The Evolution of No Man’s Sky
No Man’s Sky was launched with the promise of a world class game with extraordinary features of exotic space exploration but on release it had a lot of complaints that it did not live up to its promises. After that very rough launch the developers set out to fix, improve, expand and in general create even more then the original promise. Every update was free, no payment needed.
And that they have done!
Below is a detailed chronological outline of all the updates for “No Man’s Sky,” including the release dates and explanations of what each update added to the game:
Original Release
Date: August 9, 2016
Details: The original release of “No Man’s Sky” introduced players to an infinite procedurally generated universe to explore, filled with unique planets, creatures, and spacecraft.
Foundation Update
Date: November 27, 2016
Details: This update laid the foundation for base building and was the first of many free updates. More details: https://www.nomanssky.com/2016/11/foundation-update/
Path Finder Update
Date: March 8, 2017
Details: Introduced planetary vehicles, base sharing, PS4 Pro support, ship/weapon specialization, permadeath mode, and more. More details: https://www.nomanssky.com/2017/03/path-finder-update/
Atlas Rises Update
Date: August 11, 2017
Details: Brought a new central storyline, portals, procedural mission system, trade improvements, system economies, joint exploration, and more. More details: https://www.nomanssky.com/2017/08/atlas-rises-update/
NEXT Update
Date: July 24, 2018
Details: Introduced a full multiplayer experience, near-unlimited base building, command of freighter armadas, a graphical overhaul, and more. More details: https://www.nomanssky.com/next-update/
The Abyss Update
Date: October 29, 2018
Details: Focused on aquatic environments, introducing over 5 times more variety, varied creature behaviors, improved underwater visuals, and more. More details: https://www.nomanssky.com/2018/10/no-mans-sky-the-abyss/
Visions Update
Date: November 22, 2018
Details: Introduced new planetary biomes, more colorful worlds, new fauna and flora, archaeology, salvaging, and more. More details: https://www.nomanssky.com/2018/11/no-mans-sky-visions/
Beyond Update
Date: August 14, 2019
Details: Massively expanded the multiplayer experience, fully-fledged virtual reality, overhauls to base building, NPCs, technology trees, and more. More details: https://www.nomanssky.com/beyond-update/
Synthesis Update
Date: November 28, 2019
Details: Introduced frequently-requested features and improvements, community-led quality of life improvements, and general polish. More details: https://www.nomanssky.com/synthesis-update/
Living Ship Update
Date: February 19, 2020
Details: Introduced a new class of biological ship, a new story mission, mysterious space encounters, space NPCs, and more. More details: https://www.nomanssky.com/living-ship-update/
Exo Mech Update
Date: April 7, 2020
Details: Introduced a fully controllable mechanical walker, new exocraft technologies, improvements to base building, and more. More details: https://www.nomanssky.com/exo-mech-update/
Crossplay Update
Date: June 11, 2020
Details: Introduced full cross-platform play for “No Man’s Sky.” More details: https://www.nomanssky.com/2020/06/introducing-crossplay-for-no-mans-sky/
Desolation Update
Date: July 16, 2020
Details: Introduced scavenging and survival in the haunted wreckage of derelict freighters, procedurally-generated freighters, more story content, combat improvements, freighter customization, and more. More details: https://www.nomanssky.com/desolation-update/
Origins Update
Date: September 23, 2020
Details: Dramatically expanded the universe with deeper planetary diversity, dramatic new terrain, new creatures, new weather conditions, colossal buildings, and more. More details: https://www.nomanssky.com/origins-update/
Next Generation Update
Date: November 10, 2020
Details: Brought a graphically enhanced and smoother experience to the next generation of consoles, with enhancements available to PC players. More details: https://www.nomanssky.com/next-generation-update/
Companions Update
Date: February 17, 2021
Details: Introduced the ability to adopt an alien creature and explore the universe side-by-side, take care of new friends, find hidden resources, protect from hostile aliens, or genetically modify eggs and breed unique creations. More details: https://www.nomanssky.com/companions-update/
Expeditions Update
Date: March 31, 2021
Details: Introduced a brand new way to play “No Man’s Sky” with a fresh journey in a new game mode, master unique challenges, earn exclusive rewards, visit bustling hub worlds, and more. More details: https://www.nomanssky.com/expeditions-update/
Prisms Update
Date: June 2, 2021
Details: Dramatically refreshed the experience with new visual features and technologies, including reflections, new texture effects, more biome detail, improved lighting, new skies, new warp effects, creature fur, and more. More details: https://www.nomanssky.com/prisms-update/
Frontiers Update
Date: September 1, 2021
Details: Introduced the ability to become overseer of a procedurally generated alien settlement, make choices, guide citizens, develop new structures, defend from sentinels, or take advantage of a massive overhaul of base building. More details: https://www.nomanssky.com/frontiers-update/
Subsequent Patches and Minor Updates
In addition to major updates, “No Man’s Sky” has received numerous patches and minor updates to address bugs, improve stability, and enhance gameplay.
The game’s developer, Hello Games, continues to support “No Man’s Sky” with regular updates, enhancing the game’s depth and breadth and responding to community feedback.
For the most detailed and up-to-date information, please refer to the official No Man’s Sky Release
