When you see Earth in Starfield for the first time, you’ll wonder what happened to it. Instead of blue oceans, green plains, and city lights, our homeworld is a barren, lifeless planet. What happened to the Earth is one of the big mysteries of Starfield. Was it climate change, an asteroid impact, nuclear war, or something worse?
Why is Earth barren in Starfield?
You quickly learn that Earth in Starfield became barren and uninhabitable because it lost its atmosphere. In 2150, scientists discovered that the planet’s magnetosphere was collapsing and that in 50 years, it would be incapable of supporting life. This caused the population’s mass exodus to the United Colonies, FreeStar Collective, and elsewhere.
When the planet’s magnetosphere finally collapsed, Earth had no protection from solar winds, which quickly eroded its atmosphere. By 2203, Earth had been completely abandoned, and when the game started in 2330, there were no longer any permanent settlements on its surface.
But that’s not the whole story….
Later in the game, you’ll have to visit a NASA launch site on the moon, where you’ll learn the truth about Earth’s fate. Scientists discovered one of the artifacts, and through studying it, they developed jump drive, which allowed humanity to travel to the stars. However, they later found that their experiments were what caused the Earth’s magnetosphere to collapse. So, in granting humanity the ability to spread throughout the galaxy, they cost them their homeland.
The twist is a powerful testament to the unintended consequences of human curiosity and ambition. The revelation reflects the double-edged nature of progress; for every great leap forward, there might be unforeseen repercussions. The game intertwines this narrative into its gameplay, urging players to question the moral implications of their actions in this vast universe. As players explore the galaxy, the shadow of Earth’s tragedy looms, reminding them of the price of unchecked technological advancement. This ties into one of the game’s essential questions: Is exploration worth the sacrifice?
Starfield Earth FAQ
A: Earth in Starfield became uninhabitable due to the loss of its atmosphere. The collapse of the planet’s magnetosphere in 2150 left it exposed to solar winds, eroding its atmosphere. By 2203, it was completely abandoned, and by 2330, there were no permanent settlements left.
A: Scientists in the game found an artifact that led to the development of the jump drive, allowing interstellar travel. However, their experiments with this artifact inadvertently caused the Earth’s magnetosphere to collapse, leading to its eventual barren state.
A: Starfield poses an essential question about the cost of unchecked technological advancement and exploration. The narrative highlights the unintended consequences of human ambition and urges players to contemplate whether the benefits of exploration justify the potential sacrifices, such as losing one’s homeland.
