Shattered Space isn't even out yet, but Bethesda's next Starfield expansion may already be in the works

Starfield Shattered Space trailer screenshot showing an alien planet with deep red-purple skies and blue crystal-like rocky formations surrounding a glowing man — (Image credit: Bethesda Game Studios)

As Starfield's first expansion Shattered Space nears its fall release date, Bethesda may have a follow-up lined up already - and it could be called Starborn.

It's no secret that Shattered Space isn't the end of Starfield - after all, Todd Howard hopes for "annual" Starfield story expansions for "a very long time" from here on out. According to the studio lead, Bethesda was also "planning" its next expansion just last month - and it looks as though the developers may now have a name for it. According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Bethesda has registered the name "Starborn" for use on unspecified "game software."

The company filed to trademark Starborn on July 12, one month after Howard's reveal regarding "annual" expansions and his statement that "there will be another" after Starfield Shattered Space. While it's not yet clear whether Starborn is indeed Starfield's next expansion, the term directly references a secret organization in the RPG - one significant to the main story that leaves various possibilities open for a DLC down the line.

There's no telling what Bethesda's plans are for this mysterious "Starborn" trademark until the devs disclose information publicly. Going by Howard's own words, if Starborn is the next Starfield expansion following Shattered Space, it will likely launch sometime in 2025 - in line with his proposed "annual" schedule. For now, there's plenty of free content to look forward to - the RPG's "first land vehicle" is still in the works, as are other update-related features.

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After spending years with her head in various fantastical realms' clouds, Anna studied English Literature and then Medieval History at the University of Edinburgh, going on to specialize in narrative design and video game journalism as a writer. She has written for various publications since her postgraduate studies, including Dexerto, Fanbyte, GameSpot, IGN, PCGamesN, and more. When she's not frantically trying to form words into coherent sentences, she's probably daydreaming about becoming a fairy druid and befriending every animal or she's spending a thousand (more) hours traversing the Underdark in Baldur's Gate 3. If you spot her away from her PC, you'll always find Anna with a fantasy book, a handheld video game console of some sort, and a Tamagotchi or two on hand.