Updated October 8, 2026: The claim that Starfield’s next major update will be comparable to Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty began as a December 2025 rumor relayed in a Reddit post—not as a Bethesda announcement. Bethesda later confirmed continued support and new Starborn content planned for 2027, but has not described that content as a Phantom Liberty-scale expansion.
Where did the “big one” and Phantom Liberty comparison come from?
A Reddit post dated December 16, 2025, characterized occasional Xbox insider Gaz as saying that Starfield’s upcoming update would be akin to Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. The post is a community repost and discussion, not the original report or a direct statement from Gaz. The available source does not include a direct, attributable quote from Gaz, and the thread’s comments do not verify the claim. Read the Reddit repost and discussion.
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Starfield: Standard Edition - Xbox Series X | $48.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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![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 |
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Starfield | Premium Upgrade | Xbox Series X|S & Windows Digital | $34.99 | Buy on Amazon |
That distinction matters: “compared to Phantom Liberty” is the rumor’s framing, not a confirmed description from Bethesda. The available evidence does not establish what the rumored update would contain, when it would arrive, or how large it would be.
What has Bethesda confirmed since the rumor?
In a roadmap statement dated July 18, 2026, Bethesda Game Studios said Starfield would continue to receive new stories, targeted gameplay improvements, and additional updates, while preparing new Starborn content for 2027. The statement confirms ongoing support and the planned Starborn content; it does not specify the content’s scale, features, or whether it will be a standalone expansion. RPGWatch reproduces Bethesda Game Studios’ roadmap statement.
#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.
The same statement reports that more than 17 million players have logged almost a billion hours in Starfield, and that more than 40% of players customize their experience through Creations. Those are figures Bethesda provided in its statement, as reproduced by RPGWatch—not independently verified player-count measurements.
What happened to the update that was “next” in 2025?
A report dated April 7, 2026 says Starfield update 1.16.236, called Free Lanes, released across platforms. It describes cruise mode, X-Tech crafting for weapons and armor, additional content including a vehicle, and fixes; the report also associates the Terran Armada DLC with the release. This is a later release, not evidence that the 2025 Phantom Liberty comparison was accurate. Read the Free Lanes release report.
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
Is Starfield’s planned 2027 content equivalent to Phantom Liberty?
That has not been established. The rumor made the comparison, while Bethesda’s July 2026 statement confirmed broad support plans and new Starborn content for 2027 without outlining its scope. The available sources do not support a like-for-like comparison of story scale, features, format, or release plan with Phantom Liberty. It is therefore accurate to call the comparison an unconfirmed rumor—not a promise or confirmed description of Bethesda’s plans.
Quick Recap
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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