Can No Man’s Sky Be Completed? Exploring the Endless Universe
The short answer is: Yes and No. It depends entirely on how you define “completed.” No Man’s Sky, with its 18 quintillion planets spread across 255 galaxies, offers an experience that is, in many ways, designed to feel endless. You can certainly reach the center of the galaxy, the game’s overarching goal, which triggers a move to a new galaxy, essentially a form of New Game+. You can also achieve 100% completion based on in-game milestones and achievements, which takes about 140 hours for most players. However, exploring every single planet is mathematically and practically impossible within a human lifespan, and likely beyond. So while you can complete the game’s narrative and achievement goals, exploring the full breadth of its universe is an unreachable target.
What Does “Completion” Look Like in No Man’s Sky?
The beauty of No Man’s Sky lies in its procedural generation, which means the game creates its universe algorithmically, rather than having pre-designed landscapes. This leads to an almost infinite variety of planets, creatures, and resources. Therefore, traditional notions of “completion” don’t quite apply.
Reaching the Galactic Core
One of the main paths to a perceived completion is to follow the main story and reach the center of the galaxy. Upon reaching it, the game transitions you to a new galaxy, with similar yet different characteristics. This is not a “game over” screen. Instead, it’s more of a reset with a new canvas to begin your exploration once more. You do not lose your items or achievements.
Achieving 100% Completion
Another meaning of “completion” comes in the form of in-game milestones and achievements. This involves completing a multitude of tasks like cataloging species, building extensive bases, learning alien languages, and reaching high levels in various progression paths. This version of completion is achievable, and most players can attain it within roughly 140 hours of gameplay, offering a satisfying sense of accomplishment.
The Impossible Goal: Exploring Everything
However, if your definition of completion involves seeing every single planet and experiencing every procedural quirk the game has to offer, that’s something that is not possible. The universe is so vast that it would take an astronomically long time. Visiting each of the 18 quintillion planets at a rate of one per second would take approximately 585 billion years, a feat beyond human capacity.
The True Aim of No Man’s Sky
Ultimately, No Man’s Sky isn’t about traditional endings or reaching an ultimate form of “done.” The game emphasizes exploration, self-guided journeys, and creating your own narrative. It’s more about the journey than the destination, allowing players to dive deep into the different activities of the game, from base building, trading, and combat, to survival and exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about No Man’s Sky, to help you further understand its expansive nature and possibilities:
1. How long does it take to complete the main story of No Man’s Sky?
The main story, or primary objectives, in No Man’s Sky usually takes around 30½ hours to complete.
2. How long does it take to achieve 100% completion?
To experience all aspects of the game and achieve 100% completion, you’ll likely spend around 140 hours.
3. Is No Man’s Sky’s map endless?
Effectively, yes. There are 18 quintillion planets to explore, divided into 255 galaxies. Exploring the entire universe is, for practical reasons, impossible.
4. How far can I build my base?
You can extend your base horizontally and vertically up to 1000u away from the base computer.
5. Is No Man’s Sky worth playing alone?
Yes, it’s still enjoyable solo because of its unique procedural generation. However, playing with others enhances the experience.
6. What is the goal of No Man’s Sky?
The primary goal is exploration. The main thrust of the game is exploring the universe and creating your own adventures. Getting to the center of the galaxy and being transported to a new one is an objective, not an ending.
7. What are the main activities in No Man’s Sky?
The main activities are exploration, survival, combat, trading, and base building.
8. What’s the best planet type to build a base on?
Lush planets are often considered the best, since they possess no environmental hazards and a reliable amount of resources.
9. Can I build a village in No Man’s Sky?
Yes, you can build and defend Settlements and become an Overseer of the alien villagers.
10. How much of No Man’s Sky has been explored?
It’s estimated that less than 1/1,000,000,000 of 1% has been discovered. The universe is exceptionally vast.
11. Is it possible to visit all the planets?
No. It would take approximately 585 billion years to visit all planets, making it an impossibility.
12. Can I be a pirate in No Man’s Sky?
Yes, you can start a career as an outlaw by visiting Outlaw Stations.
13. What happens when you reach the center of the galaxy?
You are transported to a new galaxy, similar in structure but with different characteristics, in a New Game+ fashion.
14. Is No Man’s Sky randomly generated?
Yes, No Man’s Sky uses procedural generation to create planets, creatures, ships, and other items.
15. Do you lose everything when you “beat” No Man’s Sky?
No. You don’t lose anything. The end of the storyline does not affect your collected items or milestones.
Conclusion
In summary, No Man’s Sky cannot be completed in the traditional sense of fully exploring every corner of its universe. However, that doesn’t diminish its replayability or the satisfaction it provides. You can achieve a satisfying 100% completion based on the game’s criteria, complete its main story, and, most importantly, create your own adventures. No Man’s Sky is less about “finishing” and more about the endless exploration and discovery it offers to each player, inviting them to journey through its infinite galaxies.