No Man's Sky

The Swarm Update launched on May 27, 2026, introducing epic space battles and a community war effort against the Hive of Glass, significantly enhancing the gameplay experience. This update also featured Xeno Arena, allowing players to raise, train, and battle alien creatures, along with numerous customization options for vehicles and ships.

• New Features:
  • Gravity Gun: A new tool enabling players to manipulate large objects was introduced on February 11, 2026.
  • Vehicle Customization Options: Players could create bespoke trucks and haulers starting February 11, 2026.
  • Corvettes - Customizable Ships: Players gained the ability to design their own ships with real interiors on August 27, 2025.

• Gameplay Enhancements:
  • Epic Space Battles: The largest space battles in the game's history were part of The Swarm Update.
  • Community Faction System: Players could join one of three factions to cooperate and compete against the Hive.
  • Creature Battles and Training: Players could battle their pets and engage in training and breeding of unique creatures starting April 8, 2026.

• Seasonal Events:
  • Halloween Update: The Breach update, themed around Halloween, enhanced exploration and ship assembly.
  • Limited-Time Community Expedition: A collaborative event allowed players to reclaim a planet covered in wrecks on February 11, 2026.
  • Breach Expedition: Running from December 31, 2025, to January 13, 2026, this expedition focused on exploring a desolate universe and enhancing corvette builds.

• Quality of Life Improvements:
  • Corvette Workshop Improvements: Enhanced snapping, more robust collision, and new color palette options were added on October 22, 2025.

Voyagers Update launched on August 1, 2025, allowing players to create bespoke Corvette-class starships and introducing new multiplayer features. This update followed the Robotic Autophage Settlements and the ability to Become Town Mayor on June 4, 2025, which expanded gameplay with new building types, utilities, and settlement management options.

• New Content:
  • Worlds Part II introduced on January 29, 2025, added new solar systems, planets, and biomes.
  • Fishing Mechanics debuted on September 4, 2024, allowing players to fish in various aquatic environments and introduced related items like the Aquarius Flight Pack.
  • Cross-Save Support launched on November 7, 2024, enabling players to connect their accounts across multiple platforms.
  • New Gas Giants and Palaeontological Finds added significant exploration opportunities.
• Gameplay Enhancements:
  • The Settlement Defense Mechanic on June 4, 2025, allowed players to hire wingmen for protection against pirate attacks.
  • A New Quest and Expedition on January 29, 2025, provided players with fresh challenges and rewards.
• Seasonal Events:
  • The Aquarius Expedition on September 4, 2024, was a six-week quest focused on fishing and customization.
  • The Cursed Expedition launched on October 23, 2024, introducing a narrative-driven challenge involving supernatural elements.
• Visual Upgrades:
  • A Graphical Upgrade with Intel XeSS2 on June 4, 2025, significantly enhanced the game's visuals.
  • New ocean technology and a rewritten lighting system were also introduced, improving environmental interactions.

• Network Features:
  • Full Cross-Save Feature became available on June 4, 2025, enhancing accessibility for the player base.

OMEGA Update launched on February 15, 2024, marking No Man's Sky's first availability as a free-to-play game. This update also introduced a wealth of new content, including the 5.0 Update on July 17, 2024, which brought significant gameplay enhancements, new technology, and a variety of creatures and biomes.

• New Content:
  • Introduction of Ship Customisation on March 27, 2024, allowed players to customize their ships using parts gathered during exploration.
  • A complete overhaul of Space Stations also launched on March 27, featuring procedurally generated interiors and exteriors.
  • The introduction of a new robotic race on August 24, 2023, added fresh lore and gameplay opportunities.
  • The Holographic Museum Feature launched on August 24, enabling players to display their discoveries.
  • The Adrift Expedition released on May 29, 2024, offering a unique survival experience without NPCs.

• Gameplay Enhancements:
  • An overhaul of Space Combat was implemented on August 24, 2023, enhancing epic battles between freighters.
  • Integration of Expeditions into the Main Game occurred on February 15, 2024, allowing players to participate with custom gear.
  • Frigate Fleet Missions launched on March 27, 2024, enabling players to send fleets on missions and perform rescues.

• New Systems:
  • A new Guild System launched on March 27, 2024, allowing players to join guilds and gain rare items.
  • Additionally, new on-planet missions were introduced on February 15, 2024, featuring a range of procedurally generated quests.

• Visual Improvements:
  • The 5.0 Update on July 17, 2024, introduced dynamic weather and new water technology, enhancing the visual experience of oceans and skies.
  • Enhanced planet atmospherics added rolling fog, rain, and other effects, significantly improving immersion.

• Seasonal Events:
  • The Omega Expedition Free Weekend took place from February 15 to 19, 2024, inviting players to experience the new content for free.

