Starfield Parents’ Guide: What to Know Before Letting Your Kids Play

Over the years, Bethesda has given us many great titles like Fallout and Skyrim. Starfield is one of the biggest game releases of the year, and it’s likely your kids are begging you for it. As both a gamer and parent, this Starfield parents’ guide will give you all the information you need to decide whether it’s suitable for your child.

The following sections cover all your burning questions about Starfield and kids. Furthermore, our Starfield parents’ guide will cover why this game is so popular right now and all the benefits and drawbacks of getting it.

How Much Does Starfield Cost? Is It Free?

We’ll start our Starfield parents’ guide by answering what’s likely your most burning question about Starfield, “Is it free?” The answer to that question is that it depends. Starfield is “free” at the time of writing for those who have Xbox Game Pass. Game Pass is a monthly subscription plan through Microsoft that gives gamers free access to certain titles. Of course, the subscription itself is not free, so there is still a cost.

Starfield also costs money for those who don’t have the perks of Game Pass. Unfortunately, if you aren’t a gamer, you’re likely confused about how much it costs because there are a few options. Let’s break it down:

Explore the Vast Reaches of Space

Starfield: Standard Edition - Xbox Series X

$59.99

• From the creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4
• Set in the year 2330 in worlds beyond our solar system
• Explore over 1,000 planets as a member of Constellation, space explorers searching for rare artifacts
• Pilot your own spaceship throughout the universe
• Customize your character's appearance, background, and distinguishing characteristics

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11/26/2023 05:31 am GMT

As a parent, the $99.99 option for the Premium Edition is a better deal, but it may not be a wise purchase initially. If your child doesn’t enjoy the game (which has been the case for some), you’re only wasting money. Furthermore, if you choose to get the Standard Edition for your child, you can always upgrade to the Premium Edition later.

Another important point we should make before you choose to say yes to your kids is that Starfield isn’t available on PS4 or PS5 consoles. Only parents with Xbox consoles or gaming PCs need to worry about telling their child no to this game.

Is Starfield Safe for Kids?

Safety is one of our primary concerns about kids and gaming. Unfortunately, impressionable young people can be easily influenced by game content and, in some cases, meet strangers worldwide.

Fortunately, Starfield isn’t similar to games like GTA V, Elder Scrolls, or Fortnite wherein your child can meet real people. Instead, Starfield is a single-player game like Skyrim, where your character completes a series of quests. The only people your child will interact with in this game are the NPCs (non-player characters). So, in that regard, yes. Starfield is safe for children.

However, the game isn’t rated for small children because it does have violence and adult content. This game probably isn’t suitable for your family if you consider adult content unsafe for an impressionable child.

Is There Violence in Starfield?

Starfield has been in the works for years. It’s Bethesda’s newest RPG game (role-playing game), and to say we’ve been anticipating it for a long time is an understatement. Bethesda has given us excellent titles like Skyrim and some Fallout/Wolfenstein games. If you’re familiar with those, you already know where this is going.

The game starts out innocent enough. You’re mining and stumble across an artifact. Before long, you’re traversing the universe in search of more artifacts and encountering many dangerous entities like aliens and humanoids. You must fight to complete your mission.

So, yes. Starfield does have violence. Furthermore, the violence is unavoidable. Aside from inflicting damage on NPCs (computer-programmed characters), you’ll also encounter plenty of violent scenes. However, Starfield isn’t as gory as some other games — we’re thinking Mortal Combat here.

Ultimately, the game isn’t rated for children due to violence. However, it isn’t as violent as many other games kids are playing these days.

What Is Starfield’s Age Rating?

Video games, similar to music, TV shows, and movies, have ratings to give parents a better understanding of whether they’re appropriate for children. The Entertainment Software Rating Board is a third-party organization that assesses many in-game factors and rates them appropriately for specific age groups.

You’re likely already familiar with this, as you’ve probably seen “M for Mature 17+” on certain titles. This is also the rating that the organization gave Starfield. The game includes violence, the use of drugs, strong language, and suggestive themes.

As a parent, it’s also important to note that your kids will likely mod (modify) this game. If you remember Skyrim’s mods, you could turn non-player characters into, well, more risque versions of themselves. So, it’s possible your child could come across even more adult content than the developers initially programmed.

What Do You Do in Starfield?

Starfield is an open-map game with an exciting storyline and a lot to explore. The story takes place in the future. Earth is now a degraded wasteland, and traveling the expansive universe is a common feat.

Your character starts off as an insignificant miner who discovers an artifact. This artifact gives you a vision and a mission. You must explore the galaxy in search of the remaining artifacts, while learning new skills. You encounter other beings and entities who need your help and give you side quests.

You’ll use space-age firearms, grenades, mines, and even melee weapons to defeat your enemies and complete your quests. You can meet a companion and get married, too. Furthermore, the decisions you make will impact the future of your quest, so choose wisely.

Is Starfield Okay for 12-Year-Olds?

Per the ESRB, no. Starfield isn’t rated for audiences under 17 years old. However, we as parents often grant a bit of leniency on video games, either to appease our child or because our child is mature enough to handle the content.

So, are we letting our kids play Starfield? Yes.

Starfield has its adult content and violence. However, it’s toned down compared to many titles available today. As a gamer, this game is similar in content to Fortnite. Ultimately, the decision to let your child play this game depends on whether you think your kid can handle it. We’ll add to this by saying if you’re unsure about it, you could play it or watch gameplay on YouTube.

Furthermore, if you aren’t comfortable with Starfield, No Man’s Sky may be more appropriate for your child. Sure, there are pirates and sentinels you must battle, but the graphics are more cartoonish, and there isn’t any gore. However, this game is an MMO, so it’s possible your child will encounter other gamers around the globe.

Wrapping Up

Starfield is the game of the season, and you may have been asked to buy it. While the game is rated for 17+, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s inappropriate for your child. Ultimately, the choice is yours to let your child play Starfield. Of course, it’s much easier to choose with a comprehensive Starfield Parents’ Guide like the one.

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