A mod for Bethesda's space exploration RPG, Starfield, now allows for seamless takeoffs from planetary surfaces, removing the loading screens that have been a point of contention for some players since the game's release. Developed by 0xBobby and available on PC, the "Seamless Planet Takeoffs SFSE (Beta)" mod aims to provide a more immersive experience by allowing players' ships to ascend through the atmosphere and directly into orbit without camera cuts or loading bars.
This functionality mirrors the seamless transitions found in other space exploration titles, such as No Man's Sky, where players can navigate between planets and space without interruption. The mod is currently in its beta phase, and its creator notes that the visual fidelity of the transition can be influenced by planetary atmosphere and weather conditions. 0xBobby is reportedly working on further refinements to smooth out the process.
While the mod successfully addresses planetary takeoffs, the same seamless experience for landings is unlikely to be implemented by the modder. 0xBobby stated that achieving seamless landings, even with techniques like obscuring the transition with clouds or atmospheric effects, would be significantly more complex and does not align with their personal vision for the feature, which would ideally replicate the full integration seen in games like No Man's Sky. The chances of this feature being developed by the modder are considered close to zero.
Beyond player-created enhancements, Bethesda has confirmed ongoing development for Starfield, with new story content slated for release in 2027. The studio also plans to continue releasing paid "Creation Club" mods for both PC and console versions of the game.