Starfield’s next update includes 60FPS mode for Xbox Series X, detailed surface maps and more

01.05.2024 - 17:07 / videogameschronicle.com / Todd Howard / Bethesda Softworks / Jordan Middler

Bethesda has detailed the next Starfield update, which includes improved surface maps and new performance options, among other features.

Update 1.11.33 (see the full patch notes), which is available now in Steam Beta ahead its general release on May 15, includes detailed surface maps, something fans have requested since the release of the game.

These maps show every piece of geometry in an area, including remote locations rather than just large cities. Players can now also see markers for important locations in large cities, such as shops, mission locations, and more.

An “Extreme” difficulty has also been introduced, which will is now the game’s highest difficulty setting.

Players can now customise the interior of their ships, similar to the way that players could already customise their homesteads. This includes changing the position of furniture and other decorative items.

The update will also change the game’s performance mode on Xbox Series X. The performance mode will now target 60FPS and for users with a VRR display, a 40FPS option will be available.

“You can now choose between 30, 40, 60 or an Uncapped frame rate on VRR displays,” Bethesda said. “If you do not have a VRR display running 120hz, you will still be able to select from 30 or 60. Screen tearing may occur at times when selecting 60 on a non-VRR display.

“You can now prioritize between Visuals and Performance while trying to maintain the frame rate target. If you’re choosing a frame rate target of 60 or above, we recommend changing this to Performance. Prioritizing Visuals keeps the highest resolution while maintaining full detail for special effects, lighting, and crowds.

“Prioritizing Performance lowers internal resolution and detail for special effects, lighting, and crowds. Both modes may adjust internal resolution dynamically when scenes or action get heavier as well. When switching between modes, you will see the lighting change briefly as the system catches up to the new mode.”

At the end of the update video viewable above, it was also confirmed that Bethesda is working on the game’s first land vehicle.

Bethesda’s Todd Howard confirmed this week that Starfield’s Shattered Space story expansion will be released this fall, and it’s reportedly targeting a September launch date.

He also reassured fans that Starfield will support console mods and that the Creation Kit modding software is coming soon.

Bethesda released Fallout 4’s long-awaited next-gen update for Xbox Series X/S and PS5 last week.