Introduction
Starfield Xbox Game Pass Cloud, is one of the most highly anticipated games in recent years. Developed by Bethesda Game Studios, the creators of the Elder Scrolls and Fallout franchises, Starfield promises to be a groundbreaking open-world role-playing game set in space.
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For Xbox gamers, there is great news – Starfield will be available on day one as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate via cloud gaming. This means Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will be able to play this massive and expansive new RPG on their Xbox One and mobile devices without needing to download it.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about playing Starfield through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate cloud gaming, including:
- What is Xbox Cloud Gaming and how it works
- Playing Starfield on Xbox One via the cloud
- Playing on mobile devices and browsers
- Internet requirements and recommendations
- Tips for the best cloud gaming experience
Whether you’re an Xbox One owner eager to dive into the stars or want to play on the go, read on to learn how Xbox Game Pass Ultimate cloud gaming can bring the full Starfield experience to you!
What is Xbox Cloud Gaming?
Xbox Cloud Gaming, previously known as Project xCloud, is Microsoft’s cloud-based game streaming technology. It allows Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to play hundreds of games on devices like Xbox One, phones, tablets and browsers without needing to download them.
The games are hosted on powerful Xbox Series X consoles in Microsoft data centers. Your button presses are sent to the data center, and video of the game is streamed back to your device. This allows you to play Xbox console-quality games without needing the advanced hardware yourself.
Cloud gaming effectively turns your Xbox One or phone into a personalized portal to a powerful gaming PC in the cloud. Xbox Cloud Gaming is currently in beta, but it’s included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for no extra charge.
Play Starfield on Xbox One with the Cloud
One of the biggest benefits of Xbox Cloud Gaming is that it allows Xbox One owners to play games their hardware normally couldn’t handle, like Microsoft Flight Simulator and Starfield.
Without the cloud, Starfield would be limited to next-gen Xbox Series X/S consoles and high-end gaming PCs due to its graphical demands. But with cloud gaming, Xbox One owners who subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will be able to stream and play Starfield on day one just like Series X/S owners.
To play Starfield on your Xbox One using cloud gaming:
- Make sure you have an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. This is required to access cloud gaming.
- On your Xbox One, open the Xbox Guide by pressing the Xbox button and select “Cloud Games”.
- Find Starfield in the available cloud games library and select to start playing.
- The Xbox Cloud Gaming server will boot up Starfield, and begin streaming the gameplay video to your Xbox One.
- Connect an Xbox controller to your Xbox One, and you’ll be able to play Starfield just like any other game!
The Xbox One will essentially act as a terminal to the remote Xbox Series X hardware powering your game stream. Control latency should be minimal if you have a sufficiently fast internet connection (more on that later).
With cloud gaming, Starfield’s epic sci-fi environments and next-gen graphics will be accessible to all Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, not just those with top-end hardware.
Mobile and Browser Game Streaming
In addition to Xbox One, Xbox Cloud Gaming enables you to play Starfield on mobile devices like phones or tablets. This allows you to enjoy Starfield on the go wherever you have a Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.
On mobile, you’ll access cloud gaming via the Xbox Game Pass app on Android or iOS. You can install it from the respective app stores. Once installed:
- Launch the Xbox Game Pass app and sign-in.
- Select “Cloud Games” from the available tabs.
- Pick Starfield and press play. The game will start streaming.
- Turn your phone sideways for landscape orientation. You can connect an Xbox controller via Bluetooth or use touch controls.
Browsers are also supported including Microsoft Edge, Chrome and Safari. On a Windows 10 or 11 PC with Edge, you can access cloud gaming via the Xbox app or directly at xbox.com/play. On other browsers, go to xbox.com/play.
The browser experience is similar – sign in with your Microsoft account, select Starfield, and start playing with a connected controller. Mobile data or Wi-Fi required.
Internet Requirements and Recommendations
Since game video is continuously streamed over the internet with Xbox Cloud Gaming, your internet connection quality will have a major impact.
