Bethesda initially envisioned Starfield with visceral gore and dismemberment, a feature ultimately sacrificed due to technical constraints. Former character artist Dennis Mejillones, a veteran of Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield, explained to Kiwi Talkz that integrating these mechanics with the game's diverse spacesuits proved overwhelmingly complex. The intricate design of suits, including helmets and various attachments, created a tangled web of technical challenges. Managing realistic dismemberment within this context, considering factors like suit removal and exposed flesh, became unmanageable. The evolving character creator, allowing for significant body size variations, further compounded the problem.

While some fans expressed disappointment over the absence of gore and dismemberment—features present in Fallout 4—Mejillones argued that such mechanics are more fitting for Fallout's satirical tone. He noted the "tongue in cheek" humor of Fallout as a key element that complements the graphic violence.

Despite this omission, Starfield, Bethesda's first full single-player RPG in eight years, launched to considerable success in September 2023, boasting over 15 million players. IGN's 7/10 review highlighted the game's expansive quests and engaging combat as its primary strengths.

Recent revelations from another former Bethesda developer shed light on the game's extensive loading times at launch, particularly noticeable in Neon. Since then, Bethesda has implemented improvements, including a 60fps performance mode. The Shattered Space expansion also launched in September.