Bethesda Surprises Fans with Starfield Patch Amid Oblivion Remaster Hype

Amid the growing buzz around *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered*, Bethesda has quietly released a surprise patch for *Starfield*. The update introduces new ‘Very Low’ display settings aimed at boosting performance, expanded support for Creations (mods), and a series of bug fixes targeting quests, vehicles, the user interface, and the *Shattered Space* DLC.

Currently available in the Steam beta, PC players can opt in to test the latest changes. Bethesda has invited the community to provide feedback and has shared detailed patch notes to keep players informed.

While this update primarily focuses on optimization and stability improvements, it doesn’t include any major new content, leaving fans still eagerly awaiting news on future DLC plans for the game.

*Starfield*, Bethesda’s first new IP in 25 years, launched in September 2023. Despite high expectations, it received a more lukewarm reception compared to the studio’s acclaimed *Elder Scrolls* and *Fallout* titles. Its first major expansion, *Shattered Space*, released in September 2024, and currently holds a “mostly negative” user review rating on Steam.

Despite reaching a player base of 15 million, questions have arisen about whether Bethesda might shift focus back to its more established franchises. However, the developer has stated that there are “exciting things” planned for *Starfield* this year, amid concerns from the community regarding limited communication and updates. In June 2024, Bethesda reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing support for the game and confirmed that at least one additional story expansion would follow *Shattered Space*. In a recent interview with YouTube channel *MrMattyPlays*, Todd Howard of Bethesda Game Studios hinted at plans to release annual story expansions for the foreseeable future.

Earlier this year, speculation about a potential PlayStation 5 release gained traction after fans spotted a PlayStation logo on Bethesda’s official Creations website. The logo appeared alongside a work-in-progress ship decals Creation for *Starfield*. Although the Creation was later removed, the discovery fueled rumors that the game, currently available on PC and Xbox, might soon expand to PS5.

Ranking the Best Starfield Companions and Crew

While many fans are captivated by the release of *Oblivion Remastered*, *Starfield* players are hopeful that Microsoft and Bethesda will make a major announcement during the upcoming Xbox Games Showcase on June 9. Could the event reveal both the PS5 version and a new expansion? Or might Bethesda follow the *Oblivion Remastered* strategy and surprise fans with a shadow drop? Only a few weeks remain until we find out.

Starfield Update 1.15.214 Patch Notes

FEATURES

• Introduced ‘Very Low’ display settings to enhance performance on lower-end hardware
• Creation Kit: Added support for creators to add new icons to the game
• Creations Store now supports bundled mod downloads
• Creation Kit: Mod file size limit increased to 2GB for uploads

BUG FIXES

GENERAL

• Fixed an error that could occur when restoring load order after installing and deleting multiple mods
• Resolved a possible crash when loading a plugin containing an ingredient form
• Fixed a control lock that could happen when switching views while sitting in a pilot seat
• Addressed a rare movement lock during forced dialogue sequences
• Solved a control lock issue when disabling a vehicle Creation that a save file depends on
• Fixed a rare control lock when opening a menu immediately after loading a save during take-off
• Resolved issue preventing exit from vanity camera on PC
• Fixed a crash related to building movement or removal at the Main Outpost on Andraphon
• Fixed a rare crash upon entering the Unity
• Corrected an issue where rapid quicksave use could delete some saves
• General crash and performance improvements
• UI enhancements for Creations

GAMEPLAY

• Outpost Management skill limits for Cargo Link and Robots now persist post-Unity
• Space-Adept legendary effect no longer applies a negative terrestrial damage modifier
• Fixed issue preventing cargo access in certain interiors
• Clarified Malnourished and Hydrated status effect descriptions
• Fixed Grav jumping issue after being hailed in Freestar or UC space
• Resolved rare issue affecting item display in Razorleaf
• Fixed missile XP award issue
• Player placement issue fixed when loading saves with new Creations installed
• Creatures no longer teleport to water when stuck
• Dropped items retain stolen status
• Crucible Blade no longer damages ships in orbit when used inside
• Crucible Blade audio now plays correctly after loading saves or fast traveling
• Bounty Board in Tracker's Alliance HQ now includes correct audio interactions

GRAPHICS

• Added support for 32:9 and 32:10 resolutions, along with additional 16:9, 16:10, and 21:9 options
• Performance fix for frame rate drops when using the scanner during long sessions
• Celestial bodies remain visible in the sky after entering and exiting interiors

QUESTS

• All That Money Can Buy: Fixed Trade Tower elevator functionality
• In Memoriam: Resolved quest completion issue when finishing “At Hell's Gate” with Sarah
• Perfect Recipe: Shonda now recovers properly if downed while collecting Ashta meat
• The Starjacker: Adjusted Unity-related dialogue options
• Top of the L.I.S.T.: Fixed control lock after selling survey data to Phil Hill
• Trackers Alliance: Bounty scanner quests no longer time out
• Trackers Alliance: Fixed rare issue where bounty missions wouldn’t complete after stunning or killing targets
• Worlds Apart: Fixed early exit from planet after temple exit

LOCATIONS

• Mannequins now persist in the New Atlantis Penthouse
• Player can now modify shelves and cabinets in Core Manor, Akila City
• Flora scanning now functions correctly
• Plasma Research Facility now appears on the surface map at Hell's Gate
• Fixed visible opening in Deserted Biotics Lab
• Vent Hazards now display properly on Jemison

UI

• Ship Builder: Fixed upgrade menu issue when only one module is available
• Ship Builder: Selection now works properly with large fonts enabled
• Ship Decoration: Empty module names updated for clarity
• Vehicle Builder menu buttons now function with large fonts
• Localization fixes for Spanish and Polish text cutoff
• Hydrated and Dehydrated status effect texts now fully localized

VEHICLE

• Boost button now has a customizable keyboard binding (PC)
• Vehicle marker now appears on compass
• Camera issue fixed for players with maxed Surveying skill
• Improved vehicle exit logic when partially obstructed
• Vehicle now deploys at non-spaceport landing locations
• Visual artifact fixed on Rev-8 boost in foggy conditions

Shattered Space

• Va'ruun outpost modules now accessible post-Unity
• Gravity bubble kills on Dazra now count toward Gymnastics skill
• Fixed lift button issue on the Mourning level
• Penumbra now grants bonus headshot damage
• Minor performance improvements in Well and Dazra areas
• Va'Ruun Schimaz blade no longer pixelated in Data Menu
• Lens flare flicker fixed on Citadel in Dazra
• Zealous Overreach: Dialogue options adjusted for Unity-completed characters
• Zealous Overreach: Fixed issue related to clearing Shadow Station Epsilon before speaking to Ekris