What time does Starfield release on Game Pass and out of early access?

Starfield is available now for those who have purchased certain editions of the game.

For those purchasing the Premium Editions — whether physical or digital — you’ll have five days of early access, as well as a host of digital extras.

Those picking up Starfield’s regular edition or accessing the base game through a Game Pass subscription, meanwhile, will have to wait for the main release date of Sept. 6.

Whichever edition you are going for, both release at the same time globally — meaning no single region will see a head start.

Our Starfield pre-order guide has more on the various editions available, including the sold out Constellation Edition, which also gives you early access.

Starfield release time: When does Starfield unlock on Game Pass and out of early access?

Starfield is now available in early access, and for those playing the base game — on Game Pass or otherwise — Starfield will release on Tuesday, Sept. 5, or Wednesday, Sept. 6, depending on your region.

This will go live at midnight GMT across the globe, which corresponds to the following release times:

• 5 p.m. PDT on Sept. 5 for the West Coast of North America
• 8 p.m. EDT on Sept. 5 for the East Coast of North America
• 1 a.m. BST on Sept. 6 for the U.K.
• 2 a.m. CEST on Sept. 6 for west mainland Europe
• 9 a.m. JST on Sept. 6 for Japan

Image: Bethesda

In short, Starfield will be available at the same time globally, aligning with midnight GMT. Those in Europe will see launch in the early hours shortly after midnight on the Wednesday, while those in the Americas can play on Tuesday evening.

Finally, know that pre-loads are available now, giving you ample time to make space (more than 100 GB) on your drive for Bethesda’s big space game.

Game Pass Ultimate

• $17

Prices taken at time of publishing.

• $17 at Xbox (1-month)
• $42 at Amazon (3-month)
• $27 at Eneba (3-month)

How to play Starfield in Early Access with Game Pass

For those playing on Game Pass, you won’t have early access privileges — meaning you must wait until Starfield’s full release date of Wednesday, Sept. 6 to begin playing. This includes those on regular and Ultimate Game Pass subscriptions on both console and PC.

If you can’t wait that long, however, there is a workaround of sorts; since those with a Game Pass subscription have access to the base game, you can opt to purchase Starfield’s Premium Edition digital upgrade ($35), granting you early access at a discount. (Thanks for the official Bethesda support page for confirming this).

The downside here is if you let your subscription lapse, you’ll lose access to the game and those Premium Edition benefits. On the upside, it’s considerably cheaper than the $90 Premium Edition. You can, of course, resubscribe to continue playing again, save progress included.

Not sure if it’s worth paying $35 for five days early access? Our Starfield review can help you make a decision.

Update (Sept. 1): Amended the guide to focus on the full release date for non-early access players and Game Pass subscribers.