A modder is close to delivering a highly anticipated feature for Starfield: seamless planetary landings. For many players, the mandatory loading screens when transitioning from space to a planet's surface have been a significant drawback, contrasting with the fluid experience offered in games like No Man's Sky.
Frederik Wessberg, the developer behind the mod, has been working to implement this functionality over three years after Starfield's initial launch. Inspired by existing mods like "Seamless Grav Jumps" and "Seamless Planet Takeoff," Wessberg noted that the lack of seamless landings became particularly apparent after the official introduction of a cruise mode in the game.
The mod allows players to manually enter a planet's atmosphere and orbit before initiating a landing sequence. A demonstration video showcased an autopilot feature that enables players to leave their cockpit and explore their ship or enjoy the views while the spacecraft automatically descends to the surface. The mod also appears to offer enhanced control over landing locations, including the ability to land on water.
Wessberg stated that the mod's atmospheric effects are generated using "real 3D layers of volumetric clouds, driven by climate data and weather systems" derived from the game's existing data. Currently, the mod is exclusively in development for PC and does not have a set release date. It is planned to be available as a free download on Nexus Mods upon completion.
Bethesda has previously indicated long-term plans for Starfield, though specific details remain undisclosed. The potential for a port to the Nintendo Switch 2 has also been suggested.