To start Starfield: Shattered Space, own and install the expansion, complete the main-story mission One Small Step, then grav-jump to an orbit that is not being used by a mission or encounter. A distress call should lead you to the star station The Oracle. Bethesda recommends level 35 for the best experience, but it is not an unlock requirement.
Before you start: check ownership and installation
You need the Starfield base game as well as Shattered Space. If you bought the expansion on its own, owning only the base game is not enough. Bethesda lists the expansion as included with its Premium Edition and Premium Upgrade offerings; bundles and availability can vary by platform and region, so check your platform’s store. Bethesda’s Starfield product page describes the standalone expansion and its base-game requirement.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Starfield: Standard Edition - Xbox Series X | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![Starfield (Standard Edition) [Xbox Series X]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51H0Hjwc50L._SL160_.jpg)
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Starfield (Standard Edition) [Xbox Series X] | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Starfield | Premium Upgrade | Xbox Series X|S & Windows Digital | $34.99 | Buy on Amazon |
For Xbox, open the Starfield tile’s menu, choose Manage Games and Add-ons, select Starfield, and check that Shattered Space is selected and marked installed. Bethesda also says the expansion can be found from the first featured item in the Creations menu. Confirm that you are signed into the Microsoft account that bought the DLC: Bethesda notes that the content is unavailable through Xbox Family Share. Bethesda’s Xbox installation and access guidance has the platform-specific details.
On PlayStation 5, Bethesda says Starfield editions became available starting April 7, 2026. Its Premium physical or digital edition includes Shattered Space; the Premium Upgrade is digital-only and requires the base game. Check the PlayStation Store in your region for current edition and bundle availability. Bethesda’s PlayStation 5 availability information explains those options.
#1 Best Overall
- Start your journey by customizing your appearance and deciding your Background and Traits
- Venture through the stars and explore more than 1000 planets
- Pilot and command the ship of your dreams.
Start the expansion
- Complete One Small Step. This introductory main-quest mission is the story prerequisite for the expansion’s start trigger. You do not need to finish the main story.
- Grav-jump to an unoccupied orbit. Choose a destination orbit that is not already being used by a mission or encounter. Bethesda does not direct players to one particular named system.
- Listen for the distress call. The call introduces The Oracle, a large star station. Bethesda says the signal may take several grav-jumps to appear, so repeat the step at another unoccupied orbit if necessary.
- Board The Oracle to continue. The expansion’s first mission is What Remains. Its listed prerequisite is One Small Step. Bethesda’s mission guide identifies the opening mission and its prerequisite.
Bethesda’s September 27, 2024 launch announcement describes the trigger as the first grav-jump after One Small Step to an orbit not used by a mission or encounter. The call does not always arrive on the first attempt, however; Bethesda’s support guidance says several jumps may be needed. Bethesda’s launch announcement gives the original trigger description. The expansion launched September 30, 2024, for Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Is level 35 required?
No. Bethesda recommends level 35 for the best experience, but says any player can take on Shattered Space. Treat level 35 as difficulty guidance, not a requirement to unlock the distress call or enter the expansion. Bethesda’s start and level guidance states both points.
Rank #2
- Includes: Starfield Standard Edition (Disc)
- Travel to the stars in this next-gen RPG from the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4
- Create a character according to your imagination and explore the endless expanses in unparalleled freedom
- The goal of this epic journey? The answer to humanity's greatest question
If the distress call does not appear
Try these checks in order, following Bethesda’s troubleshooting guidance:
- Make a new manual save.
- Exit the game, then reload it.
- Load the new manual save.
- Grav-jump to a different location whose orbit is not occupied by an event or mission.
- If the signal still does not appear, verify that Shattered Space is installed and that you are using the account that owns it. Bethesda’s support answer also suggests reinstalling the game if the other steps fail.
Make sure One Small Step is complete before repeating the jumps; without that prerequisite, the expansion trigger will not begin. For Xbox-specific installation and account checks, see Bethesda’s installation guidance. Bethesda’s general troubleshooting steps are on its Shattered Space start support page.
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Rank #3
- TELL YOUR STORY - In Starfield the most important story is the one you tell with your character. Start your journey by customizing your appearance and deciding your Background and Traits. Will you be an experienced explorer, a charming diplomat, a stealthy cyber runner, or something else entirely? The choice is yours. Decide who you will be and what you will become.
- EXPLORE OUTER SPACE - Venture through the stars and explore more than 1000 planets. Navigate bustling cities, explore dangerous bases, and traverse wild landscapes. Meet and recruit a memorable cast of characters, join in the adventures of various factions, and embark on quests across the Settled Systems. A new story or experience is always waiting to be discovered.
- CAPTAIN THE SHIP OF YOUR DREAMS - Pilot and command the ship of your dreams. Personalize the look of your ship, modify critical systems including weapons and shields, and assign crew members to provide unique bonuses. In deep space you will engage in high-stakes dogfights, encounter random missions, dock at star stations, and even board and commandeer enemy ships to add to your collection.
- DISCOVER, COLLECT, BUILD - Explore planets and discover the fauna, flora, and resources needed to craft everything from medicine and food to equipment and weapons. Build outposts and hire a crew to passively extract materials and establish cargo links to transfer resources between them. Invest these raw materials into research projects to unlock unique crafting recipes.
- LOCK AND LOAD - Space can be a dangerous place. A refined combat system gives you the tools to deal with any situation. Whether you prefer long-range rifles, laser weapons, or demolitions, each weapon type can be modified to complement your playstyle. Zero G environments add a chaotic spectacle to combat, while boost packs give players freedom to maneuver like never before.
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