In the far future, robots and AI might take over all our jobs, leaving humans to kick our legs up and enjoy our accomplishments. Perhaps that’s exactly what happened inStarfield, because the NPCs seem to have no routines, lives, or just about anything to do. This was one among many complaints about the game.
It seems that now, over a year after its launch, the NPCs will have a purpose in life, even if it’s just to head over to the local bar and have a drink. This isn’t an update by Bethesda, but a mod created by a player who probably wanted more life in the settlements and cities of Starfield.
Moving Forward With A Purpose
What made Skyrim feel so alive was the fact that even the NPCs had routines and schedules. Depending on the time, you’d see them working, taking a break at the inn, and even sleeping at night. This level of immersion was sorely missing from the NPCs in Starfield, who would just walk around or stand in one place aimlessly.
Thanks to theNPCs Have Routines and Stores Have Schedulesmod, spotted byPC Gamer, the citizens of the settlements and cities you’ll visit in Starfield finally have a purpose. Or at least act like they have one. However, the mod doesn’t interact with already existing assets, but introduces new NPCs into the mix.
40 named characters now have daily schedules
4 unnamed but unique characters now have daily schedules
12 new robots work in various stores, so you can buy stuff when the store owner isn’t there (Styx included)
61 data slates added to various store countertops and NPCs' personal spaces. Some of these slates are simple notifications of business hours, while others offer you a window into the lives of characters and where you can find them when they aren’t working.
1 of these data slates is an Easter egg for The Expanse
The third point is particularly interesting, as it actually connects to the point I was making at the start. Why lose out on business at night when you could just program a robot to run the shop for any night-time shoppers? The creator of the mod has mentioned that they have been careful not to interfere in the vanilla progression of the game. Oh, and we also love The Expanse!
Starfield’s Shattered Space DLCdidn’t really help save the game’s reputation,receiving “Mostly Negative” reviews on Steam. Players felt that the $30 price tag was too high, especially based on what the DLC offered – or lack thereof.
Starfield: Shattered Space
Shattered Space is the first DLC for Bethedsa’s space RPG Starfield. It expands the core story, adding a horror-like twist as players head to the homeworld of House Va’ruun.
