By the FlowUP team, gaming PC builder in Genappe (Belgium) · Updated 30 September 2026
In brief: Starfield is a demanding game. The recommended setup calls for a Ryzen 5 3600X or a Core i5-10600K, 16 GB of RAM and an RX 6800 XT or an RTX 2080, plus a mandatory SSD with 125 GB of space. In 2026, aim for a RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB for 1080p, a RTX 5070 or an RX 9070 XT for 1440p and an RTX 5080 for 4K, with DLSS or FSR. On 7 April 2026, the game received the free update Free Lanes and the expansion Terran Armada.
Starfield in 2026: where is the game at?
Released on 6 September 2023 on PC and Xbox Series, Starfield is Bethesda’s space RPG: you explore hundreds of systems, build your ship and outposts, and follow faction quests. The first expansion, Shattered Space, launched in September 2024.
On 7 April 2026, the game arrived on PS5 with a major free update, Free Lanes. It lets you travel from planet to planet in cruise mode within the same system, adds new locations, a new resource, a vehicle (the Moon Jumper), and improves outposts. The same day, a second paid expansion was released, Terran Armada, with a new quest series.
Starfield: Bethesda’s space exploration, still being updated in 2026.
Here is the official trailer for Free Lanes and Terran Armada:
Bethesda Softworks, trailer for Free Lanes and Terran Armada, 2026.
The official PC setup
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 2600X or Intel Core i7-6800K | AMD Ryzen 5 3600X or Intel Core i5-10600K |
| Memory | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Graphics card | Radeon RX 5700 or GeForce GTX 1070 Ti | Radeon RX 6800 XT or GeForce RTX 2080 |
| Storage | Mandatory SSD, 125 GB | Mandatory SSD, 125 GB |
| System | Windows 10 (21H1) | Up-to-date Windows 10 or 11 |
Source: Starfield’s Steam page, consulted on 30 September 2026.
Why Starfield is so demanding
Our assembler’s verdict: Starfield puts both the graphics card and the processor to work, especially in cities like New Atlantis or Akila, packed with characters. The recommended setup sets the bar high, with an RX 6800 XT, and the SSD is mandatory.
Two tips: don’t neglect the processor, at least a recent 6-core, and enable DLSS or FSR, with image generation if your card supports it. As for memory, 16 GB is enough; 32 GB is more comfortable if you keep other applications open. To choose your card, follow our method to choosing a graphics card in 2026.
Dense cities, wide open spaces: Starfield puts your entire PC to work.
What PC for Starfield in 2026?
| Target (with DLSS or FSR) | Recommended graphics card | Recommended processor |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p on high settings | RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB or RX 9060 XT 16 GB | Ryzen 5 or a recent Core i5 |
| 1440p on high settings | RTX 5070 or RX 9070 XT | Ryzen 7 X3D or a recent Core i5/i7 |
| 4K | RTX 5080 or better | Ryzen 7 X3D or a recent Core i7 |
Our PCs for Starfield
Swift PC: RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB
Core i5 14400F, RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB and DDR5: Starfield in 1080p on high quality.
Cheetoh PC: RTX 5070
RTX 5070 and Ryzen 7 7800X3D: 1440p with DLSS 4, and a processor built for dense cities.
Orion PC: RTX 5080
RTX 5080, Ryzen 7 7800X3D or 9800X3D, HYTE Y60 case: Starfield in 4K with DLSS 4.
FAQ: Starfield on PC
What setup do you need to play Starfield?
The recommended setup calls for a Ryzen 5 3600X or a Core i5-10600K, 16 GB of RAM, an RX 6800 XT or an RTX 2080, and an SSD with 125 GB of free space.
Does Starfield require an SSD?
Yes, an SSD is mandatory, with 125 GB of free space.
Which graphics card for Starfield in 1440p?
A RTX 5070 or an RX 9070 XT, with DLSS or FSR, for comfortable play in high quality.
What do Free Lanes and Terran Armada add?
Free Lanes, free, lets you travel from planet to planet in cruise mode and adds locations, a resource and a vehicle. Terran Armada, paid, adds a new quest series. Both launched on 7 April 2026.
Has Starfield been released on PS5?
Yes, on 7 April 2026, at the same time as the Free Lanes update.
Sources
- Steam, Starfield (system requirements)
- Pure Xbox, Free Lanes, Terran Armada and the PS5 version (March 2026)
