If a Starfield sequel happens, it should break the biggest rule of the original game

Starfield promised a grounded and vast space exploration adventure. Bethesda succeeded in this, but the realistic nature of the world can feel lonely. Since launch in 2023, Starfield has struggled to gain the same reception as Bethesda's previous titles. There are many factors as to why this is so, but one of the biggest problems is with claims that the world feels lifeless and barren. If a sequel ever becomes a reality, there's an easy way to fix this.

granted, Starfield has managed to bring in some solid updates, like the REV-8 vehicle. However, the game has a long way to go if it ever wants to have the same legacy as Skyrimespecially if Bethesda is hoping for a sequel. There are many ways Starfield the follow-up could be improved, but one of the most glaring features that could benefit from a rework is how the game approaches alien life. Creatures can be found everywhere Starfieldbut the lack of intelligent life forms is a mistake.

A potential Starfield sequel could benefit from opening up to more diverse aliens

Take a leap with intelligent life

The only intelligent life in existence Starfield are people. From Ashta to Terrormorphs, the alien life in Starfield do not boast the same intelligence as their human counterparts. They can pose quite a danger if players come into contact with a hostile species, but they do not have the same mental capacity as other humans. The future of Starfield could be strong if Bethesda broke its own rules with its depiction of aliens. On paper, a more grounded approach to alien life is compelling, but it unfortunately takes some personality out of a game that's meant to be an exciting sci-fi adventure.

After the disappointing feedback after the release of Starfieldpp fragmented space DLC, future expansions could be another way the game can bring aliens into the spotlight. Unfortunately, there are currently no confirmed plans for aliens to be prioritized in the future Starfield DLCs, so a sequel might be the next best place to renew the world.

fragmented space
explores the secretive House Varuun faction.

Starfield should take inspiration from Bethesda's previous titles

What makes the lack of non-human intelligent life forms so surprising i Starfield is that previous Bethesda games fully embrace more otherworldly races. Whether it is Khajiit i The Elder Scrolls or Super Mutants by Fall-outBethesda is no stranger to more outlandish creatures that can be on par with humans. This background allowed intelligent aliens to enter Starfield exciting, but once it became clear that these types of aliens were absent, the game felt hollow to some players.

Creatures can be found everywhere
Starfield
but the lack of intelligent life forms is a mistake.

A Starfield sequel feels unlikely, but it's not completely off the table

The lukewarm reception of Starfield putting its future as a long-running franchise in jeopardy. There is still plenty of potential within Starfieldwhether it's through DLC or a sequel, but its fragmentation may prevent the latter from happening. thankfully, Starfields passionate mod community has continued to bring some iconic aliens from pop culture to the game. While it would be more satisfying to see original alien designs from Bethesda, the many mods available add an extra bit of personality and life to the sci-fi title.

Theories suggest
Starfield
The next DLC will focus on the Starborn.

If a sequel isn't in the cards, there could potentially be hope for Bethesda to change its approach to the base version of Starfield and allow for some sort of alien-focused DLC down the road. Starfield has a lot of cut content, and as far as is known intelligent life forms never played a role in these scrapped features. Only time will tell if Bethesda chooses to make one Starfield sequel or not, and if it does, it may be necessary to bring more exciting life to the story.