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The “Freelanes” update for Starfield is the biggest one yet. It overhauls and expands the game’s mechanics so drastically that it can completely change how you play—and it’s free for everyone. Space exploration in Starfield has been reimagined: instead of simply fast-travelling to a destination, you can now cruise the galaxy in real time, hunting for adventure. On top of that, there are tons of new upgrade and customization options. Here are the most important changes the Freelanes update brings.
Use “Freelanes” to explore space
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The headline feature lives up to its name—Freelanes opens space wide open. Where you once fast-travel-hopped between points, you can now fly the full distances inside star systems and experience every moment of the journey.
Engage cruise-flight mode, set a heading, then leave the cockpit to walk the ship, chat with the crew, and use any workbenches on board. If something interesting pops up mid-flight, the game will alert you so you can hop back into the pilot’s seat and investigate.
X-Tech unlocks new customization layers
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X-Tech is the new resource introduced in Freelanes, and it’s the key to deeper weapon, gear, and ship customization. Farm it from defeated bosses, loot chests, and shipwrecks—keep your eyes peeled. Spend X-Tech to reroll legendary weapon effects; after five rerolls the full list unlocks, letting you pick the exact modifier you want if you haven’t pulled it already.
X-Tech also grants access to tier-4 legendary effects on compatible guns, helmets, packs, and suits. Two new rarity tiers above “Advanced” have been added—gear can now be pushed to “Exceptional” and “Masterwork.” Install a Ship Optimization Terminal on your vessel to spend X-Tech upgrading systems like shield output and the grav drive.
The new “Anchorpoint” station is a bustling trade hub packed with merchants and quests, but finding it is half the battle. It orbits on the outer rim of the Algorab system—you’ll need a long-jump-capable ship to reach it. Once you arrive, check our Anchorpoint safe-cracking guide for the code and the loot inside.
Outposts have been upgraded
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To help manage inventory and resources, every outpost you build can now host a shared container—anything placed inside is accessible from any other outpost with the same container. A new Database system, viewable from your character menu, tracks every outpost’s location, stored resources, and more. You can even unlock a new outpost pet—Milliwave—by completing the “House Sitting” quest on Anchorpoint.
New ways to power up your Starborn
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If you want to rank up unlocked Starborn powers, you no longer need to hunt for new temples in New Game+. Collect Quantum Essence to raise their rank instead; you can also burn it to instantly recharge your power meter and chain abilities together.
Planning to head into New Game+ after the main story? Build the Quantum Entangler in The Lodge to transfer selected items into your next playthrough.
Plenty of other improvements
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Freelanes adds a mountain of smaller touches: the new “Lunar Rover” rover that can jump up cliffs, a set of collectible “Colonial War Heroes” figurines that each grant stat bonuses, dozens of new planetary points of interest, and even an asteroid home base you can buy and live in. For the full patch notes, check the official Bethesda post.
If you own the Starfield Terran Armada add-on, we have a separate guide on how to get started with it.
Starfield tips: How to succeed Starfield skills: Use them or lose them Starfield ship customization: Pimp your ride Starfield biomes: Where the grass is greener Starfield smuggling: Successful contraband
