Many players eagerly anticipate diving into Starfield's New Game Plus (NG+) mode after completing the main story. However, some encounter issues where NG+ doesn't activate after the credits roll. This frustrating glitch can leave you stranded, unable to enjoy the enhanced gameplay experience NG+ offers. This guide will help you troubleshoot why your Starfield New Game Plus isn't starting and offer solutions to get you back into the game.
Why Isn't My Starfield New Game Plus Starting?
The inability to access New Game Plus after completing Starfield's main storyline is a known issue, affecting some players across different platforms. Several factors might contribute to this problem:
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Game Bugs/Glitches: Starfield, being a new release, might contain undiscovered bugs preventing NG+ from triggering correctly. These bugs can manifest in various ways, sometimes related to specific save files or game progression.
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Save File Corruption: A corrupted save file can interfere with the game's ability to initiate NG+. If the save data is damaged, it may prevent the game from properly recognizing the completion of the main storyline and triggering NG+.
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Mod Conflicts (PC Players): If you're playing on PC and have installed mods, these could be causing conflicts that disrupt the NG+ functionality. Mods that alter game mechanics or data related to character progression or story completion might interfere.
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Unpatched Game Version: Outdated game versions may contain bugs that have since been addressed in later patches. Ensuring you have the latest update is crucial.
Troubleshooting Steps: Getting Your Starfield NG+ Started
Let's address these potential issues with specific troubleshooting steps:
1. Verify Your Game Version
Before attempting any other solutions, make sure your game is fully updated. Check for available updates on your console (Xbox) or through your game launcher (Steam, Microsoft Store). Updating often resolves many bugs and glitches, including those affecting NG+.
2. Check for and Install Patches
Game developers frequently release patches to fix bugs. Check for any official patches or updates for Starfield on your respective platform. Install any available patches before proceeding.
3. Check Your Save Files
Corrupted save files are a common culprit. While there isn't a direct repair tool for Starfield save files, you can try the following:
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Create a New Save: Before attempting NG+, start a new game, play for a short time, and create a new save. This might allow the game to create a new, clean save file that doesn't contain the corrupted data.
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Delete Old Saves (Caution!): As a last resort, consider deleting your old save files. This will erase your progress, so only do this if you have a backup and are prepared to lose your current save.
4. Manage Your Mods (PC Players Only)
If you're on PC and using mods, try disabling them temporarily. Launch Starfield without mods to see if the NG+ function activates. If it does, the issue is likely a mod conflict. Try re-enabling them one at a time to pinpoint the problematic mod.
5. Restart Your Console/PC
A simple reboot can sometimes resolve minor glitches preventing the game from recognizing the completion of the main storyline. Restart your console or PC and try again.
6. Reinstall Starfield (Last Resort)
If all else fails, reinstalling the game might be necessary. This is a time-consuming option, but it ensures a clean installation, potentially eliminating corrupted game files that might be causing the problem.
7. Contact Bethesda Support
If you've tried all the above steps and still can't access New Game Plus, contact Bethesda's customer support. They may have further troubleshooting suggestions or be aware of additional issues not covered in this guide.
This comprehensive guide addresses common causes and offers actionable solutions. Remember to always back up your save files before attempting any drastic troubleshooting steps. Happy exploring in your Starfield NG+ experience!
