Starfield Timeline: The Story So Far (300 Years)

The anticipation for Starfield is building, with its release set for September 6. As one of 2023’s most eagerly awaited games, expectations are skyrocketing. This is mainly because Starfield marks Bethesda’s first new IP since The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. The developers are well aware of the excitement, and to fuel it further, they’ve shared the game’s backstory on the official site. This narrative spans 300 years before the start of the game, as detailed in the Starfield timeline.

Also — we’ve collected the key things you need to know about Starfield. Whether you’re considering diving into this captivating space tale with the Collector’s Edition, eager to learn about Early Access, or curious about what Bethesda has to say about Starfield multiplayer, we’ve got you covered. Find all you need to prepare before the big launch on September 6.

Related: Upcoming Bethesda Games: Starfield, Fallout 5 and More

Starfield Timeline

The storyline of Starfield spans an expansive time, containing major events like humanity’s rise to space, the establishment of the first settlements, the exploration of new galaxies, the creation of colonies, and the complete transition of life into space. Yet, when the game begins, the action is set in 2330.

To lay a logical foundation for the game’s narrative, Bethesda has thoughtfully crafted a comprehensive Starfield timeline, available on their official site. This timeline provides a detailed view of the events that shape the game’s universe, complete with dates. So, be sure your system is ready — the storyline below promises to be thrilling.

Here’s the Starfield timeline, taking us back to the beginning of the game’s story:

First 150 Years

• 2050: Humans first arrive at Mars. By 2100, humans are living in space.
• 2156: Humans arrive in Alpha Centauri (4.37 light years away from Earth).
• 2159: The United Colonies are established.
• 2160: New Atlantis is founded and becomes the official capital city of the United Colonies in 2161.
• 2167: Cheyenne is settled by Solomon Coe, who founds its first settlement, Akila City.
• 2188: Coe invites Volii to join Cheyenne in a new alliance – the Freestar Collective. The Freestar Collective is officially formed in 2189.
• 2194: The United Colonies positions the star station called the Clinic in orbit around Deepala in the Narion system. The unaffiliated peoples of the Narion system see this as a UC attempt to expand their borders and demand the UC remove the Clinic. When the UC refuses, the people of Narion vote to join the Freestar Collective, who mobilise to protect the system in 2195.
• 2196: In response to Freestar mobilisation, the UC moves a fleet into the Narion system and Freestar responds in kind. The Narion War begins.

Narion Wars’ Consequences

• 2216: The Narion War drags on as public sentiment sours. Finally, the Treaty of Narion is signed by the UC and Freestar Collective in 2216, ending the conflict. The term ‘Settled Systems’ is formalised in the treaty.
• 2221: The Freestar Rangers are founded as an elite protective and investigative force dedicated to serve all citizens of the Freestar Collective.
• 2275: Constellation is formed by Sebastian Banks. Original members include Chloe Bao, accomplished physicist; Aja Mamasa, the youngest member and Sebastian’s protégé; Darius Andris, botanist and specialist in xeno-flora; Bernadette Laurent, wealthy heiress and adventurer; Everado Gil, former smuggler; And Kadri Toma, biologist and physician. The Lodge is built in New Atlantis to serve the needs and people of Constellation for generations to come.
• 2305: Barrett joins Constellation.
• 2307: The Freestar Collective begins farming on the planet of Vesta in the Lunara system. By 2308 the United Colonies claims that by establishing a colony in a fourth star system, the Freestar Collective has violated the Treaty of Narion. Diplomatic talks break down and the UC lays siege to Vesta, killing anyone who stayed behind (Or was brought in) to defend it. The Colony War officially begins.

Colony Wars’ Consequences

• 2310: Constellation comes into possession of their first Artifact and tucks it away in the Constellation archives.
• 2311: After several years of conflict, the Colony War effectively comes to an end with the Battle of Cheyenne as a flotilla of civilian and military Freestar Collective ships takes down the major ships of the UC Navy using hit-and-run tactics.
• 2315: The UC Vanguard is founded as part of a UC response to the Freestar Collective’s use of civilian ships during the Colony War. The Vanguard is the UC’s own civilian navy, relying on civilians using their own ships.
• 2319: Sarah Morgan becomes the youngest head of the UC Navigator Corps, though it’s a short-lived position as the division is shut down in 2320. Cast adrift, but still eager to put her training to good use, Morgan joins Constellation.
• 2321: Walter Stroud – co-owner of Stroud-Ecklund, one of the Settled Systems’ premier starship manufacturers – joins Constellation and becomes its primary financial backer.
• 2322: Former Crimson Fleet pirate Vladimir Sall joins Constellation.
• 2325: Sarah Morgan becomes acting Chair of Constellation.
• 2325: Theologian Matteo Khatri joins Constellation.
• 2326: Barrett finds the original Artifact in the Constellation archives and knows it must be special.
• 2327: Freestar Ranger Sam Coe and his daughter Cora join Constellation.
• 2328: Andreja joins Constellation.
• 2328: Barrett convinces Constellation to purchase Starstation L-868 and modify it to become a deep space scanner, nicknamed ‘The Eye’.
• 2350: Starfield begins.

The Starfield timeline provides a wealth of information about the game’s backstory. If you’re undaunted by the game’s vast scope, start familiarising yourself with this story. After all, Starfield release date is pretty close.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Starfield 25 Years in the Making?

No — Starfield hasn’t been in the works for 25 years. It’s Bethesda’s first new universe since Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, and that’s why it’s referred to as the studio’s first original game in “25 years”. Although the idea for a space-themed game dates back to 1998, Starfield’s development has only spanned 5-6 years. The game’s success will be a key factor in shaping the future of Xbox Game Studios.

How Long Will Starfield Be?

Though the Starfield timeline spans a vast 300-year period, the game is estimated to take about 35 hours to complete. You might finish it even faster if you’re familiar with Bethesda games like Fallout. But if you’re keen to explore all the galaxies in Starfield, you can easily stretch the playtime into the hundreds of hours. And it’s exciting to think about what mod developers might bring to the game.

What Is Starfield’s Rating?

The age ratings for Starfield in various countries have yet to be announced. However, early assessments suggest the game will carry a “Mature”, rating, making it suitable for players aged 18 and over. Still, considering the Starfield timeline and subject matter, the game might be used under parental guidance to instil a love of space in younger children.