In the realm of space-themed role-playing games, the last decade has been somewhat dominated by titles like Destiny 2. Created by Bungie, Destiny 2 offers a multiplayer experience that combines role-playing elements with first-person shooter action. However, a new contender is entering the fray: Starfield. Developed by Bethesda Game Studios, well-known for their Elder Scrolls and Fallout series, Starfield aims to bring a fresh perspective to the space RPG genre. Let's dive in and explore how these two titans compare. If you're looking for more specific details on Starfield, be sure to check out the Starfield Wiki.
The game is set in a mythic science fiction world, featuring an "immortal guardian" narrative with elements of both traditional and futuristic tech.
The game is set in the year 2330, where humanity has ventured beyond our solar system and settled on new planets. Players join Constellation, the last group of space explorers, in their galactic journey.
You can choose from different classes like Titan, Hunter, and Warlock, each offering unique abilities and playstyles. Customization is more limited to armor and weapons.
According to the official description, the game promises unparalleled freedom in character customization. Players can be an experienced explorer, a charming diplomat, a stealthy cyber runner, or something entirely different. The traits and background you choose will shape your experience.
Primarily focused on co-op PvE and PvP environments. The game offers various planets and moons, but exploration is somewhat linear.
Promises over 1000 planets to explore with bustling cities, dangerous bases, and wild landscapes. The emphasis is on freedom, as seen on the Starfield Wiki, allowing players to forge their own path through the Settled Systems.
Ships are primarily used for transportation between locations and serve no functional gameplay purpose beyond aesthetics.
Players can pilot and command their dream ship, modifying systems including weapons and shields. Engage in high-stakes dogfights, dock at star stations, and even commandeer enemy ships.
Primarily loot-driven. Players obtain gear through quests, raids, and PvP activities.
Offers a deep crafting system, allowing players to collect resources to craft everything from medicine and food to equipment and weapons. Outposts can be built to passively extract materials, which can then be invested in research projects.
First-person shooter mechanics, featuring a wide array of guns, grenades, and special abilities unique to each class.
The game promises a refined combat system adaptable to player preference, whether it's long-range rifles, laser weapons, or demolitions. Combat dynamics are expected to be chaotic in zero G environments, which might offer a different spectacle than traditional combat settings.
Destiny 2, the sequel to Bungie's hit shared world shooter, doubles down on the RPG elements of the first game. Players choose from three classes - Titan, Warlock, or Hunter - each with their own abilities. Fireteams of up to three players can explore zones and take on instanced missions and raids. The gameplay loop focuses on completing quests to earn new gear in order to take on greater challenges. Starfield, on the other hand, is being billed as a "NASA-punk" space epic by Bethesda Game Studios. As an open world, single-player RPG, the gameplay puts emphasis on exploration and discovery across star systems. Character builds are highly customizable based on background, traits, and skills. Spaceflight and real-time combat mix up the moment-to-moment action.
The world of Destiny mixes fantasy and sci-fi elements. Humanity has spread across the solar system and must defend against alien races threatening humanity's last safe city. A mystical entity called The Traveler gifts Guardians with light-based powers. The complex lore spans millennia and divine cosmic struggles. Starfield aims to realize a more grounded vision of humanity's future among the stars. Set in the year 2330, corporations vie for power as people settle new colonies and seek lost artifacts. How humanity fits into the larger galactic community remains one of the game's great mysteries.
Destiny allows players to customize gear, abilities, and subclass paths to tailor combat to their preferred playstyle. However, class choice is permanent, limiting options for dramatically changing one's approach. Starfield emphasizes freedom in building any character. Backgrounds, attributes, skills, and perks can be combined in numerous ways for wildly diverse outcomes to support stealth, combat, engineering, and diplomacy focused adventures.