Can You Run Starfield?
Minimum and recommended PC requirements, side by side, with a free check against your own hardware.
Quick answer
To run Starfield at minimum settings you need an Intel Core i7-6800K or better, 16 GB of memory, and graphics at least as fast as the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Ti. For comfortable frame rates, aim for the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 with 16 GB of memory. Set aside 125 GB of drive space.
Check your own PCStarfield system requirements
Minimum
Bare minimumThe game launches and runs, usually at low settings
- Operating system
- Windows 10 version 21H1 or newer
- Processor
- Intel Core i7-6800K / AMD Ryzen 5 2600X
- Memory
- 16 GB RAM
- Graphics
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Ti / AMD Radeon RX 5700
- DirectX
- Version 12
- Storage
- 125 GB available space
Recommended
Smooth playComfortable frame rates at higher settings
- Operating system
- Windows 10/11 with updates
- Processor
- Intel Core i5-10600K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
- Memory
- 16 GB RAM
- Graphics
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 / AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT
- DirectX
- Version 12
- Storage
- 125 GB available space
An SSD is required at both minimum and recommended settings. The recommended spec also lists a broadband internet connection.
Source: Starfield on Steam, checked September 30, 2026.
What these numbers mean in practice
Minimum requirements are the floor, not a target. Meeting them means Starfield will start and remain playable, typically at low settings and often around 30 frames per second. If your hardware only just clears the minimum, expect to lower the resolution before you lower anything else, since resolution costs more performance than almost any other setting.
The graphics card matters more than any other component here. In our scoring the GPU carries 40 percent of the compatibility result, the processor 30 percent, and memory and storage speed 15 percent each. A strong processor cannot rescue a card that falls below the minimum, though a weak processor can hold back a strong card at lower resolutions.
Storage speed is the most commonly overlooked requirement. Starfield lists 125 GB of space, and modern titles stream assets from disk while you play. On a mechanical drive you get texture pop in and longer loading even when every other part of your system is comfortably above spec.
Frequently asked questions
Can I run Starfield on my PC?
To run Starfield at minimum settings you need an Intel Core i7-6800K or better, 16 GB of memory, and graphics at least as fast as the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Ti. For comfortable frame rates, aim for the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 with 16 GB of memory. Set aside 125 GB of drive space. Enter your own specs in the checker above and you will get a compatibility score with an estimated frame rate rather than a simple yes or no.
What are the minimum requirements for Starfield?
Windows 10 version 21H1 or newer, Intel Core i7-6800K / AMD Ryzen 5 2600X, 16 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Ti / AMD Radeon RX 5700, DirectX 12, 125 GB available space. Minimum specs mean the game launches and runs, usually at low settings. These figures come from Starfield on Steam.
What are the recommended requirements for Starfield?
Windows 10/11 with updates, Intel Core i5-10600K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600X, 16 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 / AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT, DirectX 12, 125 GB available space. Recommended specs target a smooth experience at higher settings.
How much storage does Starfield need?
Starfield needs 125 GB of free space. An SSD is required at both minimum and recommended settings. The recommended spec also lists a broadband internet connection.
Does Starfield run on a laptop?
It can, but compare the actual laptop GPU rather than the desktop card with a similar name. Laptop graphics chips typically run 15 to 30 percent slower than their desktop counterparts because of power and cooling limits, so a laptop card that matches the recommended spec on paper often performs closer to the minimum.