remains divided. So, what’s the verdict? Is Shattered Space a lacklustre extension of the main game, or are its detractors simply not seeing the full picture?

The Launch of Shattered Space: A Rocky Start

Shattered Space officially launched on September 30 for PC and Xbox Series X/S, bringing with it a new storyline that ventures into the dark, uncharted corners of the cosmos. However, despite the massive buzz leading up to the release, the expansion hasn’t exactly landed smoothly. In its first 24 hours, the DLC garnered fewer than 600 reviews on Steam, with a staggering 57% of those reviews being negative. For an expansion from a studio with Bethesda’s pedigree, such mixed reception has led many to question whether this DLC lives up to expectations.

But why the backlash? Fans of the base game, as well as those who were disappointed by it, seem to converge on a common complaint: “more of the same.” In a universe as vast as Starfield, players hoped for a breath of fresh air with Shattered Space, something that would set it apart from the original experience. Unfortunately, many feel that the expansion brings more of what players have already seen, without any significant upgrades or innovations.

Unpacking the Mixed Reviews: What Fans Are Saying

The mixed reviews speak volumes about the Starfield community’s current mood. One notable Steam user, Epsilon, echoed the frustration of many when they said the DLC is “just as boring as the main game.” Comparisons to other recent DLC expansions, such as Cyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty, have further exposed what some see as the shortcomings of Shattered Space. Players point to poor writing, unbelievable characters, and a lack of meaningful innovation as key reasons why this expansion has failed to resonate.

On the flip side, not all reviews are negative. Some players, like Matty Engs, have praised the expansion for its visually appealing environments and a more compelling story arc compared to the main game. For these players, Shattered Space offers what they expected a new chapter in the Starfield saga that adds a bit of intrigue and excitement. Yet, even these positive reviews come with caveats, and it seems that enthusiasm is tempered by the reality that the expansion still feels a little too familiar.

The Storyline of Shattered Space: Rehash or Revelation?

In Shattered Space, players are thrust into the world of House Va’ruun, investigating a cosmic threat that promises to take the horror elements of Starfield to new levels. With brand-new weapons, spacesuits, and gear, there’s no shortage of cool stuff to collect. Yet, despite the setup, many players feel that the story doesn’t do enough to separate itself from the main game.

Critics of the DLC argue that the story’s potential is hindered by uninspired quest design and repetitive mechanics. Rather than creating a fresh experience, many players describe Shattered Space as an extension of the base game with minimal differences. Enzevil, another dissatisfied player, noted that the expansion is “more Starfield-like than the base game,” referring to the lacklustre narrative, poor writing, and underwhelming characters.

But what about those who love a good space-faring adventure? If you’re a fan of Bethesda’s traditional storytelling style, complete with mysteries to uncover and easter eggs galore, Shattered Space might be right up your alley. However, if you were hoping for something more akin to the grandiose DLCs of the past, like Skyrim’s Dragonborn or Fallout’s Far Harbor, this expansion might leave you wanting more.

What’s New in Shattered Space? (Or What Isn’t)

One of the most common gripes from players is the lack of truly new content in the DLC. Yes, Shattered Space introduces a new planet to explore, but outside of that, much of the experience feels like a retread of what players have already seen in Starfield. Ship parts? Outpost parts? New enemy types? For many players, these anticipated additions are glaringly absent.

At a price point of $30, many players are questioning the value of Shattered Space. Baequon, a Steam user, expressed disappointment, citing the reused assets and minimal additions to the game’s building and combat systems. For those who had hoped for an expansion that would elevate Starfield, this feels like a missed opportunity.

But is the DLC entirely without merit? No. For players who loved the base game and simply wanted more of that experience, Shattered Space offers an additional playground filled with new challenges. It’s just that for those looking for innovation or significant gameplay changes, Shattered Space falls short.

Bethesda’s Signature “Chosen One” Trope: Is It Getting Old?

One particularly polarizing aspect of Shattered Space is Bethesda’s continued reliance on the “Chosen One” trope. For players diving into the expansion, the feeling of being thrust into the spotlight as the universe’s savior is both a familiar and, for some, a frustrating experience.

The problem, as many players see it, isn’t the idea of being special it’s how quickly the DLC rushes to make you the hero. SilicaBags, a player who put a few hours into the expansion, commented on being “the chosen one after 30 minutes,” noting that it felt rushed and uninspired. In games like Elder Scrolls, where fantasy and prophecy are deeply woven into the narrative, this trope makes sense. But in the cold, distant universe of Starfield, players argue that the trope feels forced and out of place.

What Could Have Been: A Glimpse into the Missed Potential

It’s hard not to look at Shattered Space and wonder what could have been. Phantom Liberty, the recent DLC for Cyberpunk 2077, raised the bar for expansions in a big way. By delivering a fresh storyline, improved mechanics, and a sense of genuine progression, CD Projekt Red showcased how to do a DLC right.

Many players were hoping that Shattered Space would take a similar approach. Instead, the DLC feels more like an afterthought a way to give fans a little more content without pushing any boundaries. Hot-Cause-481, another Steam user, summed it up best: “Cyberpunk and Baldur’s Gate 3 really raised the bar when it comes to RPGs. People are just tired of Bethesda’s dated formula.”

Is Shattered Space Worth It?

So, after all the dust settles, the question remains: Is Shattered Space worth your time and money? If you’re a diehard fan of Starfield and simply want more of the same, then this expansion will likely scratch that itch. The new planet is fun to explore, and there are plenty of new challenges to take on.

However, if you were hoping for a game-changing experience, something that would elevate Starfield to new heights, you might want to temper your expectations. The general consensus from the gaming community is that Shattered Space offers more of what players already have whether that’s a good or bad thing depends entirely on what you’re looking for.

In the end, Shattered Space seems unlikely to change anyone’s mind. It’s a solid but unremarkable expansion, reflecting the same strengths and weaknesses as the base game. For some, that’s all they need. For others, it’s just another missed opportunity in a galaxy full of potential.