Introduction

Bethesda has a remarkable history of crafting unforgettable expansions that pull players into immersive new worlds. From the Mirelurk-infested landscapes of Fallout 4’s Far Harbor to the nightmarish realms of Oblivion’s Shivering Isles, and the vampire-hunting adventures of Skyrim’s Dawnguard, each DLC has contributed to the rich tapestry of their iconic RPGs. Now, with the upcoming Starfield expansion, Shattered Space, players have the opportunity to explore the enigmatic Va'ruun faction on the distinctly crafted planet of Va'runn'kai.

Return to Hand-crafted Experiences

Unlike the vast, procedurally generated worlds that Starfield boasts—with over 1,000 planets – Shattered Space promises to bring back the highly detailed and bespoke experiences of games like Fallout and Skyrim. Emil Pagliarulo, design director at the studio, emphasizes the importance of a “hand-crafted landmass” filled with unique content that evokes the thrill of discovery players felt in those classic games. “We knew early on that we needed to add significant content that feels both curated and personal,” he explains. This approach gives players a sense of being surprised by hidden stories and items scattered throughout the world—a stark contrast to the systemic procedural content primarily found in the main game.

Exploring the Va'ruun Faction

The focus on the Va'ruun faction opens up new storytelling avenues that were conspicuously absent in the base game. As one of the more bizarre and intriguing groups in the Settled Systems, known for their worship of a Great Serpent, the Va'ruun had rich potential for storytelling. The decision to spotlight them in this DLC came organically towards the end of Starfield’s development cycle, and the design team set to work creating a uniquely eerie homeworld that would reflect their alien nature.

Crafting the World of Va'ruun'kai

In crafting Va'ruun'kai, the team asked themselves challenging questions to ensure the environment felt authentically strange. Drawing inspiration from the cinematic depictions of alien worlds, they endeavored to make the homeworld “weird,” while exploring the boundaries of what is visually possible in the game’s creation tools. This effort conjured images of eternal eclipses, pools of mercury, and unsettling landscapes—all designed to immerse players in an atmosphere dripping with tension.

Aesthetic Inspirations

Pagliarulo shared that aesthetic inspiration was drawn from games like Morrowind, steeped in themes of cultural deviation and moral ambiguity. As players venture through the city of Dazra, they will find that it embodies a faction straddling the line between human civilization and something profoundly otherworldly.

Embracing Cosmic Horror

But Shattered Space is not merely about exploration; it embraces the darker themes of cosmic horror, pivoting the gameplay's tone towards the unsettling, thanks to the Va'ruun's sinister undertakings. “The concept of celestial horror is woven into the fabric of House Va'ruun,” Pagliarulo says, referencing their cult-like worship of an unseen celestial entity that threatens to envelop the world. Players will face formidable foes and bizarre events that escalate the tension and mystery surrounding this peculiar faction.

Building on Narrative Threads

This expansion smartly builds upon the heady narrative threads laid out in the main game. As you navigate through the Shattered Space storyline, the line between reality and the supernatural becomes blurred, inviting players to question the very fabric of the universe. It promises to be a journey not just across astounding landscapes, but through philosophical quandaries about existence and faith.

Conclusion

In the vein of the best Bethesda expansions, Shattered Space combines familiar elements of exploration with fresh ideas while pushing boundaries into the horrifying and bizarre. With Lovecraftian influences woven into its framework, players will find themselves on a cosmic journey that feels deeply reminiscent of past titles while boldly forging its own path. Are you prepared to step into the unknown depths of Va'ruun'kai? With cosmic themes that shatter expectations, Shattered Space could redefine the player experience, blending horror with the traditional immersive exploration that fans have come to love!