Starfield 2 offers a vast, space-faring single-player experience with confirmed modding and DLC support, while Hogwarts Legacy 2's direction is less clear, with conflicting rumors about multiplayer and setting, but expectations for improved graphics and customization.
| Attribute | Starfield 2 | Hogwarts Legacy 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Game Engine | Creation Engine 2 (updated version of Bethesda's engine with advancements in visuals, AI, real-time global illumination, volumetric lighting, improved post-processing, animation, physics, and a new procedural generation system) | Reportedly Unreal Engine 5 |
| Setting/World Design | Space-themed open world featuring both fictional and non-fictional planetary systems within an area of the Milky Way galaxy. Over 100 systems and over 1,000 planets to explore. | Conflicting opinions among fans: some want new locations, others prefer an expanded Hogwarts. Some suggest it could be set during the events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Fans would like to see Diagon Alley, the Ministry of Magic, and Azkaban. |
| Main Story Length (Hours) | 30-40 hours (some sources suggest it could be completed in as few as 23 hours if rushing through the main story elements) | Not available |
| Available Platforms | PC and Xbox Series X/S. Rumors of a Playstation 5 release possibly in Spring 2026. | Speculated to be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and potentially the Nintendo Switch 2. Some rumors suggest it may not be available on older consoles like PlayStation 4. |
| Multiplayer Support? | Primarily a single-player game. No official multiplayer or co-op modes at launch. Bethesda may consider adding it based on player feedback. | Conflicting rumors: some suggest live-service elements and online features, others suggest focusing on a single-player adventure. |
| Character Customization Options | Extensive character customization, including options for Biometric ID (presets), body shape, walk style, skin tone, and detailed facial features. Players can also select a background that provides starting skills and unique dialogue options. Traits can be chosen to further define the character. | Expected to have more customization options than the first game. Players are requesting more voice choices and detailed facial adjustments. |
| Combat Mechanics | First or third-person perspective. Players can run, jump, crouch, and slide while shooting. Ballistic, energy, and weapons, each with different effects in zero-gravity environments. Grenades and melee attacks. Spaceship combat with customizable ships and various weapon systems. | Fans are expecting improvements, including more spells, stronger enemies, unique character builds, and aerial combat. One suggestion is to flesh out the basic cast ability. |
| Crafting/Building System | Weapon mods and ship customization imply crafting/building elements exist (more specific search results needed) | There are calls for an ARPG wand crafting system that affects wand performance in combat. |
| Modding Support | Expected, with game director Todd Howard confirming that players will have the option to mod the game. Unofficial modding is already happening. | Unknown whether it will have modding support. The first game received official mod support. |
| Post-Launch Content/DLC Plans | Confirmed plans for post-launch DLC, including story expansion packs. Rumors that a second DLC will launch in Spring 2026. | Rumors suggest that a DLC for the first game is in development, which could potentially set up plot threads for the sequel. |
| Graphics and Visual Fidelity | Utilizes Creation Engine 2, which includes improvements to graphics and visual fidelity. | Expected to have improved graphics and detail due to Unreal Engine 5. |
| Open World Exploration | Open-world exploration with over 1,000 planets to explore. | Some fans hope that the sequel will remove the arbitrary boundaries that restricted flight in certain areas of the first game, such as Hogsmeade and Hogwarts. |