Starfield: Shattered Space DLC Review – A Beautiful, Yet Hollow Expansion

Introduction

Bethesda's Starfield was met with high expectations, and its first DLC, Shattered Space, continues to expand the game’s universe. Set primarily on the mysterious planet Va’ruun’kai, this DLC provides new locations, side quests, and lore related to the enigmatic House Va’ruun, a theocratic cult that was briefly touched on in the base game. While it delivers visually stunning environments and a strong opening sequence, Shattered Space ultimately struggles with pacing, depth, and narrative execution.

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A Promising Start

The DLC opens with a thrilling zero-gravity exploration of a derelict ship, evoking a horror-like atmosphere. This opening hour stands out as one of Shattered Space’s most engaging sequences. The eerie floating debris and lifeless crew members create a sense of urgency, and the experience is enhanced by the game’s physics engine, allowing players to truly immerse themselves in the hazardous environment​.

This exploration leads players to Va’ruun’kai, a planet rich with vibrant landscapes and striking visual contrasts. The red aurora-laced sky, alien flora, and occult architecture immediately draw the eye, making it an exciting new setting to explore. The planet’s aesthetic is unique, and it provides ample opportunity for players who enjoy uncovering hidden lore and completing side activities​.

A Mid-Story Slump

Unfortunately, after this strong start, the main questline begins to falter. The middle hours of Shattered Space are marked by repetitive objectives and formulaic fetch quests. Missions such as “go here, talk to this person, and then return” dominate much of the experience, causing the sense of intrigue to wane. This sluggish middle section might disengage players who are hoping for a more dynamic storyline​.

Thematically, Shattered Space introduces intriguing questions about the intersection of science, technology, and religion. However, these topics are often underexplored, leaving some potentially profound narrative threads dangling. While there are moments that touch on the deeper motivations of House Va’ruun and their serpent god, the DLC never fully commits to exploring them in a meaningful way​.

Exploration and Atmosphere Shine

For players who love to wander off the beaten path, the expansion’s strengths lie in its exploration. Va’ruun’kai is a feast for the eyes, and those who take the time to explore its side quests and delve into its lore will be rewarded. The city of Va’ruun offers deeper insight into the culture and religion of the Va’ruun people, and there are new weapons and companions to discover. However, the new weapons, while visually appealing, don’t significantly change combat gameplay​.

Andreja, a companion character tied to House Va’ruun, adds an extra layer of depth to the experience, especially for those who bring her along on the journey. Her unique dialogue interactions provide additional context and enrich the player's understanding of Va’ruun society​.

A Technically Uneven Experience

From a technical standpoint, Shattered Space introduces some welcome quality-of-life improvements. New features, such as a rover mount, make planetary exploration more fluid and enjoyable, and the in-game mod support enhances customizability. However, bugs and immersion-breaking glitches continue to plague the experience, detracting from the overall polish of the DLC​.

Video Source: YouTube.com/ObsidianAnt

Final Thoughts

Starfield: Shattered Space is an expansion that appeals primarily to explorers and lore enthusiasts. Its striking visuals and atmospheric design are highlights, but the narrative falters and the quests can feel uninspired at times. Players looking for meaningful story developments or deep gameplay improvements might find themselves disappointed, while those who revel in exploration will find the setting of Va’ruun’kai worth the visit.

Ultimately, Shattered Space feels like a beautiful but hollow addition to Starfield. Its potential is clear, but Bethesda's usual formula of expansive worlds with light RPG mechanics leaves much to be desired in terms of storytelling and character engagement. For some, the visual splendor of Va’ruun’kai may be enough, but for others, the DLC may feel like a missed opportunity.