Bethesda has a penchant for incorporating clever easter eggs into their games, and Starfield is no exception. Given that Starfield is a fresh addition to Bethesda's portfolio, while also competing with their beloved franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, it's only natural that this new game would include nods and references to their previous works. Starfield indeed boasts a collection of noteworthy easter eggs from Bethesda, and within the vast expanse of its galaxy, it's certain that more will come to light.
These easter eggs in Starfield by Bethesda encompass a wide range of elements, including familiar characters, voices, memorable moments, or even names that will undoubtedly evoke a sense of nostalgia among fans of Bethesda's gaming universe. Whether these references elicit feelings of delight or apprehension, they serve as a testament to Bethesda's commitment to their legacy.
1. Ulfric Stormcloak, Crimson Fleet Member
In this intriguing twist within a new franchise, Ulfric Stormcloak, previously known for his role as the High King and his involvement in the civil war between the Imperials and Stormcloaks in Skyrim, has now assumed the position of a cruise ship captain among the stars. Within the Crimson Fleet faction quest line, players embark on the "Breaking the Bank" quest, where they receive assistance from a former Crimson Fleet member named Evgeny Rokov. Interestingly, Evgeny Rokov is concealing his true identity by posing as the captain of the luxurious Trident spaceship.
Upon initiating a conversation with Evgeny Rokov in the world of Starfield, players may notice a striking similarity between his deep and gruff voice and that of Ulfric Stormcloak, who was once the Jarl of Windhelm. The inclusion of Vladimir Kulich's voice in Starfield is a welcome nod to fans, and the character's appearance bears striking resemblance to Ulfric himself.
2. Delvin Mallory, Thieves Guild Member To Prison Inmate
As players embark on their journey into the Crimson Fleet, their initial mission will be to undertake the "Echoes of the Past" quest. In this assignment, players will traverse an icy planet alongside key figures from the Crimson Fleet, with the objective of infiltrating "The Lock," an abandoned penitentiary once under the control of the United Colonies. Deep within the confines of this prison, players will come across a computer housing an archive known as the "Prisoner Records."
Within these records, players can peruse a roster of inmates, each with unfamiliar names and their respective status. However, one particular prisoner will undoubtedly draw their attention: Delvin Mallory, a character some players may recall as a member of the Thieves Guild in Skyrim.
3. Arrow In The Knee
The well-known line uttered by Skyrim's Guards makes a return in Starfield, albeit in a different form – as a skill icon. Players may fondly recall the Skyrim guards saying, "I used to be an adventurer like you. Then I took an arrow in the knee," a phrase that captured the internet's fascination back in 2011. This iconic phrase has been immortalized within Starfield, where players must delve into the Crippling skill within the Combat section and seek out Rank 3.
The Rank 3 symbol for the Crippling skill features an arrow quite literally lodged into a human knee. It serves as a humorous Easter egg paying homage to Skyrim within the world of Starfield, and it's likely to remain associated with Bethesda for the foreseeable future, given how widely recognized and quoted that famous line still is.
4. Fallout 4’s Diamond City
Another nod to the Fallout series appears in the form of an Old Earth Baseball artifact that players can discover throughout the galaxy, including their initial ship, the Frontier. Upon closer examination, this item features a baseball perched on a pyramid stand, accompanied by a plaque that bears the inscription, "Play off baseball circa 1978 Old Earth Boston." Notably, Boston served as a prominent location in Fallout 4, with Diamond City acting as a central hub within the game.
It's a delightful experience to encounter Old Earth Boston once more within the Starfield universe, providing an enjoyable reference for players. While we may hope to stumble upon a Vault teeming with cloned Garys or a set of power armor designed to alleviate carry capacity burdens in the future, for now, the discovery of a baseball serves as a satisfying homage.
5. Belethor Returns As A Scavenger
Another accomplished voice actor making a return appearance in Starfield is Stephen Russell, renowned for lending his voice to numerous Skyrim NPCs, such as Belethor. However, some players may also recognize Stephen Russell for his portrayal of Nick Valentine, the synthetic detective in Fallout 4's Diamond City. In the world of Starfield, Russell takes on the role of a single character, Captain Petrov, as opposed to his extensive work voicing hundreds of NPCs.
Captain Petrov stands out as an idiosyncratic and somewhat morally ambiguous figure, one who takes great pride in his collection of rare and scavenged items from various corners of the galaxy. Whether it's a 20th-century computer or an enigmatic Artifact with mysterious properties, Petrov's desire to possess it is insatiable, and he guards his acquisitions fiercely. This marks a departure from the character Belethor, who was known for his mercenary attitude, even going as far as claiming he'd sell his own sister if he had one.
6. Ron Hope, The Imperial City Guard
If players make their way to HopeTown, there's a good chance they'll encounter Ron Hope, the CEO of HopeTech. This character plays a crucial role in the Freestar Collective's story missions, especially when players set out to investigate a stolen HopeTech vessel as a Freestar Ranger. Meeting Ron Hope will likely trigger a sense of familiarity, as his voice talent is none other than Wes Johnson, known for voicing Sheogorath and the Imperial City guards in Oblivion.
Ron Hope's vocal delivery aligns more with the casual conversations of an Imperial City Guard rather than the boisterously mad Sheogorath. It's a delight to witness this talent featured in Starfield, serving as a noteworthy nod to Bethesda's tradition of incorporating their voice actors in unexpected roles throughout their games.
7. The Adoring Fan
One of the most conspicuous references in Starfield is the reappearance of a familiar character: the Adoring Fan. This character originally hails from The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, where players, upon achieving the title of Arena Grand Champion in the Imperial City, found themselves incessantly shadowed by the Adoring Fan. This young and quirky character, known for their outlandish hairstyle, would dutifully accompany the player and fulfill their every request.
The Adoring Fan's unwavering affection for the player character has transcended into this new series. Voiced by the same actor, Craig Sechler, the Adoring Fan returns in Starfield, offering a blend of nostalgia and, perhaps, even heightened annoyance. To locate the Adoring Fan in Starfield, players will need to possess the Hero Worshiped Trait.
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