Starfield: Shattered Space launched on September 30, 2024, with a reported global unlock at 11 a.m. EDT (3 p.m. UTC). Bethesda recommends level 35 for the best experience, but that is guidance—not a minimum: lower-level characters can start the expansion if they own it and have completed One Small Step.
When did Shattered Space release?
Shattered Space released September 30, 2024, for Xbox Series X|S and PC. Bethesda announced the date and published a global launch-times graphic in its launch announcement. For a readable time conversion, Game8 reported the simultaneous unlock as 11 a.m. EDT, or 3 p.m. UTC, on September 30. London’s reported time was 4 p.m. BST that day; in parts of Asia-Pacific, the local calendar date had already become October 1. These are historical launch times, not a current release schedule.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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Starfield Visual Compendium | $36.40 | Buy on Amazon |
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Starfield Shattered Space: Guide complet pour explorer, combattre et survivre dans les confins de... | $19.55 | Buy on Amazon |
What level should you be, and is level 35 required?
Bethesda recommends level 35 for the best experience, but level 35 is not an entry requirement. Bethesda Game Studios said, “Any player can take on the challenge in Shattered Space, but reaching level 35 is recommended for the best experience.” Xbox Wire likewise explains that lower-level players can access the expansion. The recommendation concerns the challenge of the experience; it does not prevent a lower-level character from beginning it.
How do you start the Shattered Space DLC?
You need to own and install the expansion and complete One Small Step, the introductory main quest mission. Then use the following sequence:
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- Complete One Small Step.
- Grav-jump to an orbit that is not already associated with a mission or encounter.
- Respond to the distress call that appears and follow it to The Oracle, the star station that opens the expansion.
The distress call may not appear after the first eligible jump. Try another orbit that is not tied to a mission or encounter.
If the distress call does not appear
Bethesda Support advises checking that the expansion is installed and trying additional eligible grav-jumps. If it still does not trigger, make a manual save, exit the game, reload, load that save, and try an eligible new location. Bethesda suggests reinstalling the expansion if the issue continues.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do you need a particular edition to play?
You need the base game and the Shattered Space expansion. Bethesda’s launch-era announcement said Premium and Constellation editions included the expansion; Standard Edition owners could purchase the Digital Premium Upgrade, and Game Pass subscribers could upgrade to Premium. Those details describe the launch-era offer, not a guarantee of today’s bundle terms. Check the current Xbox or PC store listing for the entitlement attached to your edition. Steam’s listing also states that the DLC requires the Starfield base game.
What does Shattered Space add?
The expansion takes the story to Va’ruun’kai, House Va’ruun’s homeworld. A massive vortex has devastated Dazra and thrown the faction into turmoil; the story explores the disaster, its survivors, and followers of the Great Serpent. Xbox Wire describes more than 50 locations to discover on Va’ruun’kai and says the expansion’s story remains on the planet, though players can leave and return.
Quick Recap
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