Reddit Solves Starfield’s Earth Destruction Mystery
Within the myriad worlds of Starfield, the forsaken Starfield’s Earth stands out as the most captivating. What led to Earth’s desertion? A globe model found by a Redditor offers insights into why humanity left Earth behind: the onslaught of floods, desolation of deserts, and the peril of radiation.
At the Starfield Direct event, delving into the game’s intricacies, Bethesda introduced the base-construction mechanics. This presentation unveiled potential decorative items players might adorn their bases with. Notably, a globe representation of Earth was identified by Redditor Sdejo.
This globe representation captures Earth’s evolution from its 2023 condition to a desolate version by 2330. It possibly captures Earth around the time humans ventured to Jemison, culminating in the foundation of New Atlantis in 2161. Regrettably, the model chiefly displays the Americas, leaving the fate of other continents ambiguous.
On this globe, Brazil got rid of a good part of its rainforest. Also, either ice is reaching California or Canada is a desert
by u/Sdejo in Starfield
By the time Starfield unfolds in 2330, Earth presents a parched, desolate landscape devoid of water.
Drawing from these clues, we piece together a speculated sequence of Earth’s decline:
- Polar ice caps dissolved, leading to rising seas that engulfed vast regions of South America, notably the Amazon. Sdejo’s indistinct image suggests parts of Canada faced a similar fate.
- As the seas swelled, global temperatures skyrocketed, rendering vast lands infertile. The depiction shows most of South America and western North America as arid regions.
- The emergence of desert terrains and submersion of urban centers likely propelled humanity’s exodus from Earth due to diminishing habitable areas.
Supplementary environmental crises may have plagued Earth, though these theories remain speculative:
- Littleman88, another Redditor, suggests a complete obliteration of the ozone layer, leading to UV radiation disintegrating water molecules into hydrogen, potentially depriving Earth of its water over time.
- If the ozone did vanish due to either man-made pollutants or intense solar activity in Starfield’s Earth rendition, the ensuing UV exposure could exterminate all life.
This theorized decline paints a picture of an Earth bereft of life, hydration, resources (with most already extracted), and under lethal UV radiation levels.
Yet, the enigma remains: Why didn’t humans revisit? A concept Bethesda’s Will Shen and colleagues hinted at. Given players can establish bases across Starfield and have protective gear, wouldn’t Earth’s allure remain for scientific or archaeological pursuits?
Though not declared by Bethesda, players may likely traverse Earth. The underlying reasons for humanity’s exodus remain shrouded in mystery. Thankfully, vigilant Redditors like Sdejo are on the lookout for insights.
