How To Play Starfield 5 Days Early Without Spending $100

Starfield is one of--if not the--most anticipated games of the year, and it's out on September 6 for Xbox and PC. However, if you simply cannot wait that long, you can play it starting on September 1 via the Starfield Premium Edition. There is another way to play it that doesn't even cost $100, however: Game Pass. Yes, it's the gift that keeps on giving, provided you are paying your subscription fee and are willing to fork over a small premium to unlock some bonus content. You can read all about what the game offers in our Starfield review, too.

Microsoft is offering a $35 Premium Edition upgrade (or $31.50 if you have Game Pass) that includes the early access perk, as well as the Shattered Space story expansion (when it releases) and in-game items like the Equinox Laser Rifle and more. You also get a digital art book and soundtrack. If you grab the upgrade from major retailers for $35, you'll receive a collectible steelbook case and Constellation patch.

Starfield Premium Edition Upgrade

• Amazon
• Best Buy
• Microsoft Store

The Premium edition upgrade does not come with Starfield's base game itself, so this bundle is aimed at people who are planning to play Starfield through Xbox Game Pass. All of the Premium edition upgrade content requires the base game, so if your Game Pass subscription lapses, you'll lose access to the game and its related content, it appears. To give yourself a nice chunk of time for Starfield, check out these deals on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass (for those who don't own an Xbox).

For those without Game Pass, Starfield preorders are discounted, so if you're planning to buy the game outright, now might be a good time to lock in your order. The Premium edition with early access is included in the current batch of Starfield deals. Everyone who preorders Starfield gets the Old Mars Skin Pack, which includes a variety of in-game skins. For more details on all available editions and what they come with, you can check out GameSpot's Starfield preorder guide.

You can start preloading Starfield on Xbox and PC via the Microsoft Store now, while the Steam version will be available to preload beginning August 30. Unsurprisingly, the game will consume a big chunk of storage space. You may want to start clearing off some space now, unless you plan on streaming it via the cloud (like you must on Xbox One).