Cover-Credits:
In the vast expanse of the Starfield universe, Earth, once the cradle of humanity, has taken on a drastically different role. Bethesda's highly anticipated single-player RPG has intrigued players with its sprawling cosmos and immersive storyline. However, one of the most compelling mysteries in the game is the fate of our home planet, Earth. In this article, we delve into the depths of Starfield to uncover the secrets of Earth's transformation.
The Desolate Earth in Starfield
In Starfield's timeline, the year is 2330, almost three centuries from our present. Humanity has spread across the galaxy, settling on various planets within the Settled Systems. Earth, once bustling with life, now lies barren and desolate. The transformation of our beloved planet into a lifeless wasteland is a central plot point in the game.
The story unfolds as players embark on their journey through the game's expansive universe. Early on, you can explore the Sol Star System, home to Mars, Venus, and Neptune. During a pivotal moment in the "The Old Neighborhood" mission, players encounter Sarah Morgan, who provides crucial insights into Earth's grim fate.
According to Morgan, Earth's demise began with a disturbing revelation: the planet was losing its atmosphere. To address this impending catastrophe, the United Colonies formed, mobilizing a massive effort to relocate humanity to other habitable worlds. This urgent mission gave rise to the spacefaring civilizations that players encounter in the game.
By the time of Starfield's events in 2330, Earth has been reduced to a barren rock. Its once-thriving atmosphere vanished, leaving behind a world devoid of life. No flora or fauna remain, and the atmosphere is a thin shroud of CO2, resulting in harsh conditions and frigid temperatures.
Unveiling the Truth
As players progress through the game's storyline, they uncover more about Earth's tragic history. The writings of Doctor Victor Aiza, found during the "In Their Footsteps" mission, shed light on the planet's final years. Dr. Aiza's discovery of an Artifact on Mars during a space mission led to the development of the Grav Dive prototype, a groundbreaking technology.
However, this innovation unintentionally triggered an anomaly in Earth's atmosphere, initiating its gradual breakdown around 2150. Despite the knowledge that the Grav Dive's gravity wave spikes were harming the planet, Dr. Aiza pressed on with his research, ultimately sealing Earth's fate. By 2233, humanity had completely abandoned Earth, marking the end of an era.
A Haunting Visit
While players can visit Earth in Starfield, the experience is far from what one might expect. Landing on Earth is possible, but there are no signs of civilization, no bustling cities, and no remnants of human life. Earth has become a desolate landscape, with only a few basic resources scattered across its surface.
If you choose to explore this once-vibrant planet, make sure you have a spacesuit equipped with adequate radiation protection. During the daytime, Earth is bathed in extreme solar radiation, making it hazardous for unprotected exploration. Nighttime, however, offers a safer window for exploration.
While Earth may hold a certain curiosity for players, its resources are limited. You can find minerals such as water, chlorine, lead, chlorosilanes, and mercury, but there's not much else to do on this forsaken planet. Ruins of iconic structures like The Empire State Building, the Pyramids of Giza, and the Shard of London are scattered across the landscape, serving as haunting reminders of Earth's past glory.
