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Can You Run Starfield?

Minimum and recommended PC requirements, side by side, with a free check against your own hardware.

Bethesda Game StudiosReleased September 6, 2023PC, Xbox Series X

Quick answer

To run Starfield at minimum settings you need Intel Core i5-10600K or better, 16 GB of memory, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Ti. For comfortable frame rates aim for NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 with 32 GB. Set aside 140 GB SSD of drive space.

Check your own PC

Starfield system requirements

Minimum

Bare minimum

The game launches and runs, usually low settings around 30 frames per second

Operating system
Windows 10 64-bit
Processor
Intel Core i5-10600K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
Memory
16 GB RAM
Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Ti / AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
DirectX
Version 12
Storage
140 GB SSD

Recommended

Smooth play

Comfortable frame rates at higher settings

Operating system
Windows 10/11 64-bit
Processor
Intel Core i7-12700K / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
Memory
32 GB RAM
Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 / AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT
DirectX
Version 12
Storage
140 GB SSD

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 roughly 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 140 GB SSD 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 Intel Core i5-10600K or better, 16 GB of memory, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Ti. For comfortable frame rates aim for NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 with 32 GB. Set aside 140 GB SSD 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 64-bit, Intel Core i5-10600K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600X, 16 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Ti / AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT, DirectX 12 and 140 GB SSD. Minimum specs mean the game launches and runs, usually at low settings and around 30 frames per second.

What are the recommended requirements for Starfield?

Windows 10/11 64-bit, Intel Core i7-12700K / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, 32 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 / AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT, DirectX 12 and 140 GB SSD. Recommended specs target a smooth experience at higher settings.

How much storage does Starfield need?

Starfield needs 140 GB SSD of free space. Install it on an SSD if you can. Modern games stream assets while you play, and a mechanical drive causes texture pop in and longer loading even when every other component is strong enough.

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.

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