Can You Finish the Atlas Path After Artemis in No Man’s Sky?
Yes, absolutely! You can indeed complete the Atlas Path after finishing the Artemis Path in No Man’s Sky. The game’s narrative structure allows for the completion of these storylines in almost any order, and neither one closes off the other. They are designed to intertwine, offering players a deeper understanding of the game’s lore and universe, regardless of which path they choose to prioritize. The Artemis Path is often considered the main story, while the Atlas Path is a significant, but separate, narrative thread that can be explored at any time. Finishing one does not preclude you from completing the other.
Understanding the Narrative Paths
The Atlas Rises update fundamentally changed the narrative landscape of No Man’s Sky by introducing the Artemis Path and incorporating it into the existing lore. This intertwining of the Artemis Path and Atlas Path created a more complex and rewarding storyline. Players who had completed the original Atlas Path were required to redo it within this new framework, illustrating that the paths are designed to be flexible.
The key takeaway is that the Artemis Path, the Anomaly missions, and the Atlas Path are all distinct and can be undertaken at your discretion. Progressing in one area of the game doesn’t prevent you from engaging with another, and in many cases, experiencing all three creates a richer and more nuanced gameplay experience.
Recommended Path Progression
While you can complete either path in either order, many players and guides recommend following a specific strategy for a smoother and more satisfying experience. The widely accepted “safe point” is to:
- Ask Nada about the Atlas/Crimson Liar during your first encounter.
- Ask Polo only about Atlas Stations, and nothing else.
- Never enter a black hole if you find one during early gameplay.
- Complete the Artemis Path up to the point where you’re instructed to find a portal.
- Then, complete the Atlas Path to the very end.
- Finally, resume and finish the Artemis Path.
This progression allows the two stories to unfold more cohesively and provides crucial background information before the major revelations. This order isn’t mandatory but can help avoid minor story overlaps and confusion.
What Each Path Offers
- Artemis Path: This is considered the main narrative, focused on uncovering the mystery of a character named Artemis and their fate. It involves heavy exploration, base building, and interactions with various entities. The ending of the Artemis path involves “The Purge” which leads you to another galaxy.
- Atlas Path: This path delves into the nature of the Atlas and its influence on the No Man’s Sky universe. Following this path involves visiting unique Atlas Stations, engaging with the Atlas Interface, and making key choices about the nature of existence.
The Outcome of the Atlas Path
Completing the Atlas Path culminates in being granted the ability to locate Black Holes on your Galaxy Map without Polo’s assistance. Additionally, if you choose to “birth a new star,” you will receive the Star Seed blueprint. Choosing not to, simply teleports you away from the Atlas Interface, but does give you the ability to see Black Holes. Crucially, completing the Atlas Path does not transport you to a different galaxy. That is the result of completing the Artemis path with the “The Purge” choice, offering a reset of the simulation and the ability to move to another galaxy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that dive deeper into the intricacies of the Atlas and Artemis paths:
1. Does the Atlas Path ever end?
Yes, the Atlas Path does have a definitive end. Once completed, you will receive the ability to see Black Holes on the Galactic Map. You are then “released from the shackles of the Atlas” and can resume exploration.
2. What happens if you refuse the Atlas Path?
If you choose not to follow the Atlas Path, you will be teleported back to your starting point with your ship being nearby, and the mission will immediately end.
3. What do you get at the end of the Atlas Path?
You gain the ability to see Black Holes on the Galactic Map without needing Polo’s guidance. Additionally, you may receive the Star Seed blueprint depending on your choices at the final Atlas Interface.
4. Can I do the Atlas Path twice?
The Atlas Path can be completed only once, but if you restart or if it bugs out, it may reappear in your Mission Log. If it does you will need to complete it once again to dismiss it.
5. Can I do the Atlas Path after “The Purge?”
Yes, the Atlas Path is still available even if you have completed the Artemis Path and have chosen to do “The Purge.” It can be offered as the first mission after starting in the new galaxy.
6. How many Atlas Path missions are there?
There are a total of 11 Atlas Interfaces associated with the Atlas Path mission, and they can only be completed once each.
7. What is the point of the Atlas Pass?
The Atlas Pass allows you to open closed doors in space stations and access some storage containers. These come in tiered versions, with more secure areas requiring the higher-level passes. They are no longer granted through the Atlas Stations, but instead found through exploration.
8. What happens when you finish the Artemis Path?
The end of the Artemis Path triggers “The Purge,” which allows you to choose to reset the simulation. This is the only way to travel to another galaxy. If you do not reset, you will remain in your current galaxy.
9. Is the Atlas Path worth completing?
The Atlas Path is definitely worth completing for the lore, rewards and access to the ability to see Black Holes on your galaxy map. It provides a critical perspective on the nature of the game’s universe.
10. What happens if you tell Artemis the truth?
Regardless of whether you tell Artemis the truth, they eventually get trapped in a loop, forcing you to grapple with the implications of the death of the Atlas.
11. What happens if you put Artemis in simulation?
If you put Artemis’ soul into the simulation, you will encounter them again. You’ll have to decide whether to tell them the truth about their situation, just as if you hadn’t put them in the simulation.
12. What is the Crimson Liar?
Crimson Liar is a reference to the Atlas itself. Choosing that will point you to an Atlas interface and activate the Atlas path quest. Choosing exploration will point out a system on the galactic map with a black hole.
13. Why did Apollo trick Artemis?
This is based on Greek mythology. It was to remove the influence of Eros (Cupid) and for a goddess to break her divine vow would bring serious consequences. So, Apollo tricked Artemis into killing him, and the temptation was eradicated.
14. What happens if you reset the simulation in No Man’s Sky?
Resetting the simulation sends you to another galaxy. You can still return to your original galaxy using space station teleporters. It’s the only way to freely move to another galaxy.
15. Is No Man’s Sky a simulation?
Yes, according to in-game lore, the No Man’s Sky universe is a simulated one, managed by the Atlas. Various iterations of the universe existed, each with unique histories and races, before converging into a single simulation.
By keeping all this information in mind, you can enjoy the richly layered narratives of No Man’s Sky and navigate its various paths with clarity and purpose. The freedom to explore the game’s interwoven stories at your own pace is part of what makes the No Man’s Sky experience so compelling.