How to preload Starfield: Dates, file size, platforms, more

Starfield is coming soon, and many players are curious if they can download the game in advance to avoid wasting time on the launch day. Here’s all you need about how to preload Starfield on Xbox and PC, as well as its file size.

Starfield is set to arrive on September 6, and it’s already expected to be one of the biggest releases of 2023. Bethesda’s space RPG is set to take players on an epic single-player journey that could take dozens of hours to complete.

With so much content to see and planets to visit, fans are looking to get a head start by preloading Starfield early. This will ensure they don’t have to waste valuable exploring time by installing updates on day one.

With this in mind, here’s everything you need to know about how to preload Starfield.

• Starfield preload dates
• How to preload Starfield on Xbox Series X/S
• How to preload Starfield on PC
• Starfield file size

Starfield preload dates

Starfield preload became available for Xbox users on Thursday, August 17, 2023. Meanwhile, PC players will be able to preload on Steam from Thursday, August 30.

This means that Xbox users have three weeks to get the installation done before the game’s September 6 release date, while PC players will have one week. However, this should be plenty of time to ensure that fans with a variety of internet speeds have Starfield downloaded in time.

Prepare for launch.#Starfield has gone gold! Preloads begin tomorrow for @Xbox X|S and Windows PC and August 30 for Steam. pic.twitter.com/LC8xJnI8WN

— Bethesda Game Studios (@BethesdaStudios) August 16, 2023

How to preload Starfield on Xbox Series X/S

Players can preload Starfield as long they have preordered a digital copy of the game or have an Xbox Game Pass subscription. Those who have preordered a physical version will have to wait until launch day. Meanwhile, anyone who hasn’t secured their copy will have to make the purchase or get the Game Pass to begin preloading.

Once your preorder is confirmed or your Xbox Game Pass membership is activated, simply follow these steps to preload Starfield:

1. Head over to the Xbox Store and search for ‘Starfield.’
2. Select the version you preordered or the Standard Edition if you’re a Game Pass player.
3. Press ‘Pre-install.’
4. Wait until the launch date to begin playing.

How to preload Starfield on PC

Starfield players on PC can preload the game as long as they have it preordered on Steam. Once your copy is secured, simply head to the game’s Steam page and you’ll have the option to download it ahead of time.

Check out a step-by-step guide on how to preload Starifeld on PC below:

1. Head to the Starfield Steam page.
2. Make sure you have the game preordered.
3. Once purchased, select ‘Download‘ to install the game file that’ll be ready for day one.

Then, all that’s left to do is wait for the application to unlock when Starfield arrives on September 6 to begin your journey across the universe.

Starfield file size

Starfield’s file size will clock in at around 125GB, according to the game’s official Xbox Store listing. The exact storage needed based on preload data is 126.1 GB for consoles and 139.84 GB for PC but this could easily vary depending on the size of the day one patch.

This would make Starfield one of the bigger games to arrive in recent memory. However, when you consider the sheer number of planets you’ll be able to visit, the large file size shouldn’t be a surprise.

That was everything you need to know about how to preload Starfield. For more on Bethesda’s upcoming space-themed RPG, check out the following links:

Will Starfield be on Steam Deck? | Will Starfield have mod support? | Starfield early access | Is Starfield coming to PlayStation? | Will Starfield have multiplayer or co-op? | Will Starfield have New Game Plus? | Will Starfield have DLC? | Are Starfield’s planets procedurally generated?