Starfield PS5 Port Still in Development, Insider Confirms Release Timing Shift

Gamers eagerly awaiting Bethesda’s space epic Starfield on PlayStation 5 received bittersweet confirmation this week. Despite no official announcement, prominent industry insider NateTheHate affirmed the long-rumored PS5 port remains in development but faces a potential delay beyond initial timelines.

Responding to a direct query on X (formerly Twitter) on July 22, 2025, NateTheHate—known for accurate gaming leaks—stated: “Still happening; but release may have slipped a touch later than originally planned. Will update when I can.” This aligns with Bethesda’s pattern of expanding major titles to rival platforms post-launch, as seen with The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4.

Why the Starfield PlayStation 5 Release is Taking Longer

Multiple factors appear to influence the adjusted timeline. NateTheHate recently indicated a second major DLC expansion—tentatively titled Starborn—is in active development but unlikely to launch in 2025. Sources suggest Bethesda may strategically align the PS5 version with this substantial content update, mirroring approaches taken by studios like CD Projekt Red with Cyberpunk 2077 and its Phantom Liberty expansion. Such bundling enhances value for new players and capitalizes on marketing synergy.

Technical optimization also plays a role. Porting Starfield’s complex Creation Engine 2 to PS5 requires significant engineering resources, especially following performance criticisms on Xbox Series X/S at launch. Bethesda’s focus remains on refining the base game and Shattered Space, its first DLC, before diverting teams to Sony’s platform.

Strategic Implications for Bethesda and Sony

This delay underscores Microsoft’s evolving stance on exclusivity since acquiring Bethesda parent ZeniMax Media in 2021. While Starfield skipped PS5 at launch—a decision defended as leveraging Xbox ecosystem growth—the eventual port signals Microsoft’s pragmatism in pursuing multiplatform revenue. Analysts cite Sea of Thieves’ successful PS5 debut in April 2024 as precedent.

For PlayStation users, the wait may yield a superior experience. A Starborn-integrated PS5 version could launch with performance fixes, expanded mod support, and all current DLC—addressing criticisms noted in our original Starfield review regarding repetitive quests and technical issues.

The extended timeline for Starfield’s PS5 arrival tests fan patience but reflects Bethesda’s commitment to delivering a polished, content-rich experience. As Microsoft balances exclusivity with broader accessibility, PlayStation gamers should monitor Bethesda’s DLC roadmap for clues toward a late 2025 or early 2026 release. For now, explore our guide to optimizing Starfield on Xbox and PC while awaiting official updates.

Must Know

Q: Is Starfield officially confirmed for PlayStation 5?
A: While Bethesda hasn’t announced it, trusted insider NateTheHate (with a credible leak history) confirmed development is ongoing. A release date remains unconfirmed, potentially aligning with the Starborn DLC.

Q: Why would Microsoft allow a Starfield PS5 port?
A: Microsoft increasingly releases former exclusives (Sea of Thieves, Grounded) on rival platforms to maximize revenue. Starfield’s post-launch port follows this strategy, especially as development costs rise.

Q: Could Shattered Space DLC come to PS5?
A: Likely. If the base game ports to PS5, its DLCs would logically follow. Starborn integration might even be packaged with the PS5 launch.

Q: Will Starfield PS5 include technical improvements?
A: Very probable. Bethesda could leverage extra development time to implement optimizations, higher frame rates, or DualSense features absent in Xbox/PC versions.