Waypoint (4.0) Update launched on October 7, 2022, introducing a significant overhaul of design and balance across all platforms, marking a major free update for No Man's Sky. Following this, the Echoes Update on August 1, 2023, added new narrative elements, tactical space combat, and a secret society of robotic aliens. Additionally, the game became available on Mac on June 1, 2023, bringing all previous content updates along with it.

• New Narrative Content: The Echoes Update introduced a secret society of robotic aliens, enhancing the game's lore and exploration elements.
• New Starships and Enemies: The Interceptor Update on April 5, 2023, added a new starship class known as Interceptors, new enemy types, and Sentinel Capital Ships, expanding combat opportunities.
  • Interceptor Ships: Players could salvage Sentinel ships or collect various Interceptors.
  • New Enemy Types: Included huge spider-like enemies and new corrupted drones.
  • Sentinel Capital Ships: Enabled players to engage in large-scale space battles.
• Gameplay Enhancements: The introduction of cross-save support between PC and Mac on June 1, 2023, allowed players to switch seamlessly between platforms.
• VR Improvements: Multiple updates in February 2023 overhauled VR gameplay, including full head and hand tracking, enhanced interactions, and a remade HUD for a more immersive experience.
• Seasonal Events: The return of community expeditions for the holidays in November 2022 allowed players to revisit popular expeditions from the year in a new format.

Freighter and Fleet Overhaul launched on July 20, 2022, bringing a complete revamp of freighters and fleets, allowing players to live and work aboard their own starships with a crew. This update also introduced Large Planetary Settlements on September 1, 2021, where players could engage with thriving communities and even become their Overseer. Other significant additions included the Polestar Expedition on July 27, 2022, offering an interstellar cruise experience.

• New Features:
  • Squadrons Feature: Players could recruit and upgrade wingmen with unique abilities as of April 13, 2022.
  • Outlaw Stations: Introduced on April 13, 2022, these stations provided pirate missions and black-market technology.
  • Expedition Narrative: A story-driven adventure launched on May 25, 2022, where players investigated significant sites and encountered The Leviathan.

• Gameplay Enhancements:
  • Overhaul to Base Building: Released on September 1, 2021, this update added hundreds of new base parts and advanced building controls.
  • New Stories and Missions: Added on February 16, 2022, players could raid Sentinel Pillars for secrets and engage in new story-driven missions.
  • Advanced Combat Upgrades: New upgrades for combat introduced stun or incineration effects and extra damage on tagged targets.

• Visual Improvements:
  • Varied Asteroids and Space Vistas: Enhanced visuals for asteroids and space environments launched on July 20, 2022.
  • Total Visual Overhaul for Weapons: Significant visual enhancements for all Multi-Tool systems were implemented on February 16, 2022.

• Quality of Life Improvements:
  • New Bridge for Freighters: This feature, added on July 20, 2022, provided instant access to warping and teleportation.
  • Auto-Follow Mode for Space Combat: Implemented on April 13, 2022, this mode improved accessibility for players struggling with space combat.

• Seasonal Events:
  • Exobiology Expedition: Launched on February 25, 2022, this event focused on discovering alien creatures and ran for approximately five weeks.
  • Expedition Four: Emergence: A narrative-rich seasonal event launched on October 20, 2021.

Expeditions Mode launched on March 31, 2021, introducing a seasonal and community-focused gameplay experience where players progress together from a shared starting point. Alongside this, the Companions Update on February 17, 2021, added a wealth of features, including customizable accessories for creatures, unique creature personalities, and the ability to tame and train them.

• New Content:
  • Companions Update: Introduced features like the Egg Sequencer for genetic modification, neural harnesses for adopted creatures, and options to adopt and bond with creatures.
  • New Planets and Worlds: Entirely new planets with unique environments were added on September 23, 2020.
  • SSV Normandy SR1: Players could add the iconic ship from Mass Effect to their fleet through the Beachhead expedition on May 21, 2021.
  • New Weather Effects: Introduced on June 2, 2021, including rain that refracts light and slick surfaces.
• Gameplay Enhancements:
  • Milestones and Phases: Players could progress through exploration milestones for rewards, introduced with the Expeditions Mode.
  • Mission Overhaul: Core and optional missions received improvements, including the addition of the Target Sweep mechanic on March 31, 2021.
• Visual Overhaul:
  • Prisms Update: Launched on June 2, 2021, this update significantly enhanced the game's visuals, improving planets, skies, and creatures.
  • Enhanced Planetary Surfaces: Added thousands more rocks and diverse flora to improve exploration aesthetics.

