Bethesda details Starfield’s unique PS5 features ahead of its launch

Two and a half years on from its initial release on Xbox and PC, Bethesda Game Studios’ Starfield is finally set to land on the PlayStation 5. Arriving tomorrow alongside the long-awaited Terran Armada DLC (and their ‘free lanes’ update), the team have detailed all of the various PS5 exclusive features being implemented – including creative use of the DualSense controller.

Taking to YouTube to release an ‘Official PS5 Features Trailer’ the team at BGS confirmed that Starfield will be making ample use of the DualSense controller’s unique hardware, with the Adaptive Triggers adding “physical resistance and feedback to the L2 and R2 buttons” depending on the weapons you are using (both on the ground and during ship combat).

Though technically a hardware feature which stretches as far back as the PS4, Starfield will also make use of the DualSense’s light bar; shifting colour “to match your health on the ground or your starship’s status in space”. While not the most transformative of additions, it is welcome to see and does lend itself towards an added sense of immersion.

One hardware feature which has been woefully underutilised in the past is the PlayStation’s trackpad. Starfield seems to be making full use of it however, with a left press switching camera perspectives; a right press opening the map; a right hold activating the scanner and various swipes across the trackpad opening different menus such as your Inventory, Missions, and Skills.

Last but not least, Starfield on PS5 will also offer the option to play all audio logs and intercom chatter through the DualSense’s speaker “pulling you deeper into life among the stars.”

Those who own a PS5 Pro will of course also benefit from the use of PlayStation’s Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) upscaler across both its 30fps Quality and 60fps Performance mode. Unfortunately, there was no mention of a 40fps Balanced mode, and so we will have to wait until tomorrow to find out whether such an option is included.

Regardless, given the fact that Starfield started its life as an Xbox console exclusive, it is encouraging to see the first-party Xbox-aligned studio seemingly taking full advantage of the PlayStation 5 and its unique hardware features.

KitGuru says: Are you looking forward to Starfield on PS5? Do you care about the DualSense’s various hardware features? Has Bethesda sold you on Starfield in 2026? Let us know down below.

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