How to pre-load Starfield on Xbox and PC

This article will show you how to pre-load Starfield on Xbox and PC. Starfield, developed by Bethesda Game Studios and scheduled for release on Windows PC and Xbox Series X on September 6, will begin its early access period on September 1, just a few days earlier than the official release date. Both the PC and console versions of Starfield will require a download that is well in excess of 100 gigabytes, so Bethesda and Microsoft have decided to make the spacefaring adventure available for preloading in advance of the game’s release.

This is a thoughtful move on the part of the developers, given that both versions of the game will be required to be purchased. Microsoft and Bethesda confirmed on Wednesday that Starfield will be available for preload on Xbox Series X (and S) consoles first, beginning on Thursday, August 17th. Starfield takes up approximately 125 gigabytes of space when installed on an Xbox platform. That is almost a third of the usable storage space on an Xbox Series S SSD; therefore, if you are in need of additional space on your console, you should consider purchasing a storage expansion card for your Xbox.

On August 30, players will be able to preload Starfield on their personal computers. According to the description of the game on Xbox.com, that particular version of the game will require approximately 140 gigabytes worth of storage space. However, according to the system requirements for the game that are listed on Steam, the download is 125 gigabytes. Here are the easy steps how to pre-load Starfield on Xbox and PC.

What is pre-loading?

In Starfield, pre-loading refers to the process of downloading the game files to your personal computer or gaming console before the official release date of the game. This eliminates the need for you to wait for the game to download before you can begin playing the game the moment it is made available to the public. You will need to have made a digital purchase of Starfield in order to be able to pre-load it.

After making the purchase, you will be able to retrieve the downloadable content for the game from either the Microsoft Store or Steam, depending on which platform you used. Once you have downloaded the game files, you will not be able to play the game until the date that the game is officially made available for purchase and download. You will, however, be able to pre-install the game, which means that the game will already be installed on your computer or console and ready to play as soon as it is made available to the general public.

How to pre-load Starfield on Xbox and PC

Preload Starfield on PC via the Xbox app

1. Launch the Xbox app on your personal computer. You can quickly find this by searching for it in the bar at the top of your screen.
2. If you can’t find the Starfield banner on the home page, you’ll need to look for it in the Xbox app.
3. After you have selected it, go ahead and click the “Pre-install” button.

Preload Starfield on PC via Steam

1. Launch the Steam client on your personal computer. You can quickly find this by searching for it in the bar at the top of your screen.
2. Launch the Steam Library, then select “Starfield” from the list of available games on the left side of the window.
3. To start the download, locate the banner at the top of the screen and click the blue ‘Install‘ button.

Why Pre-loading Starfield is Important

1. Avoiding Delays: Pre-loading allows players to download the game files ahead of its official release date. This means that when the game becomes available, players can immediately start playing without having to wait for a lengthy download. This is especially crucial for large games with extensive content.
2. Reducing Server Load: When a popular game is released, many players rush to download it simultaneously, leading to high server loads. Pre-loading spreads out this demand, reducing the strain on game servers and ensuring a smoother launch for everyone.
3. Optimal Launch Experience: Pre-loading ensures that players can start playing as soon as the game is released, providing an optimal launch experience. This can be particularly important for players who are eager to dive into the game right away.
4. Planning and Convenience: Pre-loading allows players to plan their gaming schedule better. They can ensure that the game is ready to play at a convenient time, whether that’s on release day or whenever they have free time.
5. Stress Testing: Game developers often use pre-loading to conduct stress tests on their servers. By allowing players to download the game before launch, developers can gauge server performance under heavy load and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a smooth gaming experience.
6. Preventing Spoilers: In the case of highly anticipated story-driven games, pre-loading can help prevent spoilers. Players can avoid forums, social media, or discussions about the game until they’ve had a chance to play it themselves.

Pre-loading vs. Day-One Downloads

About Starfield

Conclusion

You can preload the role-playing game right now if you want to get a head start on the action when Starfield launches on September 6; if you do, you won’t have to wait until then. Starfield, developed by Bethesda and available at long last on Xbox One and PC, is without a doubt one of the most anticipated video games of the year. Even if you don’t have early access to the game right now, you can still preload it on your device so that you can begin your space adventure as soon as the game is officially released on September 6, 2023. This will allow you to get a head start on whatever you have planned.

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