Starfield's Shattered Space DLC Receives Mixed Reactions

The first DLC expansion for Starfield, titled Shattered Space, has been met with a lukewarm response on Steam, where numerous users are expressing that the new storyline feels repetitive. Released on September 30 for Xbox Series X/S and PC via Steam, the Shattered Space expansion has garnered fewer than 600 reviews on the platform, with only 43% of them being positive.

Earlier this year, Bethesda unveiled Shattered Space, promising a shift towards a horror-themed experience. In this expansion, players are tasked with investigating a chilling cosmic threat on an entirely new planet, which is filled with unique weapons, spacesuits, and gear. Set in the homeworld of House Va'ruun, players can explore a meticulously crafted environment and delve into the mysteries surrounding the Great Serpent.

Despite Bethesda's promotional efforts, the reception for Shattered Space has been less than enthusiastic. In its first 24 hours, the DLC attracted just under 600 reviews on Steam, and its rating remains mixed, with only 43% of the 584 reviews reflecting a positive sentiment. The consensus among players seems to be that Shattered Space fails to differentiate itself from the base game, resulting in a sense of familiarity rather than innovation.

Players Share Mixed Opinions on Shattered Space

Starfield has faced its share of review bombs in the past, and while Shattered Space isn't currently experiencing a review bombing, it is certainly drawing a mediocre response from the community. One Steam user, Epsilon, described the expansion as "just as boring as the main game," contrasting it with the highly acclaimed Cyberpunk 2077 DLC, Phantom Liberty. Epsilon criticized Shattered Space for lacking strong writing, believable characters, and meaningful expansions of existing gameplay elements—three critical aspects that contributed to the success of Phantom Liberty.

On a brighter note, some users have found merit in Shattered Space. Steam user Matty Engs praised the expansion for offering a more compelling narrative arc compared to the base game, along with visually stunning environments, an intriguing new planet, and a wealth of classic Bethesda easter eggs to uncover.

However, not all feedback is positive. User Enzevil expressed disappointment, stating that the expansion did not meet their expectations from Bethesda, claiming it feels "more Starfield-like than the base game." They cited a lackluster story, poor writing, and uninspired quest design as reasons for their unfavorable review.