Summary
A vocal portion of theStarfieldplayer base has recently taken to social media to highlight the gameplay omission of cybernetic augmentations as a big missed opportunity in the galaxy-spanning RPG. And though some fans have already pleaded withStarfieldmoddersto fix that perceived issue, such requests are unlikely to be granted in the foreseeable future.
Many NPCs and environmental details in Bethesda’s latest title reference cybernetic augmentations, including bionic limbs and cranial implants. But while such enhancements are an inherent part ofStarfield’slore, they do not have a gameplay presence, bar two minor exceptions.
RELATED:This Starfield Log Highlights a Big Problem With Quests
Hundreds ofStarfieldfans have recently taken online to express their disappointment with this state of affairs, with thousands more voting to send their collective opinions to the front page of the game’s largest subreddit. Several players chiming in on the discourse said they wouldn’t have expectedStarfieldto actually include cybernetic augmentations if Bethesda hadn’t decided to make them such a big part of the game’s lore. For example, the RPG contains numerous references to Colony War veterans perusing high-tech prosthetics to overcome their disabilities, while many NPCs in New Atlantis, Neon, and several other settlements can also be seen sporting external face implants.
The latter augmentation is actually already available in the game, albeit only in the form of a head accessory that is basically equipped like a hat, granting a 5% Intimidation boost with no disadvantages. In contrast, some fans were hoping for a more nuanced cybernetic system with a variety of options offering both pros and cons, similar to howStarfield’straitsand backgrounds work. As things stand right now, the only opportunity to get a permanent cybernetic implant in the game is to pursue one faction quest line in Neon. That unlockable still won’t visually change the protagonist’s appearance, but it will grant them a circumstantially useful skill.
While some players have already asked the modding community to address this omission, their pleas aren’t likely to be granted anytime soon; implementing bionic augmentations as a gameplay mechanic would require a monumental development effort, with such an undertaking hence hinging on the release of the game’s Creation Kit. UntilBethesda actually launchesStarfield’sofficial modding tools, even much simpler mods will remain an uphill battle to put together.
Fortunately, the studio already confirmed that the Creation Kit is slated to release come early 2024. In the meantime, RPG aficionados interested in bionic augmentation might want to reinstallCyberpunk 2077, whose free 2.0 update packing a massive cyberware overhaul in the vein of what someStarfieldplayers are clearly craving is scheduled to launch on September 21.
Starfieldis available now on PC and Xbox Series X/S.
