Starfield possible release date tipped for 2022 — expect an Xbox Series X and PC exclusive

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Time to find an Xbox Series X restock as Microsoft's biggest weapon against PS5 could release next year

Starfield
(Image credit: Bethesda)

Update: A new teaser trailer for Starfield suggest it'll be a cross of Skyrim meets The Expanse.

Starfield, the next RPG from Bethesda the developers of Skyrim and Fallout 4, is reportedly set for a release date in 2022 and looks likely to be an Xbox Series X and PC exclusive. 

While the news that Starfield will most likely be exclusive to Xbox/PC has been predicted since Microsoft acquired ZeniMax (Bethesda’s parent company), several analysts had tipped the game for a release in 2021. That now looks very unlikely as a tweet from Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier has suggested the game will instead be a 2022 release.

The news gets even worse for Xbox fans, as Schreier claims that the game is facing a launch in late 2022 rather than the first half of the year. While Starfield release date rumors have been flying around for a while, Schreier is one of the most reputable sources in the industry so there’s a strong possibility the game won’t be released until 2022.

At least the leak has been softened somewhat by Schreier also claiming that Bethesda plans to show off Starfield at E3 2021. This would be very welcome because beyond a vague teaser and a logo we basically know nothing about the game. Hopefully, next month’s E3 showcase brings actual gameplay and a confirmed release date.  

In a strange twist, if Starfield doesn’t launch this year then Bethesda’s output for 2021 will in fact be exclusive to the PS5, as both Deathloop and GhostWire: Tokyo (developed by Arkane and Tango Gameworks respectively, both games will be published by Bethesda) are timed exclusives on Sony’s console. That’s probably not quite how Microsoft envisaged its first year owning Bethesda would go. 

Starfield vacating this year would also mean that Xbox Series X is banking solely on Halo Infinite to fight the PS5 this holiday season. Sony has already released multiple exclusives this year, with more still to come including Horizon Forbidden West, so Starfield being pushed into 2022 is a real blow to the current Xbox software lineup. 

Perhaps by the time Starfield does release buying a next-gen console will actually be straightforward instead of the headache-inducing experience it currently is. If you’re still after a new gaming machine make sure to keep tabs on our Xbox Series X restock and PS5 restock guides, for the latest stock information as we get it. 

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Rory Mellon
Rory Mellon
Senior Entertainment Editor (UK)

Rory is a Senior Entertainment Editor at Tom’s Guide based in the UK. He covers a wide range of topics but with a particular focus on gaming and streaming. When he’s not reviewing the latest games, searching for hidden gems on Netflix, or writing hot takes on new gaming hardware, TV shows and movies, he can be found attending music festivals and getting far too emotionally invested in his favorite football team.