Here are the official requirements:
| Minimum: 10Mbps download speed for 720p at 60fps. |
| Recommended: 20Mbps for 1080p at 60fps. |
For the best experience, use the fastest and most reliable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection available to you. If you have access to a 5G mobile connection with low latency, that would be ideal for gaming on the go.
On Wi-Fi, connect your console or PC to the 5GHz network band rather than 2.4GHz if possible. This provides faster speeds and lower latency for cloud gaming. Reduce Wi-Fi congestion by closing other programs using the internet.
If your connection speed falls below the 10Mbps minimum during play, you’ll see visual degradation and increased lag. Make sure other household members aren’t saturating your connection with streaming, downloads or other heavy internet usage when playing Starfield in the cloud.
An ethernet connection to your console or PC provides the most reliable experience if that’s feasible. This eliminates variables like Wi-Fi signal congestion.
Optimizing Your Cloud Gaming Experience
Follow these tips to get the best performance from Xbox Cloud Gaming when playing Starfield:
- Use a controller: Touch controls are supported but a console controller like the Xbox Wireless Controller provides a vastly superior gaming experience. Connect via Bluetooth or USB.
- Reduce display latency: If playing on a TV or monitor, enable any Game Mode or PC Mode picture settings which reduce display processing latency. This improves controller responsiveness.
- Position your router centrally: If on Wi-Fi, position your Xbox, PC or mobile device as close to the router as possible with minimal obstructions between them. This maximizes signal strength.
- Don’t stream high resolution: Stream at 720p to conserve bandwidth for gaming performance rather than 1080p or 4K video quality. You can adjust streaming resolution in the Xbox Game Pass app settings.
- Close other apps and programs: Suspend any downloads or bandwidth intensive software when playing for optimal internet throughput. Temporarily disable security software using bandwidth like antivirus.
- Check for firmware and app updates: Keep your console, PC, phone and the Xbox Game Pass app updated with the latest firmware, drivers and updates for best performance. Enable auto-updates where possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about playing Starfield through Xbox Cloud Gaming:
Is cloud gaming the only way to play Starfield on Xbox One?
Yes, Xbox One hardware does not natively meet Starfield’s technical requirements for running the game. Cloud gaming via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the only officially supported way for Xbox One owners to play.
Does cloud gaming support mods?
No, mods cannot be applied to cloud gaming versions of games. However, Bethesda has stated mod support will come to Starfield after launch. Mods will likely be supported on PC and local Xbox Series X/S versions.
Can I play Starfield on multiple devices?
Absolutely! With cloud gaming your progress is saved in the cloud. You can start playing Starfield on your Xbox One, then continue on your phone or PC browser right where you left off.
What happens if I lose internet connection while playing?
Your Starfield session will immediately disconnect. Unfortunately you cannot play cloud games offline as an internet connection is required at all times to stream the game.
Is Xbox Cloud Gaming available worldwide?
Xbox Cloud Gaming is supported in 26 countries currently. Refer to Microsoft’s documentation to see if cloud gaming is available in your region. Expanding global availability is a top priority.
Conclusion
Starfield represents a major evolution for Bethesda Game Studios, bringing their signature open world role-playing into a galactic sci-fi setting. While Starfield pushes hardware to its limits, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can experience its full glory on day one through the power of cloud gaming.
Whether your platform of choice is Xbox One, mobile or PC browser, Xbox Cloud Gaming enables you to journey across the Settled Systems from anywhere with a strong internet connection. For Xbox gamers, it unlocks the full potential of this highly anticipated title without needing the latest hardware.
Just make sure your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription is prepped and updated for Starfield’s launch on November 11, 2022. Keep your internet speeds high and latency low for an immersive streaming experience. With the stars within reach across devices, an epic spacefaring adventure awaits. It’s time to venture beyond and chart your own course as a space explorer!