Bethesda and Microsoft have presented the system requirements for Starfield. And they are indeed demanding. MeinMMO presents the requirements and explains what you need to know.
The system requirements for Starfield are demanding. At least, when compared to the system requirements of Diablo 4.
MeinMMO presents the system requirements for Starfield and explains what you should know about it. However, please note that the data could change before release.
Starfield: System Requirements PC – Full HD, 1440p, and 4K
What should you consider? The system requirements for Starfield may change in the coming months. It is not unusual for developers to adjust the presented requirements before release.
Minimum Requirements:
- Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit
- Processor (CPU): Intel Core i7-6800K or AMD Ryzen 5 2600x
- Graphics Card (GPU): Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 5700
- Memory (RAM): 16 GB
- Storage: 125 GB SSD
- DirectX Version: 12
Recommended Requirements:
- Operating System: Windows 10/11 64-bit
- Processor (CPU): Intel Core i5-10600K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600x
- Graphics Card (GPU): Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT
- Memory (RAM): 16 GB
- Storage: 125 GB SSD
- DirectX Version: 12
Recommended Requirements for 4K:
- Operating System: Windows 10/11 64-bit
- Processor (CPU): AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- Graphics Card (GPU): AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT
- Memory (RAM): 16 GB
- Storage: 125 GB SSD
- DirectX Version: 12
What do the data mean? “Minimum requirements” means that you can at least play the game. Often this means gaming at 720p (HD) with 30 FPS and low settings. Therefore, do not expect too much.
In addition, Starfield partner AMD provides information on what hardware you need for the most common resolutions (via amd.com):
- Full HD 1080p
- Processor (CPU): AMD Ryzen 5 7600
- Graphics Card (GPU): AMD Radeon RX 7600
- ‘The perfect entry specifications for 1080p gamers to experience great graphics effects and frame rates.’
- WQHD 1440p
- Processor (CPU): AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
- Graphics Card (GPU): AMD Radeon RX 6800 series
- ‘Ideal for hardcore 1440p or ultrawide gamers to provide maximum visual settings and high FPS.’
- 4K 2160p
- Processor (CPU): AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- Graphics Card (GPU): AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT
- ‘For uncompromising 4K gamers who want the absolute best Starfield experience.’
Starfield System Requirements in Detail: What hardware do I need?
If you want to play Starfield at all, you need at least an Intel Core i7-6800K or AMD Ryzen 5 2600x and Nvidia GTX 1070 Ti or an AMD Radeon RX 5700. This means you already need a mid-range PC if you want to start Starfield at release.
The recommended settings with RTX 2080 and RX 6800 XT cause confusion. This is because the RX 6800 XT is significantly faster than the now outdated RTX 2080. Already another game on Steam requires an RTX 2080 or RX 6800 XT for “recommended settings”.
Currently missing detailed information: So the “recommended requirements” could also apply for 4K with ray tracing enabled. We consider that unlikely, but ray tracing might be the reason why a seemingly weaker RTX 2080 has to compete with a significantly faster RX 6800 XT in the requirements. Nvidia graphics cards often provide better overall performance with ray tracing enabled.
Therefore, we have to be patient until Bethesda or Microsoft provide detailed information. We will keep you updated on MeinMMO if Bethesda provides new hints.
Do I need a new PC? If you have already upgraded in the last 2 or 3 years, you should be able to play Starfield without any problems. Even with older hardware, you should generally be able to play if you at least meet the minimum requirements. With the RTX 3060, you’re already faster than with the GTX 1070 Ti.
You rarely need a completely new PC anyway. It might be worth taking a look at the second-hand market. With a bit of luck, you might get an RTX 3080 for 500 euros and won’t have to reach for the much too expensive RTX 4000 series, even if many GPU deals suggest that.
Xbox as an alternative: If you are considering buying an Xbox for the release of Starfield, take a look at the following advice on MeinMMO. In the following article, we explain the key differences between the large and small models:
Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S – Which console should I buy?
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