Starfield’s Shattered Space DLC is out. But it’s not doing very well with negative reviews on Steam. The DLC isn’t all bad but standards have risen.

starfield: shattered space dlc

Bethesda’s latest expansion for Starfield, Shattered Space, launched with great anticipation. However, since its release, the DLC has been bombarded with negative reviews, quickly dropping to “mostly negative” on Steam. The DLC has a good idea of what to be and has the potential, but the execution seems to have missed with players.

An in-game screenshot of Starfield.It’s not a terrible DLC, it’s just disappointing for the price. | Image Credit: Bethesda Game Studios

Despite the high hopes and Bethesda’s track record with previous expansions, this DLC has struggled to meet player expectations, and it’s showing in the reviews. The game is hanging between mixed and negative feedback, with criticism over its price and the lack of substantial new content.

Starfield‘s DLC May As Well Have Not Come Out With How It’s Being Received

One of the key points driving down Shattered Space’s ratings is the sense that the content simply doesn’t justify its $30 price tag. Players thought the DLC would bring a lot of content and additions to the game, but many feel let down.

With only around 6-10 hours of gameplay and minimal additions to core mechanics like space combat or shipbuilding, players are left feeling underwhelmed. This echoes the frustration seen in countless reviews, particularly regarding the underuse of Starfield’s House Va’ruun faction.

Compared to other beloved expansions like Skyrim’s Dawnguard or Fallout 4’s Far Harbor, Shattered Space fails to expand the gameplay experience in meaningful ways. This lack of content feels like Bethesda is asking for too much while delivering too little.

Another major disappointment is the DLC’s failure to address Starfield’s core issues. Fans hoped the expansion would bring new features or improve existing systems like space combat, outpost building, or ship customization. Unfortunately, Bethesda didn’t deliver on these expectations.

The Shattered Space expansion remains a largely standalone experience that doesn’t significantly improve or enhance the rest of the game. Even among those who enjoyed parts of the expansion, there is consensus that it missed the mark.

The Standards Are Much Higher Now, And Bethesda Needs to Realize That

There have been amazing DLCs recently and gamers have high expectations. | Image Credit: Bethesda Game Studios

One of the few redeeming qualities of Shattered Space is the map of Va’ruun’kai. Unlike the procedurally generated planets in the base game, Va’ruun’kai feels more focused and well-designed.

Shattered Space also has some bright spots in terms of gameplay. The DLC introduces a few new weapons, and the melee combat, in particular, has been improved. However, these small additions aren’t enough to justify the high price tag or make up for the other shortcomings.

The disappointment is even greater if you compare it to other recent DLCs from different studios. FromSoftware’s Shadow of the Erdtree for Elden Ring, and CD Projekt Red’s Phantom Liberty expansion for Cyberpunk 2077 were both released at a similar price point and both delivered beyond expectations.

Despite the harsh reviews, it’s worth noting that some fans are still finding enjoyment in the DLC. Players have praised the detail of Va’ruun’kai and the added lore of House Va’ruun. For those who enjoyed the base game, Shattered Space offers more of what they loved, even if it doesn’t change the experience.

What have you thought of the DLC so far? Let us know in the comments!