With the upcoming NEXT update, Hello Games is finally introducing a multiplayer mode for No Man’s Sky. Something that players have wished for since the beginning.
A rough start evolves into a better game
From hype to disappointment: When No Man’s Sky was announced, many players imagined how cool it would be to explore this immense galaxy, engage in space battles, and experience adventures with other players. However, when the game was released in August 2016, the disappointment was great. Not only were some of the promised features, like massive space battles with entire fleets, missing, but it was also impossible to encounter other players, even if you happened to be on the same planet.
No Man’s Sky is becoming a better game: Several updates have added interesting new features, such as base building, land vehicles, and more varied worlds. It has now become possible to meet other players – albeit only in the form of ghostly figures. With NEXT, Hello Games announced in March the largest update yet, which will finally introduce “real” multiplayer. A trailer now shows what we can expect.
Real Multiplayer in NMS
Finally playing with others: In the NEXT trailer, a group of players can be seen running around on a planet in third-person perspective. Hello Games has not yet announced how many players can interact with each other at maximum, but it is said to be small groups. The trailer suggests that we will be traveling in groups of four. However, many questions remain unanswered, such as:
- What happens if we reach the maximum group size but encounter another player?
- Will additional players and groups simply be hidden if the maximum number is reached?
- Do we have to form groups?
- How do players find each other and form groups?
Playable aliens: The trailer also hints that we will not only be able to embody humans but also other races. For instance, a bird-like Gek can be seen, which is controlled by a player. It seems therefore that we can at least play as the Gek. Whether other alien races like the Vy’keen or Korvax are playable remains unclear. It is also unknown whether there will be advantages and disadvantages to playing as a different race or if it is merely a cosmetic option.
More to come
More interesting planets: Even though previous updates have already made planets in NMS more varied, you can expect even more interesting worlds with the NEXT update. Redesigned textures, better clouds, more inviting water, and planets with rings make exploration more exciting.
Bases underwater: One scene in the trailer shows a base that is located underwater. It is unclear whether this is an NPC station or a base that players can actually build in the ocean. So far, it has been possible to build structures underwater using tricks, but these would automatically fill with water. However, NEXT could provide the option to actually construct usable bases in the ocean or at the bottom of lakes.
Mechs and third-person perspective: Another sequence in the trailer raises the question of whether controllable mechs might find their way into the game. At least such a possibility is hinted at. However, it is certain that the update will introduce the third-person perspective.
More interesting aliens: Briefly in the trailer, a creature that appears to be a giant gecko is seen. Two players are fighting the creature. Apparently, we will discover creatures on the planets that are significantly more interesting than what the fauna of the worlds had to offer so far.
NEXT brings what fans want: According to the trailer, NEXT seems to turn No Man’s Sky into almost a new game. The cooperative play between multiple players alone will bring a profound change that will alter the entire dynamic of NMS. Additionally, the planets and creatures will be more interesting, making exploration more exciting.
NEXT could truly lead to No Man’s Sky finally becoming the game that many expected from the beginning. However, Hello Games is still holding back on official information, so much remains speculation. On July 24, we will know more. Then the big update will be released.
