Starfield’s February 20 update introduces PC graphics enhancements, stability improvements, and essential bug fixes for smoother gameplay.
What’s New in Starfield’s February 20 Update?
Starfield’s February 20 patch delivers targeted enhancements primarily for PC players, introducing advanced graphics technologies alongside crucial stability repairs. This incremental update builds upon the foundation laid by January’s substantial lighting and quest overhaul.
The latest Starfield update strategically deploys new upscaling options for PC graphics alongside essential crash prevention and bug resolution measures.
Bethesda has deployed update 1.9.67, a focused patch that addresses specific technical pain points while expanding visual customization for compatible systems.
Arriving just weeks after a transformative update that refined environmental lighting and narrative elements, this more compact release delivers targeted technical corrections that dedicated PC enthusiasts will appreciate.
Below is a comprehensive analysis of every modification introduced in Starfield’s February 20th patch.
The centerpiece of this Starfield update is the integration of two major upscaling technologies: AMD FidelityFX™ Super Resolution 3 (FSR 3) and Intel Xe Super Sampling (XeSS). These additions exclusively benefit PC players seeking improved frame rates and visual fidelity.
Bethesda clarifies that “this new functionality combines intelligent upscaling with sophisticated frame generation technology, substantially increasing framerates for enhanced gameplay smoothness.”
The integrated upscaling solutions promise both superior image quality and increased performance, though players must confirm their graphics hardware compatibility before activating these features.
Beyond graphical upgrades, the patch implements various improvements and bug corrections across Xbox and PC platforms. Notable changes include refined save file management for increased stability and resolution of a persistent Ship Builder interface crash.
Complete official patch documentation from Bethesda is available through their official channels.
Starfield Update 1.9.67 Patch Notes Breakdown
Graphics & Rendering Fixes
- Added support for AMD FidelityFX™ Super Resolution 3 (FSR 3). (PC) – Implements AMD’s latest upscaling and frame generation technology, potentially doubling frame rates on compatible Radeon graphics cards while maintaining image quality.
- Added support for Intel Xe Super Sampling (XeSS). (PC) – Integrates Intel’s AI-enhanced upscaling solution, offering performance benefits particularly for Arc series GPU users and select NVIDIA/AMD hardware.
- Fixed an issue that could make the clouds appear to vibrate when using DLSS performance mode. (PC) – Resolves distracting atmospheric rendering artifacts that occurred specifically with NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Super Sampling in its performance-oriented preset.
- Fixed minor visual artifact that could occur when aiming with a weapon or task swapping. – Eliminates subtle graphical corruption that sometimes appeared during weapon ADS (aim down sights) transitions or when quickly switching between game systems.
Gameplay & Stability Patches
- Changed how FormIDs are freed when loading saves. This should improve stability for saves that have visited many locations. – Overhauls memory management for game object identifiers, reducing crash risks for veteran players with extensive exploration history across multiple star systems.
- Fixed a crash that could happen when making changes to the ship that required all items to be moved to the cargo bay in the Ship Builder menu. – Addresses a specific failure point when modifying ship habitation modules that triggered bulk item transfers, particularly affecting players with heavily customized vessels.
UI & Interface Corrections
- Reverted a change that caused the data menu to open when taking screenshots with F12 (PC) – Restores standard screenshot functionality by removing an accidental keybinding conflict that interrupted the photo capture process.
- Fixed an issue causing the resolution scale to reset to 1.0 when switching from Fullscreen to Windowed mode when using DLSS. (PC) – Preserves resolution scaling settings during display mode transitions, preventing unexpected performance drops or visual quality reduction.
Player Strategies & Optimization Guide
Getting the Most from FSR 3 & XeSS
To maximize performance gains from the new upscaling technologies, first verify your GPU’s compatibility. FSR 3 works across AMD, NVIDIA, and Intel graphics cards, while XeSS performs optimally on Intel Arc GPUs but also functions on other brands. Enable these features through the Display settings menu, starting with the ‘Quality’ preset before experimenting with ‘Performance’ modes. Monitor your frame rate using Starfield’s built-in performance metrics (if available) or third-party tools like MSI Afterburner to quantify improvements.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Avoid immediately setting upscaling to maximum performance modes, as this can introduce visual artifacts. Instead, gradually adjust settings while observing image stability, particularly during fast-paced space combat or detailed planetary exploration. Players with save files experiencing instability should create manual backups before loading, as the FormID management changes, while beneficial, interact with complex existing save data. When modifying ships in the Ship Builder, consider moving valuable items to cargo manually before structural changes to prevent potential item loss during the now-fixed crash scenario.
Advanced Stability Tips
For players experiencing persistent issues, consider resetting your graphics settings to default before re-enabling upscaling technologies. This clears any corrupted configuration data that might conflict with the new implementations. If cloud vibration artifacts persist with DLSS, try switching temporarily to FSR 3 or XeSS to isolate the issue. Veteran players with hundreds of hours of gameplay should periodically clean their save folder by removing obsolete autosaves, as the improved FormID management works best with streamlined save data. For optimal performance, match your upscaling technology to your GPU brand when possible, but don’t hesitate to test alternatives—FSR 3 often provides excellent results even on non-AMD hardware.
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