Starfield Pre-Order Bonus: What You Actually Get (And What’s Worth It)
Venture beyond the stars — but don’t blast off without knowing what’s in your cargo hold.
When Bethesda Game Studios announced Starfield, the gaming universe collectively held its breath. The studio’s first new IP in 25 years promised a sprawling, player-driven odyssey across 1,000+ planets. Naturally, fans scrambled for details — especially about the Starfield pre-order bonus. What’s included? Is it worth locking in your copy early? And does the bonus content actually enhance your interstellar journey — or is it just digital confetti?
Let’s cut through the cosmic static and deliver a clear, practical breakdown of what the Starfield pre-order bonus entails — and whether it’s a must-have for explorers, collectors, or casual captains.
What Exactly Is the Starfield Pre-Order Bonus?
At launch, Bethesda offered a modest but thematically fitting bonus for those who pre-ordered any edition of Starfield — Digital Standard, Digital Premium, or physical versions. The bonus includes:
- The Starfield Digital Artbook — A visual journey through the game’s concept art, ship designs, and alien landscapes.
- The Starfield Official Soundtrack Sampler — Seven curated tracks from composer Inon Zur’s sweeping, cinematic score.
- Constellation Skin Pack — Cosmetic upgrades for your helmet, spacesuit, and pistol, themed after the in-game faction Constellation.
That’s it. No exclusive weapons. No early access. No gameplay-altering items. Just aesthetic and behind-the-scenes extras.
Why such a restrained approach? Bethesda likely wanted to avoid backlash from “pay-to-win” or “FOMO-driven” pre-order schemes — a lesson learned from industry missteps. Instead, they leaned into immersion and lore, offering items that enrich the experience without unbalancing it.
Breaking Down the Value: Is the Bonus Worth It?
Let’s evaluate each component of the Starfield pre-order bonus on its own merit.
1. Constellation Skin Pack — Style Over Substance (But Style Matters)
The skins — helmet, spacesuit, and pistol — are purely cosmetic. They don’t boost stats or unlock hidden abilities. But for roleplayers and completionists, they’re a meaningful nod to Constellation, the game’s explorer guild and narrative anchor.
Case in point: Early players who used the skins reported feeling more “in character” during Constellation missions. The visual cohesion subtly deepened immersion — especially during key story moments at the Lodge or when interacting with key NPCs like Barrett or Sarah Morgan.
Verdict: Low mechanical impact, high emotional resonance. Worth it if you care about roleplay or visual customization.
2. Digital Artbook — A Peek Behind the Nebula
This isn’t just a PDF slapped together last-minute. The artbook spans over 60 pages, showcasing early sketches of New Atlantis, abandoned alien ruins, and prototype ship designs that didn’t make the final cut. For worldbuilding enthusiasts, it’s a treasure trove.
One Reddit user, u/CosmicCartographer, noted: “Seeing how the Freestar Collective’s armor evolved from pirate raider to frontier lawman helped me understand the faction’s ethos — and changed how I roleplayed my smuggler character.”
Verdict: Not essential, but deeply enriching for lore lovers and aspiring game designers.
3. Official Soundtrack Sampler — Atmosphere in Audio Form
Inon Zur’s score is already being hailed as one of the best in modern sci-fi gaming. The sampler includes seven standout tracks — from the haunting “Into the Unknown” to the adrenaline-pumping “Dogfight Over Charybdis.”
While you can eventually stream these tracks elsewhere, having them bundled with your game — especially for offline listening or modding — adds convenience and emotional continuity.
Verdict: Great for fans of ambient or cinematic music. Enhances immersion pre- and post-play.
Pre-Order vs. Wait: The Real Decision Factors
The Starfield pre-order bonus isn’t the main reason to buy early — the game itself is. But if you’re on the fence, here’s what to consider:
- No exclusive gameplay content. Bethesda confirmed that everything in the pre-order pack will eventually be available through other means — likely via the Creation Club or seasonal events.
- No price advantage. Pre-ordering doesn’t lock in a discount (unless your retailer offers one separately).
- No risk of missing out. Unlike some games that gate story content or powerful gear behind pre-orders, Starfield’s bonus is purely supplemental.
So why pre-order at all?
- Support the developers. Pre-orders help studios gauge interest and allocate resources.
- Secure your launch-day download. Avoid server crashes or digital store delays.
- Bundle convenience. Get the art, music, and skins in one package without hunting them down later.
What About the Premium Edition?
If you’re considering the Starfield Digital Premium Edition ($99.99), the pre-order bonus is included — but you’re really paying for:
- The full base game
- The Shattered Space story expansion (releasing in 2024)
- The Starfield Creation Kit (for modders)
- Additional digital content: Concept Art, Making-of Videos, and the full Official Soundtrack (not just the sampler)
In this context, the pre-order bonus feels like a small cherry on top — not the main dessert.
Pro Tip: If you’re a modder or content creator, the Creation Kit alone justifies the premium price. For casual players?