Starfield players on Xbox will no longer have to deal with the game’s 30-frames-per-second (fps) cap. As part of an update arriving on May 15th, Bethesda will let Xbox Series X players run the game at 60fps.
The 60fps option comes as part of several new display customization settings. The game will let you choose to prioritize visuals to “[keep] the highest resolution while maintaining full detail for special effects, lighting, and crowds” or choose to prioritize frame rate performance, which will “[lower] internal resolution and detail for special effects, lighting, and crowds.” Bethesda recommends choosing the performance mode when running the game at 60fps or above.
It also recommends a variable refresh rate (VRR) display running at 120Hz, but you don’t need one to run Starfield at higher frame rates. The only downside is that you might have to deal with occasional screen-tearing, and you’ll also get fewer options to customize your display. With a VRR display, you can pick 30, 40, 60, or uncapped frame rate modes.
Several other features are coming with the May 15th update, including more detailed surface maps that should make it easier to explore your surroundings, as well as new ship customization tools and gameplay options, such as the ability to access your ship cargo from the player inventory menu. The update is available in beta on Steam now.
Down the line, Bethesda plans on adding a major Shattered Space expansion, along with a new land vehicle and official mod support. We might hear more about what Bethesda has in store for Starfield during the Xbox Games Showcase on June 9th.