Starfield, the latest open-world space exploration game from Bethesda, has taken gamers to the far reaches of the universe, offering a sprawling galaxy with over a thousand planets to explore. However, the promise of the forthcoming Shattered Space DLC has the community buzzing with anticipation. With the potential to expand the narrative, add fresh content, and breathe new life into this epic universe, the Shattered Space DLC holds incredible promise. In this in-depth exploration, we delve into the top ten essential features and content additions that would make the Starfield Shattered Space DLC a true masterpiece.
- 1. House Va‘ruun Unveiled
- 2. Starborn Mysteries
- 3. Expanded Random Space Encounters
- 4. Side Quests that Impact the Settled Systems
- 5. New Dimensions and Alternate Realities
- 6. Extensive Faction Questlines
- 7. Settling New Star Systems and Alien Encounters
- 8. Giant Mechs for Ground Combat
- 9. Colony-Wide Faction Wars
- 10. Fresh Galaxy Exploration
- Conclusion
1. House Va‘ruun Unveiled
In the colossal galactic drama that is Starfield, one notable faction has received less spotlight than it deserves: House Va‘ruun. For those who are players in the Colony War, the absence of significant House Va‘ruun content feels like an opportunity missed. At present, the game provides a mere side quest involving Andreja, a companion with ties to the Va‘ruun. Beyond that, the enigmatic worshippers of the Great Serpent remain a mystery.
The Shattered Space DLC must address this by expanding House Va‘ruun’s presence. The DLC could introduce uncharted Va‘ruun-controlled star systems, allowing intrepid explorers to chart this enigmatic faction’s territory. Perhaps a hidden slate or a trail leading to an enemy Va‘ruun ship could be the gateway to unveiling new Va‘ruun narratives. Since even Andreja cannot return to her homeland, discovering more about the Va‘ruun through intricate quests and storylines would be a remarkable addition.
2. Starborn Mysteries
One of the enigmatic threads that runs through Starfield’s narrative is the Starborn faction. As players journey through the game, a few pieces of this puzzle are revealed. However, there is still much left to interpret. To keep players engaged and satisfy their curiosity, the Shattered Space DLC could delve deeper into the lore of the Starborn.
As they unlock the mysteries of this faction, players could be rewarded with new abilities, technologies, or unique gameplay experiences. By further enriching the Starborn storyline, the DLC would offer a compelling incentive for players to return to the game’s universe and explore these intriguing enigmas.
3. Expanded Random Space Encounters
One of the most captivating aspects of Starfield is the element of surprise while exploring space. Encounters with various ships and characters can range from heartwarming to exhilarating, enhancing the immersion and unpredictability of space travel. To invigorate the sense of adventure, the Shattered Space DLC should introduce an array of new random encounters.
These encounters could vary from peaceful interactions with spacefaring individuals to thrilling run-ins with spacers, pirates, or even mysterious alien entities. Adding a broader range of such encounters would not only infuse life into the universe but also incentivize players to continue exploring the vastness of space.
4. Side Quests that Impact the Settled Systems
Starfield offers an abundance of side quests that provide diversion but often lack a substantial impact on the settled systems. The Shattered Space DLC has the opportunity to address this by extending the consequences of these quests into the game world. For instance, the rogue AI known as Juno, after a side quest, disappears into space, never to be heard from again. The DLC could bring Juno back as a significant threat, perhaps launching destructive attacks on ships or even forming a faction of its own, thereby weaving these side quests into the broader narrative.
This approach would not only make players’ actions feel more significant but also enhance the interactivity of the game world. The ripple effects of their choices would give players a compelling reason to invest in the storylines of these side quests.
5. New Dimensions and Alternate Realities
Starfield’s New Game Plus is a fascinating feature, offering players the opportunity to revisit the game with certain enhancements. While this is a logical extension of the gameplay, from a storytelling standpoint, it leaves much to be desired. The Shattered Space DLC could go beyond the New Game Plus concept and offer players entirely new dimensions to explore.
These alternate realities could introduce fresh challenges, enemies, and mysteries. This could be a bold move that reinvigorates the game for seasoned players, providing a distinctive and engaging experience with each new playthrough.
6. Extensive Faction Questlines
The base game of Starfield presents players with compelling questlines for major factions such as the United Colonies, Ryujin Industries, Constellation, and Freestar Collective. These missions offer a well-structured beginning, middle, and end, but they often leave players craving more. The Shattered Space DLC could build upon these questlines, extending them into uncharted territories or entirely new galaxies.
By doing so, the DLC would not only enrich the narrative but also provide players with hours of additional content. It could also tie up loose ends left by the base game, answering lingering questions and deepening the connection between players and the factions they align with.
7. Settling New Star Systems and Alien Encounters
The expansion of the settled systems is an intriguing possibility. While the existing star systems are impressive in their own right, the Shattered Space DLC could introduce technological advancements that enable settlers to explore and colonize new star systems. This would open up a realm of opportunities for players to chart uncharted territory.
Moreover, the DLC could introduce humanoid alien species, enhancing the diversity of the game world. While Starfield’s current aliens are primarily hostile creatures, the addition of a humanoid species would provide fresh dynamics to explore in the narrative. It could also offer players the chance to create and role-play as these new characters, adding depth to the gameplay.
8. Giant Mechs for Ground Combat
Starfield hints at the existence of giant controllable mechs, which were once powerful war machines and were subsequently banned after the Colony War. Though remnants of these colossal machines exist in the game, they remain inaccessible to players. The Shattered Space DLC could address this gap by introducing functional, controllable mechanisms.
Given Starfield’s robust ship creation system, it’s not a stretch to envision ground-based mechs that can dock with player ships. This addition would not only be thrilling but also provide an alternative to running and fast travel, enriching the gameplay experience and adding variety to exploration.
9. Colony-Wide Faction Wars
The title “Shattered Space” hints at the potential for a grand faction-wide conflict within the Settled Systems. Since the Colony War, tensions between factions have simmered beneath the surface, with each vying for control over different star systems. While Starfield has not explicitly pushed players to pick a side, the Shattered Space DLC could change that.
Introducing an epic, faction-wide war narrative would not only lead to significant plot developments but also force players to make difficult choices and alliances. Depending on the territories controlled by various factions, players might find themselves unable to land on certain planets or face unique challenges based on the current state of the galactic war. This large-scale conflict would breathe new life into the game and provide countless narrative possibilities.
10. Fresh Galaxy Exploration
Finally, the Shattered Space DLC could take exploration to the next level by offering entirely new galaxies to discover. The base game’s star systems are captivating, but the DLC could unveil new frontiers for players to chart. These new galaxies could be filled with diverse planets, unique ecosystems, and thrilling challenges.
By expanding the game’s universe into uncharted territories, the DLC would entice players to embark on epic journeys and uncover the secrets hidden among the stars. This would not only be an enticing addition for players but also provide an opportunity for the developers to showcase their creativity in designing varied and intriguing cosmic landscapes.
Conclusion
The Starfield Shattered Space DLC holds immense potential to elevate an already captivating game to new heights. By incorporating these ten essential additions, Bethesda can create an expansion that not only satisfies the curiosity of veteran players but also entices new ones to explore the depths of the universe. From enriching the lore of House Va‘ruun to introducing faction-wide wars and galaxy-spanning adventures, the DLC could truly shatter the boundaries of space exploration in gaming. With the right content and features, the Shattered Space DLC has the potential to become a classic in the open-world genre, cementing Starfield’s place among the stars of gaming.
