The Review
Bethesda's first new universe in 25 years launched in 2023 to a mixed-but-generally-positive reception — solid critic scores in the mid-80s, but a more divided response from players, with Steam sitting around 77% positive ("Mostly Positive").
The Shattered Space expansion, released in 2024, landed far rockier: reviewers and players alike called it thin for its price — roughly five hours of main story for $30 — and Metacritic user reviews for it sit close to 50% negative, with critics broadly agreeing it lacked the ambition of a major DLC moment.
The brighter spot has been Bethesda's free updates since launch — "Free Lanes" reworked core systems and traversal, and additions like Terran Armada have added scale and variety. As of 2026, sentiment remains split between dedicated fans who feel the game has grown into its premise and players who feel its scope still doesn't match the hype that preceded it.
