Summary
Starfieldfans feel that survey data could be used for more than just getting some quick credits during the early stages of a playthrough. While combat inStarfieldhas received near universal praise, the moments in-between the encounters often leave a lot to be desired. ExploringStarfield’s procedurally generated planetscan be a bit of a mixed bag, as many players have pointed out that the game lacks variety both in terms of interior layouts, and in terms of alien biomes.
However, the primary gameplay loop of planetary exploration revolves around using the scanner to survey and catalog a planet’s flora, fauna, and resources. Completing thissurvey data inStarfieldyields a datapad item that players can then sell for a decent amount of credits. It’s a simple loop, and the scanner does track a player’s progress. However, finding those final few critters and shrubs can certainly be frustrating, and once the survey is done,Starfieldplayers cannot interact with the acquired data in any meaningful way.
This is ultimately the main reason behind Reddit user supreme_leader256’s disappointment, as the data surveys are only useful for earning some extra credits. Progress doesn’tcarry over into New Game+ inStarfield, nor is there a gameplay benefit in surveying worlds. The scanned data remains stored on a non-interactive disc that players can either sell or throw away. One of the suggestions provided in the Reddit thread was to allowStarfieldcharacters an option to display their data in their outpost, inside their starship, or even their Constellation room.
Interacting with the datapad could perhaps open a list of the planet’s flora, fauna, and resources, coupled with information about its climate, atmosphere, and overall habitability. It would certainly provideStarfieldfans with more incentive to survey planets beyond the first few levels of the game. Though a few extremely dedicatedStarfieldplayers have scanned the entirety of the Settled Systems for the fun of it, the lack of any codex or database of scanned flora, fauna, and resources is certainly a bit head-scratching. TheStarfieldcommunity has to rely on external tools to make sense of the Settled Systems, despite doing the footwork on their own.
While it remains to be seenhow Shattered Space will improve uponStarfield, the upcoming DLC is presumably releasing in the first half of 2024. Given thatStarfieldcertainly doesn’t lack planets or star systems, Bethesda could be adding new content to already existing worlds. Whether it deals with the Starborn, expands New Game+ features, or delves deeper into the lore of the mysterious House Va’ruun, recent player feedback implies that Bethesda should at least consider expanding the depth of content, rather than just its breadth.
