Starfield's Maps Have a Hidden Functionality That Shouldn't be Overlooked (2024)

Bethesda's space RPG Starfield is now over eight months old, but it is still pushing out updates to give players a better experience, even ahead of the release of its anticipated Shattered Space DLC. One of Starfield's more recent updates brought some massive changes to the game — some of which players have been requesting since the game's launch last September. Update 1.11.36 is one of Starfield's biggest updates yet, bringing new gameplay and difficulty options, interior ship decoration, and new display options for the Xbox Series X to the game, all of which are long overdue. However, one addition in the recent update is arguably its most standout and requested feature: improved surface maps.

When Starfield launched, despite the praise it might have received for other aspects of the game, one of its loudest criticisms targeted its atypical surface maps. In fact, many players initially assumed Starfield's original map system was bugged, as it would only show various points of interest, but not the pathways necessary to get to them. Furthermore, Starfield's former map system neglected to show players vendors or otherwise important locations. Thankfully, the new and improved map system with update 1.11.36 changes all of that, even to the point of including a somewhat hidden feature that some might not readily be aware of.

How Starfield's Improved Map System Works

Originally, Starfield's surface maps were almost non-existent. It could be argued that it would be inappropriate to even classify them as maps since they hardly revealed anything about a location or gave players any semblance of direction. As they once were, Starfield's surface maps were empty and blue, with only the area's main point of interest icons displayed. Fortunately, update 1.11.36 improves them with a massive overhaul made to their design and functionality.

When players open their map in Starfield after the 1.11.36 update, they can view a top-down three-dimensional render of the area, with more than just the primary points of interest highlighted for them. Now, the precise locations of Starfield's vendors are also visible, and since the maps show a three-dimensional version of the cities these vendors are in, players can better discern which paths will lead them to the vendors. Furthermore, the maps also show players the location of various ships and outposts on the surface, including their own. This is precisely where an immersive functionality with the new maps comes into play that may not be immediately noticeable.

Starfield's New Surface Maps Update in Real-time

Bethesda clearly heard the outcry for better surface maps in Starfield, and it seems the developer has gone above and beyond what was requested or perhaps even expected to begin with. The update to the maps to make them more intuitive is arguably already more than enough, but the maps also now update in real-time, which simultaneously affects any changes that may happen on the surface of one of Starfield's planets, like when players move their ship from one location to another. However, these real-time updates go beyond simply updating locations, and this is all thanks to the three-dimensional rendering of the maps.

Since Starfield's new surface maps display a three-dimensional image of everything on a planet's surface, this means any changes players make to their ships and outposts are also shown on the map in real time. If players add an extension to their outpost in Starfield, it will be displayed as such on the new maps. Additionally, if any changes are made to players' ships, whether it be a new addition to the ship or a new ship entirely, the map will be immediately updated to reflect those changes. This both increases Starfield's immersion and shows Bethesda's commitment to its space RPG and the fans who continue returning to it.

Starfield

Developed by Bethesda Game Studios, Starfield is a sci-fi action role-playing game where players interact with multiple factions, engage in combat, customize their main character and ship, as well as explore a universe that features over 100 systems and 1,000 planets.

Platform(s)

PC , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S

Released

September 6, 2023

Developer(s)

Bethesda

Publisher(s)

Bethesda

Genre(s)

Action , RPG

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs, Strong Language, Violence

How Long To Beat

20 Hours

X|S Enhanced

Yes

File Size Xbox Series

101 GB (November 2023)

Metascore

86

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