Summary
Baldur’s Gate 3andStarfieldare both betting on the same release strategy by offering gamers early access if they’re willing to pay more.Baldur’s Gate 3released on PC on August 3 following years of early access, though the PS5 version still has yet to drop.Starfield, meanwhile, is scheduled to release on September 6, but some gamers will have the chance to play it as early as August 31 thanks to its early access release plans.
When it comes to consoles,Baldur’s Gate 3andStarfieldshare a release date.Baldur’s Gate 3is releasing as a timed PS5 exclusiveon September 6 (though not due to any kind of exclusivity deal, but rather to give the developers more time to get split-screen working on Series S), whileStarfieldis releasing as an Xbox console exclusive the same day. However, gamers on PS5 don’t have to wait until September 6 to playBaldur’s Gate 3, just gamers on Xbox don’t have to wait until September 6 to playStarfield.
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Here’s how PS5 gamers can playBaldur’s Gate 3ahead of its September 6 release date, as well as how Xbox gamers canget early access toStarfield.
How to Play Baldur’s Gate 3 PS5 Early Access
TheBaldur’s Gate 3early access release date on PS5 is September 3, giving gamers on the platform willing to shell out some extra cash the chance to play the critically-acclaimed RPG a few days ahead of schedule. GettingBaldur’s Gate 3early accesson PS5 is as simple as buying the Digital Deluxe Edition of the game for $79.99. This is a mere $10 more than what the regular version of the game is selling for, and it’s worth pointing out that early access isn’t the only perk that comes with the Digital Deluxe Edition of the game.
TheDigital Deluxe Edition ofBaldur’s Gate 3also includes the Divinity Bard Song Pack, an exclusive dice theme, the Treasures from Rivellon Pack, the Adventurer’s Pouch, and additional digtial content. Anyone that absolutely can’t wait to playBaldur’s Gate 3should definitely consider paying $10 more for the Digital Deluxe Edition so they can play early and get all the goodies at the same time.
It’s usually advisable to wait for reviews before one buys a game, though PS5 gamers have the advantage of the PC version already been out.Baldur’s Gate 3is one of the highest-rated video games of all time. It’s currently the top-rated new release of 2023, and it has climbed all the way to the second place spot on the list of highest-rated PC games ever. Barring some unforeseen catastrophe with the console version of the game, it seems safe to say thatBaldur’s Gate 3on PS5 will be another surefire hit. Larian Studios has a proven track record of delivering high-quality console ports of its games, and so there’s no reason to assume it will break from that pattern withBaldur’s Gate 3on PS5.
How to Play Starfield Early
Xbox gamers will also have the chance to play their new big RPG early, too, though it will be a bit more expensive.Starfieldis offering five days early access to anyone that buys the Premium orConstellation Editionsof the game. This means thatStarfieldwill technically become available on September 1 for those that take the plunge, though the way it’s rolling out means some gamers will even be able to play as early as August 31.
Starfieldearly access will be available at 5:00pm PST/7:00pm CST/8:00pm EST on August 31 for those that buy the Premium or Constellation Edition of the game.The Premium Edition ofStarfieldcosts $99.99. Those that plan on playingStarfieldthrough Xbox Game Pass can participate in early access as well as long as they buy the standalone Premium Edition upgrade. This upgrade costs $34.99, but it comes with more than just early access.
Baldur’s Gate 3andStarfieldare technically going head-to-head on September 6, but both games are giving their fans the chance to play early. InBaldur’s Gate 3’s case, gamers need to spend $10 extra and they can jump in three days early. WithStarfield, early access is five days but costs a bit more, with gamers either having to buy the $99.99 Premium Edition or get the $34.99 Premium Edition upgradeif they are signed up to Xbox Game Pass.
Baldur’s Gate 3is available now on PC and launches September 6 for PS5 with an Xbox version also in development.Starfieldlaunches September 6 for PC and Xbox Series X.
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