Starfield release time: When it unlocks on Game Pass and in your time zone

Starfield character stands in a rocky landscape — (Image credit: Bethesda Softworks)

The Starfield release time is finally upon us, with Bethesda's sprawling open world RPG set to open its doors to the universe on September 5. After years of anticipation and speculation, the Starfield launch signifies one of the most important Xbox Game Studios releases in a generation.

Below you'll find information on what time Starfield releases on Game Pass, as well as the Starfield release time for Xbox Series X and PC. This follows a small window of Starfield early access which allowed pre-order players the opportunity to jump in on August 31. Still, with Midnight UTC fast approaching, here's everything you need to know surrounding when Starfield unlocks in your time zone.

What time can you play Starfield?

Starfield early access and launch release times map — (Image credit: Bethesda)

The Starfield release time is officially confirmed for 5pm Pacific and 8PM Eastern on September 5, regardless of what version of the game that you own. Those of you in European regions will need to wait until September 6, owing to time zones being a nightmare. With that in mind, here's what time you can play Starfield:

What time does Starfield release on Game Pass?

Here's when Starfield will be available on Game Pass for PC and Xbox Series X

If you're wondering what time Starfield releases on Game Pass for PC and Xbox Series X, we're happy to confirm that the new RPG will go live on September 5 for players in North America, and September 6 for those in European regions. You'll find Starfield in Game Pass at the following times: 5PM PDT / 8PM EDT, September 5; 1AM BST, 2AM CEST, September 6.

Get ready for Starfield

While you're waiting for Starfield to release in your time zone, don't forget that all players (regardless of whether you plan on buying the game or playing it through Game Pass) can preload Starfield already on PC and Xbox Series X.

Additionally, you can also get your head around elements of the character creator now to cut down any indecision that you might have. We have guides to all of the Starfield backgrounds and Starfield skills that you will need to pick between, as well as information on the optional Starfield traits and Starfield religions that you can choose between.

Will Sawyer is a Guides Editor at GamesRadar+ with over five years of experience in writing online guides, news, and features, and has a BA (Hons) in Journalism. Starting as a freelancer, Will contributed to startmenu and Game Rant before joining the GamesRadar+ team in August 2021. Since then, he has written hundreds of guides about a huge range of games, with shooters and action games being his areas of expertise. Outside of writing about games, Will hops between multiplayer shooters with friends, such as Darktide and Helldivers 2, and delves into whatever has been on his backlog for far too long. He also tries to get through his never-ending Warhammer pile of shame of grey Tyranids, Aeldari, and Chaos Space Marines.

With contributions from

Josh WestEditor-in-Chief, GamesRadar+