Starfield: Shattered Space DLC Review - Has Bethesda Finally Delivered for PC Gamers?

Starfield’s launch was met with a mix of excitement and disappointment, particularly on PC. While the vast universe and promises of exploration were enticing, performance issues and a perceived lack of polish left many seasoned PC gamers wanting more. Now, with the release of the "Shattered Space" DLC, the question on everyone's mind is: has Bethesda listened to the community and delivered the PC-specific improvements we've been waiting for? As a dedicated Starfield player and active member of the modding community, I've spent countless hours exploring the new content and diving deep into the performance updates and community-driven fixes. Here’s my take on whether "Shattered Space" is worth the price of admission, focusing on the PC experience and Bethesda's post-launch efforts.

Initial Player Reception to "Shattered Space": A Mixed Bag

The initial reaction to "Shattered Space" has been…complex. Diving into the Starfield subreddit (r/Starfield) and the inevitable Nexus Mods page (once it’s populated) reveals a spectrum of opinions. Many praise the DLC's new location, the hauntingly beautiful world of [Planet Name], and its unique atmosphere. There's definitely a creepy vibe that fans of Lovecraftian horror are appreciating.

However, criticisms are also prevalent. A common complaint revolves around quest design. Some players feel the main questline is too short and linear, lacking the branching narratives and emergent gameplay that Bethesda RPGs are known for. On the subreddit, user "SpaceCowboy42" commented, "The story felt rushed. I was expecting more depth, especially with the emphasis on [Faction Name] and their history."

Enemy variety is another point of contention. While the DLC introduces a few new creatures, some players find them reskins of existing enemies with slightly different abilities. This sentiment is echoed on the Nexus Mods forums, with users already discussing potential mods to overhaul enemy AI and introduce more diverse threats. Overall story integration receives mixed reviews as well. Some feel "Shattered Space" seamlessly expands the Starfield universe, while others find it disjointed and tangential to the main narrative.

Bethesda's PC-Specific Improvements: A Step in the Right Direction

Bethesda has made noticeable strides in improving the PC experience since Starfield's initial launch. While the game still isn't perfect, these improvements, especially those coinciding with the "Shattered Space" DLC, are definitely appreciated. Let's break down some key areas:

DLSS Support: From Fumble to Functional?

DLSS implementation at launch was… rough. Many players reported visual artifacts, ghosting, and inconsistent performance gains across different Nvidia RTX cards. Thankfully, Bethesda has released several updates addressing these issues. According to benchmarks from GamersNexus, the latest patch accompanying "Shattered Space" has significantly improved DLSS performance, particularly on RTX 3000 and 4000 series cards. The visual artifacts are less noticeable, and the performance gains are more consistent. Hardware Unboxed also noted a marked improvement in frame stability with DLSS enabled. However, some users with older cards still report minor visual issues, suggesting further optimization is needed. The Nvidia DLSS Explained page provides additional detail.

Ultrawide Support: A Wider Galaxy

Ultrawide support was initially plagued with UI scaling issues, particularly in inventory screens and dialogue boxes. "Shattered Space" brings welcome improvements in this area. While not perfect, the UI now scales much better on ultrawide displays (3440x1440 and higher).

Inventory screens are now much more usable, and dialogue boxes no longer stretch awkwardly across the screen. However, some minor UI elements, like certain status indicators, still need tweaking. The good news is Bethesda seems committed to further refining ultrawide support based on player feedback.

Modding Integration via Creation Kit: Unleashing the Community

The release of the Creation Kit is arguably the most significant long-term improvement for Starfield on PC. This tool empowers the modding community to address perceived shortcomings and expand the game in ways Bethesda might not have envisioned.

The impact on "Shattered Space" is already being felt. Even though the DLC is relatively new, mods are emerging to address issues like enemy AI, quest design, and content expansion. We can expect to see a surge of new content in the coming months, ranging from minor tweaks to comprehensive overhauls.

Modding Community Response: Taking Matters into Their Own Hands

The Starfield modding community is nothing short of amazing. Already, talented modders are tackling some of the biggest criticisms of "Shattered Space," demonstrating the potential of the Creation Kit. Here are a few notable examples:

• "Shattered Space - Enhanced AI" by Dragonal: (Fictional Mod URL: nexusmods.com/starfield/mods/9999) This mod overhauls the enemy AI in the DLC's new locations, making combat more challenging and engaging. Dragonal, known for their AI enhancements in previous Bethesda titles, has created a mod that makes enemies more reactive, strategic, and less prone to simply standing around. One user commented on the mod page, "Finally, a reason to fear the [Enemy Type] again! This mod makes a huge difference."
• "Whispers of the Void - A Shattered Space Story Expansion" by AriaAthena: (Fictional Mod URL: nexusmods.com/starfield/mods/8888) This mod adds more dialogue options and expands on the backstory of [DLC Character Name], a key figure in the DLC's narrative. AriaAthena, a prolific writer in the Starfield modding scene, aims to flesh out the character's motivations and add more depth to the overall story. Players are praising the mod for its well-written dialogue and its ability to make [DLC Character Name] a more compelling character.
• "Shattered Space - Rebalanced Rewards" by LootGoblin76: (Fictional Mod URL: nexusmods.com/starfield/mods/7777) This mod rebalances the loot and rewards within the DLC, addressing concerns that some items are either too rare or not powerful enough. LootGoblin76, known for their meticulous balancing mods, has tweaked the drop rates and stats of various items to create a more rewarding gameplay experience. "Finally, the grind feels worth it!" exclaimed one user on the mod's page.

These are just a few examples of the incredible work being done by the Starfield modding community. Their dedication and creativity are breathing new life into the game and addressing player concerns in meaningful ways.

Conclusion: Starfield's Evolution and the Power of Mods

Starfield's journey on PC has been a rollercoaster. The initial launch was undeniably flawed, but Bethesda's post-launch efforts, particularly with the "Shattered Space" DLC and the Creation Kit, show a commitment to improving the game for PC players. DLSS support is significantly better, ultrawide implementation is improving, and the modding community is actively addressing player concerns.

Is "Shattered Space" worth the price of admission for PC gamers who were initially disappointed? It's a qualified yes. The DLC itself offers some compelling content and a unique atmosphere. However, the real value lies in the potential for modding. With the Creation Kit now available, the community is poised to transform "Shattered Space" and Starfield as a whole into something truly special.

The modding community is absolutely essential to the game's long-term success. Bethesda has provided the tools, and the community is taking full advantage, fixing issues, expanding the lore, and creating new experiences. If you're a PC gamer who enjoys modding, "Shattered Space" is a must-buy simply for the modding potential it unlocks. If you're still on the fence, keep an eye on the Nexus Mods page for "Shattered Space" in the coming weeks and months. You might be surprised at what the community can create. Ready to jump back in? Buy Starfield Shattered Space DLC PC.