Starfield Update 1.16.242 Patch Notes (May 14, 2026): Official Changes
Starfield Update 1.16.242 patch notes for May 14, 2026. Full details on crash fixes, gameplay changes, quest fixes, and UI improvements across all platforms.
Bethesda released Starfield Update 1.16.242 on May 14, 2026 for all platforms. It is a stability patch that followed the Free Lanes update and Terran Armada DLC, fixing several crashes plus a handful of gameplay, quest and UI issues. Below are the official patch notes, with a short take on what they mean for players.
Note: an earlier version of this page, and a separate review post, described changes that are not in the official notes. We have replaced both with the official list.
Update 1.16.242 at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Release date | May 14, 2026 |
| Platforms | All platforms (PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5) |
| Focus | Crash fixes and stability |
| Balance changes | None listed |
Official Patch Notes
General
- Fixed a crash that could occur when viewing Creations.
- Fixed a crash that could sometimes occur during autosave.
- Fixed a crash that could occur when Creations contained legacy data.
- Fixed a crash that could occur when removing certain items in Outpost mode.
- General crash and stability fixes.
Gameplay
- Muria no longer consumes ammo.
- Adjusted the Plasma Cutter to prevent some unintended legendary effects.
- Fixed an issue that allowed Mineral Farms to appear on Earth.
- Colony War Action Heroes now appear more often.
Quests
- Into the Void: fixed an issue that could stop the quest from starting correctly.
- Lone Wolf: fixed an issue that could prevent the quest from resolving when landing at Neon with Dax.
UI
- Updated the message shown when save game space is full.
- Fixed some crafting mods displaying incorrectly in the workbench UI.
- Fixed the EULA sometimes displaying incorrectly.
What It Means for Players
This is a maintenance patch, not a content update. If you were hitting crashes during autosaves, while browsing Creations or in Outpost mode, it is worth updating. There are no balance changes, so builds and the meta are unchanged. See our build tier list for current rankings.
What Came Next
Bethesda followed this with Update 1.16.244 on June 11, 2026, which fixed a freeze when travelling across planet surfaces, issues with Major Incursions and Terran black boxes, and other bugs. For where the game stands now, see our August 2026 update.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Starfield Update 1.16.242 released?
May 14, 2026, on all platforms.
Did 1.16.242 change any balance?
No balance changes are listed. The gameplay changes are bug fixes, such as stopping Muria from using ammo and adjusting the Plasma Cutter’s legendary effects.
Do I need a new save?
No. The patch applies to existing saves.