• Balance Changes:
  • Rebalanced Derelict Freighters: Increased challenge with tougher security systems was implemented on October 26, 2020.
  • Early Game Balance Improvements: Enhancements for a smoother start were made on March 31, 2021.

• UI/UX Improvements:
  • UI and HUD Overhaul: A complete refresh for improved legibility was introduced on March 31, 2021.

No Man's Sky introduced the Living Ships update on February 19, 2020, marking a significant addition with the first organic starships that players can grow and nurture. This was followed by the launch of the Minotaur Exocraft on April 7, 2020, which allows for enhanced planetary exploration. Other notable updates included new alien encounters and expanded multiplayer features at the beginning of the year.

• New Content:
  • Minotaur Exocraft: A new hybrid exocraft that provides immunity against hazardous atmospheres.
  • Living Ships: A new type of starship that players can incubate and grow.
  • Abandoned Freighters Exploration: Players gained the ability to explore derelict freighters with unique stories starting July 16, 2020.
  • New traveller NPCs and a social hub were introduced, enhancing the game's community aspect.

• Gameplay Enhancements:
  • Technology Trees: A new system introduced to improve player progression.
  • Unique Ship Abilities: Living Ships feature unique internal organs that affect their capabilities.
  • First-Person Exocraft Driving: Enhanced driving mechanics were added for a more immersive experience.
  • New Missions for Living Ships: Players could engage in missions that guide them through the creation of Living Ships.

• Balance Changes:
  • Weapon and Enemy Balance Adjustments: Various improvements were made to combat dynamics.
  • Increased Rewards from Nexus Missions: Standard missions began offering better rewards to incentivize participation.

• Cross-Play Support:
  • Cross-Platform Multiplayer: Launched on June 11, 2020, allowing players on different platforms to explore together.

• Quality of Life Improvements:
  • Base Building Enhancements: Several improvements made to streamline the base building process and inventory management.

No Man's Sky: Beyond marked a significant milestone with its release announcement on August 2, 2019, promising major updates and enhancements. The introduction of full VR support also transformed the gameplay experience, allowing players to immerse themselves in the universe like never before.

• Enhanced Multiplayer Experience: The No Man's Sky Online update launched on March 25, 2019, dramatically improved multiplayer interactions, enabling players to explore and play together seamlessly.
• New Content: The Abyss Update introduced underwater gameplay, adding new biomes, creatures, and story elements. Players encountered over five times more variety in underwater environments and gained access to the Nautilon, a new exocraft designed for underwater navigation.
• Customization Features: Players could now customize their body shape and enjoy new exocraft customization options, including aesthetic upgrades and handling adjustments.
• Gameplay Improvements: The Pilgrim motorbike was added, along with a revamped mission logic and discovery leaderboards for community tracking, enhancing overall gameplay experience.
• Balance Changes: Updates adjusted the health of Corrupted Sentinels and increased the base speed and inventory size of exocraft, providing a more balanced gameplay environment.

No Man's Sky NEXT launched on July 24, 2018, marking a significant evolution in the game with the introduction of multiplayer gameplay, allowing players to explore the universe together. Alongside this, the update brought unlimited base building, enabling players to create bases anywhere on any planet with greater complexity and size limits.

• New Multiplayer Experience: Players can now team up with friends or encounter random travelers in the universe, enhancing the social aspect of exploration.
• Unlimited Base Building: The update allowed for bases to be constructed anywhere, expanding creative possibilities for players.
• Command Freighters: Players gained the ability to assemble and upgrade a fleet of frigates, commanding them from their freighter.
• Epic Space Battles and Racing: Engaging in space battles and racing exocraft across alien terrains became a new feature, adding dynamic gameplay elements.
• Visual Overhaul: The update included significant graphical improvements, enhancing visuals like planetary rings and terrain generation, providing a more immersive experience.
• Overhauled Save System: A new save system introduced five save-game slots for any game mode, allowing for better management of progress.

Atlas Rises Update launched on August 11, 2017, marking a significant milestone for *No Man's Sky* with a comprehensive overhaul of the game's story and the introduction of quick travel using portals. This update also added 30 hours of branching story and deeper lore, enhancing the narrative experience for players.

• Base Building Feature: Introduced on November 27, 2016, this allowed players to claim home planets and build fully customizable outposts.
• Exocraft Vehicles: Added on March 8, 2017, these new vehicles enabled faster planetary exploration and navigation of inhospitable terrains.
• New Game Modes: Three distinct modes—Normal, Creative, and Survival—were introduced on November 27, 2016, each offering different gameplay experiences.
• Joint Exploration: Players gained the ability to explore the universe together with others, enhancing cooperative gameplay options, introduced in the Atlas Rises Update.
• Overhauled Space Combat: Significant improvements were made to combat mechanics, including controls and AI, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.