The new Starfield update changes how New Game+ works because it was "misunderstood," according to its director
The recent Free Lanes update for Starfield has brought significant changes to how the New Game+ (NG+) mode works, a feature that had generated some criticism among the gaming community. Now, players will be able to keep up to 50 items when restarting their game, allowing them to retain some of their gear and skills, which makes exploring the multiverse easier. Not happy with the game’s reception, the original NG+ mechanic forced players to leave behind all their items, a challenge that many considered too drastic and that limited the desire to experience the new scenarios that […]
The recent Free Lanes update for Starfield has brought significant changes to how the New Game+ (NG+) mode works, a feature that had generated some criticism among the gaming community.
Now, players will be able to keep up to 50 items when restarting their game, allowing them to retain some of their gear and skills, which makes exploring the multiverse easier.
Starfield launches on PS5 on April 7th for $50💥
Will you be checking it out?👀
The game will also be receiving an update that day:
🔸freely fly between planets 🔹a new station with new vendors and quests 🔸new encounters in space 🔹customize your weapons, gear, and ships even… pic.twitter.com/w3Fu8rtY0h
— Life is a Game Magazine (@LifeisaGameMag) March 17, 2026
According to director Todd Howard, the decision to modify this mechanic responds to complaints about the difficulty of giving up cherished belongings. The attachment players feel towards their collected items was a barrier to exploring the multiverse, commented creative producer Tim Lamb.
In addition to the new NG+ parameters, the update introduces opportunities to improve existing gear through a new mechanic called X-Tech. This upgrade aims to provide additional incentives for players to return to the game. We don’t want players to feel demotivated by losing their gear completely, Lamb added. Thus, Bethesda seeks to provide more engaging and meaningful experiences in future gameplay.
The narrative of Starfield, which involves concepts of sacrifice and personal decisions through Unity, has also been influenced by the movie ‘Edge of Tomorrow’, according to Howard.
The update not only aims to adjust the game to make it more accessible, but also invites players to reflect on their decisions within this vastness of space. With these modifications, Bethesda hopes to revitalize interest in its RPG, offering users a new incentive to explore its vast stories and worlds.
