Starfield is finally almost ready to launch and you can pre-load the game early on all platforms to get going right away on release day.
For those unaware, we are now only days away from the release of Starfield on September 6 (and early access begins on Sep 1!).
And if you want to avoid a staggeringly large download on launch day, you’ll want to pre-load Starfield early. Here’s what you need to know:
Starfield Pre-Load Date
Starfield will be available to pre-load on Xbox consoles on Wednesday, August 9, 2023.
This has not been officially confirmed by Microsoft, however the pre-load date was leaked via an Amazon product description earlier this week.
It is currently unclear as to whether or not PC players will be able to pre-load on this date too, but we’d guess that those not on console will have to wait until much closer to launch day to avoid leaks being datamined.
Starfield Install Size
According to official minimum specifications, Starfield’s install size will be 125 GB at launch.
Therefore, a lot of fans, particularly those with slower internet speeds, will want to pre-load the game early to avoid waiting on release day.
Of course, it’s possible that a day one patch, or future updates, will further increase the download size of Starfield. And the installation space required may vary slightly between Xbox and PC.
How to Pre-Load Starfield on Xbox
To pre-load Starfield on Xbox Series X or S, you must first pre-order the game OR be an Xbox Game Pass subscriber. Then:
- Turn on your Xbox console
- Search for Starfield on the Xbox Store
- Select Pre-Install
Starfield’s pre-install file for Xbox should become available on August 9, 2023.
How to Pre-Load Starfield on PC
No pre-load date has been announced for Starfield on PC at this point in time. However, those who pre-order Starfield or subscribe to Xbox Game Pass PC can pre-install a small file right now.
To do this:
- Open the Xbox Game Pass app
- Search for Starfield
- Click Pre-Install
Is Starfield Available to Pre-load Now?
No, Starfield is not currently available to pre-load on Xbox or PC. However, those who own the game or subscribe to Xbox Game Pass can pre-install a small 10 MB file in preparation for the full download.
This isn’t quite the pre-load that fans were hoping for. However, by installing it. your machine will begin downloading the full 125 GB file as soon as the pre-load actually goes live on the Xbox app for PC.
There is currently no way to pre-load Starfield on Steam.
Most likely, PC players will be able to pre-load the game shortly before its early access launch day of September 1, 2023.
We’ll update this article when more information is officially revealed.
