New Evidence Points to Major Starfield Update in 2026

It looks like the long-awaited 2.0 update for Starfield may actually be real, as evidence continues to suggest that Bethesda showed off the patch to a handful of content creators and journalists behind closed doors last year. Bethesda has yet to comment on the rumors, nor has it officially stated that a major Starfield update is in development, but rumors and insider sources continue to claim that the controversial space RPG could be about to set off on a redemption arc with its biggest patch yet.

It’s been over two years since Bethesda launched Starfield, the studio’s first new IP in 25 years. Unfortunately, despite being a massively anticipated release, reviews for Starfield were mixed. While critics praised the RPG’s exploration and storytelling, many fans felt let down by the title. At the time of writing, Starfield has a “mixed” review score on Steam, with players calling the title “boring” and “mediocre.” Some of the recurring complaints players have about the game are its constant loading screens, barren planets, boring story, and lackluster quests. Things didn’t seem to get any better when Bethesda released the Shattered Space DLC, either, as its reviews were even worse than the base game.

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Starfield’s Rumored 2.0 Update Likely Coming This Year

Despite some valid criticisms about Bethesda’s latest RPG, that hasn’t stopped the studio from releasing new updates for Starfield. While it has been nearly six months since the last patch was released, it looks like the studio may have been quietly working on a major 2.0 update for Starfield. Rumors of the massive patch began circulating late last year, but now even more evidence of its existence has emerged as MrMattyPlays from the Defining Duke podcast claims to have been one of the individuals who was shown the update last year. “The way Bethesda’s handling 2.0 is weird,” the co-host said. He then explained that he saw the update behind closed doors and was told he could reveal that the patch is, in fact, real, but couldn’t talk about its content. He also notes how the studio did not provide a release window for the update.

This isn’t the first time that content creators and journalists have claimed to have been shown the rumored update. Reports emerged back in December that revealed Bethesda was planning a major patch for Starfield in 2026, but the studio has yet to make the news official. Some insiders have said the update could be comparable to Cyberpunk 2077‘s 2.0 patch, which completely overhauled many parts of the RPG and improved numerous aspects, including the game’s skill tree, combat, AI, weapons, and much more. However, others have said that expectations should be tempered, as the 2.0 patch might not be as significant as Cyberpunk 2077‘s.

Given the sheer number of rumors and general chatter around this update, many were expecting Starfield to make an appearance at the 2025 Game Awards. But, despite the fact that Bethesda itself had even said there were a lot of exciting things planned for 2025, fans were left massively disappointed when the event came to a close with no word on what the future holds for Starfield. While it seems to be all but confirmed that a 2.0 update is in the works, there’s still no word on when Bethesda intends to host an official reveal.

Bethesda also teased something mysterious for Starfield all the way back in September, while celebrating the RPG’s second anniversary. A glitched message during the thank-you video appeared to reveal the phrase “Terran Armada.” Many expected this to be for a second DLC, which Bethesda has confirmed is in development, but the studio has once again remained quiet on the matter.

Rumors also continue to circulate of a potential PS5 version of Starfield, which could come alongside the rumored 2.0 update and second DLC. If all of these rumors turn out to be true, it could be a massive year for Starfield and even give it the resurgence that it desperately needs.