Starfield System Requirements 2026: Can Your PC Run It?
Want to know if your PC can run Starfield in 2026? Below are Bethesda’s official minimum and recommended specs, what they mean in practice, how the console versions compare, and the settings worth changing for better performance. Updated October 2026.
Note: we have corrected this page. An earlier version claimed Bethesda raised the requirements in 2026 and listed benchmark figures we could not verify. The official requirements have not changed since launch.
Official Starfield System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 (version 19043.0 or later) | Windows 10 (version 19043.0 or later) |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 2600X / Intel Core i7-6800K | AMD Ryzen 5 3600X / Intel Core i5-10600K |
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | AMD Radeon RX 5700 / NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Ti | AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT / NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 |
| DirectX | 12 | 12 |
| Storage | 125 GB on an SSD | 125 GB on an SSD |
| Network | Broadband internet | Broadband internet |
An SSD is required, not just recommended. Leave extra room beyond 125 GB too: the Xbox store listing asks for 140 GB, and expansions and mods add more.
What the Specs Mean in Practice
- Minimum is the floor for getting the game running at lower settings. Expect to lean on upscaling.
- Recommended is the target for a comfortable experience at higher settings.
- Big cities like New Atlantis are the most demanding areas, so test performance there before settling on your settings.
- If you plan to run lots of mods or high-resolution texture packs, extra RAM and VRAM help.
Can Your PC Run It? Quick Check
- ✅ Good to go: your GPU and CPU match or beat the recommended specs, you have 16 GB RAM, and you are installing to an SSD.
- ⚠️ Borderline: you are between minimum and recommended. Use upscaling and lower your heaviest settings.
- ❌ Below minimum: your parts are older than the minimum specs, or you only have a hard drive. Upgrade first, or consider a console.
Need new hardware? See our best gaming PC for Starfield guide.
Tips to Improve Performance
- Turn on upscaling. Starfield supports NVIDIA DLSS (including frame generation on supported cards), AMD FSR and Intel XeSS. This is usually the single biggest gain.
- Lower the heaviest settings first, such as shadows, volumetric lighting and crowd density, before dropping your resolution.
- Install on your fastest SSD to cut loading times and texture pop-in.
- Keep GPU drivers up to date, and let the game finish compiling shaders after an update before judging performance.
- Close background apps and plug in if you are on a laptop.
Starfield on PS5 and Xbox
If your PC falls short, consoles are a solid option. Starfield launched on PS5 in April 2026. On a standard PS5 you can choose a Performance mode that targets 60fps at around 1080p, or a Quality mode at 30fps and close to 1440p. Busy cities like New Atlantis can still dip in Performance mode. PS5 Pro adds more presets, including a 30fps Enhanced mode at a higher resolution and a 40fps option for 120Hz displays. Xbox Series X|S also offers 30fps and 60fps modes. See our PS5 vs PC comparison for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Starfield need an SSD?
Yes. Bethesda lists an SSD as a requirement for both minimum and recommended specs.
Is 16 GB of RAM enough for Starfield?
Yes. Both the minimum and recommended specs list 16 GB. More helps if you run lots of mods.
Did Free Lanes or Terran Armada change the requirements?
No. The official PC requirements are unchanged from launch.
What GPU do I need for Starfield?
At least a GeForce GTX 1070 Ti or Radeon RX 5700. Bethesda recommends a GeForce RTX 2080 or Radeon RX 6800 XT.