Can I Run Starfield?
2023 · RPG · Check your PC against the official system requirements below.
Starfield system requirements
| Requirement | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Processor (CPU) | AMD Ryzen 5 2600X / Intel Core i7-6800K | AMD Ryzen 5 3600X / Intel Core i5-10600K |
| Graphics (GPU) | AMD Radeon RX 5700 / NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Ti | AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT / NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Video memory | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage | 125 GB | 125 GB |
Source: published system requirements
Starfield FPS benchmarks (estimated)
Estimated frame rates
| GPU tier | 1080p | 1440p | 4K |
|---|---|---|---|
| EntryGTX 1650 / RX 6500 XT | 20-25 | not recommended | not recommended |
| MainstreamRTX 4060 / RX 7600 | 45-60 | 30-40 | 20-25 |
| High-endRTX 4070 Super / RX 7800 XT | 80-100 | 55-70 | 35-45 |
| EnthusiastRTX 4080 Super / RX 7900 XTX | 110-140 | 75-95 | 45-60 |
FPS figures are estimates derived from the published minimum and recommended requirements at high settings, not measured benchmarks. Real-world results vary with CPU, RAM, drivers and in-game options.
Steam Deck & laptop compatibility
Starfield runs poorly on Steam Deck. Even at the lowest settings with FSR, cities drop well under 30 FPS, and the experience never feels stable. Wait for patches or play this one on a desktop.
For a smooth 60 FPS at 1080p, a gaming laptop should be equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU. An NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU is the baseline for playable settings, offering approximately 30 FPS. Laptop GPUs typically exhibit lower performance than their desktop counterparts.
Optimization guide: Starfield Performance Optimization: Maximizing Your FPS
Starfield is Bethesda’s space RPG and it is notably CPU- and GPU-heavy, with a high minimum bar: 16 GB of RAM and a GTX 1070 Ti-class card are required just to launch comfortably. An SSD is mandatory in practice because of the game’s heavy asset streaming.
Even on recommended hardware Starfield is demanding, and the game leans on upscaling (DLSS/FSR) to reach 60 FPS at 1080p-1440p on High. Dense cities like New Atlantis are the hardest test and are more CPU-bound than GPU-bound, so a modern six-core or better processor helps stabilise frame times.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need 16 GB of RAM for Starfield?
Yes. 16 GB is both the minimum and recommended figure, and the game is unstable below it. 32 GB gives headroom for mods and background apps.
Is Starfield CPU-heavy?
Yes, especially in major cities. A modern six-core CPU such as a Ryzen 5 3600X or Core i5-10600K is recommended to avoid frame-time dips.
Can I run Starfield without an SSD?
It is not advisable. The game streams large assets continuously and a hard drive causes severe stutter and long loads.