Summary
As the first original IP from Bethesda in over 25 years, there was a lot of hype and excitement leading up toStarfield’s launch. After all, following the release of 2015’sFallout 4, BGS fans had waited nearly a decade for a new single player game from the renowned RPG developer. On top of that,Starfieldwas even positioned as a system seller for Xbox consoles, due to it being exclusive to the platform. When the game finally launched in September 2023, however, it wasn’t able to live up to everyone’s lofty expectations. ThoughStarfieldreceived mostly solid reviews from critics, the reception it received from fans was far more divisive, as many criticized the game for its exploration, presentation, and plot, among other things. Ultimately, what was meant to be a celebratory release for Bethesda ended up being embroiled in controversy.
Even though the reception toStarfieldhas been mixed, Bethesda has shown no signs of giving up on the game; on the contrary, the developer has doubled down on supporting its ambitious space RPG. Not only has the studio releasedconsistent content updates forStarfieldsince launch, but it’s also set to drop a major story expansion for the game later in 2024, titledShattered Space. While Bethesda hasn’t shared much information about this paid DLC, it’s revealed even less about what will come beyond it. Some recent rumors, however, might give fans a clue as to what the developer has up its sleeves forStarfieldin 2025.
Rumors Suggest That Bethesda is Working on a New Expansion For Starfield Called Starborn
Zenimax’s Recent Starborn Trademark Caught the Attention of Fans
Eagle-eyed fans on Twitter recently spotted that Zenimax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Game Studios,filed a trademark for the nameStarbornon Jul 16, 2025. While nothing in this registration is explicitly linked toStarfield, the chances of it being associated with Bethesda’s space RPG are very high, considering the fact that “Starborn” is a term used in the game itself. Even if it is indeed related toStarfield, it’s not exactly clear what this trademark is for, but fans are theorizing that it might be the name for the game’s next expansion afterShattered Space.
A Second Starfield Expansion is Likely in the Works
Although a secondStarfieldexpansion hasn’t been formally announced yet, there is good reason to believe that more story DLC for the game is in the works. In an interview with MrMattyPlays in June 2024, Bethesda Game Studios directorTodd Howard shared some information about the studio’s future plans forStarfield. Besides providing some additional details about the upcomingShattered Spaceexpansion, the developer revealed that BGS is planning a “Year 2” roadmap for its space RPG. While Howard declined to comment on what exactly fans should expect of these updates, he did state that Bethesda wants to release a new expansion forStarfieldannually for as long as possible. Based off this information, it looks like fans are very likely to get more story DLC for the game in 2025.
The Title of the Rumored Starfield Expansion Could Clue Fans in on What it’s About
IfStarbornis indeed the name for the nextStarfieldexpansion in 2025, then this title could give fans a clue as to what the story DLC could be about. In the game,the Starborn are an enigmatic factionthat serve as both an antagonistic force and the catalyst behindStarfield’s main story. Assuming thisStarbornexpansion is real, then perhaps it could give players further insight into the lore behind this mysterious group. Additionally, Bethesda could take things a step further by making this DLC a call-back of sorts toSkyrim’sDragonbornexpansion, which featured Miraak, the First Dragonborn, as a primary antagonist.
Sadly, it’ll probably be a while before Bethesda reveals what this potentialStarbornexpansion is about and if it even exists. There is, at the very least, a small chance that it getsteased at Gamescom 2024, as Microsoft has already confirmed thatStarfieldwill make an appearance there.
Starfield
WHERE TO PLAY
Starfield is the first new universe in 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4. In this next generation role-playing game set amongst the stars, create any character you want and explore with unparalleled freedom as you embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery.The year is 2330. Humanity has ventured beyond our solar system, settling new planets, and living as a spacefaring people. From humble beginnings as a space miner, you will join Constellation – the last group of space explorers seeking rare artifacts throughout the galaxy – and navigate the vast expanse of the Settled Systems in Bethesda Game Studios’ biggest and most ambitious game.
