Starfield PC Files Suggest Bethesda Skipping DLSS Upscaling

Starfield has gone gold, and PC users are now able to preload the game through Xbox. The RPG takes up nearly 140GB of SSD storage on the platform, and curious PC users have already begun to look through the game’s files.

Unfortunately, the files have provided more evidence for a worrying suspicion. Bethesda Game Studios and AMD have partnered for Starfield, and the announcement sparked questions about the game potentially lacking DLSS at launch.

While Bethesda Game Studios or AMD have yet to comment on the matter, the PC files appear to suggest that DLSS will not be included in Starfield.

Why it matters: DLSS is considered the superior upscaling technology when compared to FSR. Nvidia’s reliance on AI technology often leads to extremely impressive image quality despite upscaling.

So after combing through Starfield preload files on PC, I don't see any sign of it supporting DLSS/XeSS. If true I think this would generate a lot of backlash for Bethesda & AMD (due to their refusal to confirm whether they block rival GPU vendor techs in their sponsored games). pic.twitter.com/U67On3x6Kt

— Sebastian Castellanos (@Sebasti66855537) August 18, 2023

As reported by PC gaming enthusiasts on Twitter, Starfield’s PC files show no signs of DLSS. This is also the case for Intel XeSS, another popular upscaling technology.

While this is unfortunate, it certainly is not too surprising. In the past, AMD-sponsored PC games have been known to skip features like upscaling technologies from rival companies.

This was the case with releases like The Callisto Protocol, and AMD has drawn criticism for possibly preventing such technologies from sponsored titles. On the other hand, games partnering with Nvidia often include other upscaling technologies.

Still, this should not be a complete deal breaker for PC users looking forward to Starfield. AMD’s FSR can look great based on the implementation, and Bethesda Game Studios’ strong modding community could ensure DLSS is not left out.

Previously, modders have already introduced unofficial DLSS patches for various games. Given the history of Bethesda Game Studios and their titles, the same is likely to happen for Starfield.