Can You Visit Every Star in No Man’s Sky? Exploring the Cosmic Reality
The vastness of space has always captivated the human imagination, and video games like No Man’s Sky offer us a tantalizing glimpse into the boundless possibilities of the cosmos. One of the most common questions players have is whether it’s possible to explore every celestial body in this procedurally generated universe. So, can you visit every star in No Man’s Sky? The short answer is a resounding no. You cannot actually reach and visit the stars in No Man’s Sky.
While the game presents a breathtaking simulation of the universe where every star you see is presented as a sun, these stars are, in fact, part of the background graphics of each star system. They are not actual, explorable objects. Only planets and moons within each system can be landed upon and explored. This distinction is crucial for understanding the limitations and scope of No Man’s Sky’s gameplay. You can fly from planet to planet, system to system, and even galaxy to galaxy, but you are always bound to the planets and other landable bodies; the stars themselves remain distant, untouchable, and part of the celestial backdrop.
Understanding the Scope of No Man’s Sky
The sheer scale of No Man’s Sky is difficult to comprehend. It boasts 255 unique galaxies, each teeming with countless star systems. Every star system, in turn, has multiple planets and moons orbiting it. This results in over 18 quintillion worlds available for players to discover. While this vast number may seem nearly infinite, it’s still a finite number, which is why the game is often described as “effectively infinite.” This distinction is important to keep in mind when considering the possibility of exploring every aspect of the game.
The Procedural Generation System
The backbone of No Man’s Sky’s seemingly limitless universe is its procedural generation system. This means that the game uses algorithms to create planets, flora, fauna, and other elements rather than pre-designing them all by hand. This approach allows the developers to create a universe of incredible scale without needing an enormous team and endless resources. The result is a diverse and unpredictable game, as each planet has its own unique characteristics and challenges.
The procedural generation, however, is also responsible for the limitations. The stars being graphical elements, not actual physical locations, allows for the game to generate this vast universe. It also helps in ensuring that the game is playable even on machines that are not high-end.
Navigating the Universe
Players can navigate the universe through the use of hyperdrive technology, allowing them to travel between star systems and galaxies. The journey through the cosmos is seamless, and you can transition from the surface of one planet to the vastness of space and the next planet without any loading screens. This feature helps to create a feeling of an open and continuous universe.
The in-game map shows each system, and players can chart a course to new systems and planets that they want to explore. While you cannot land on the stars themselves, the experience of exploring planets and discovering new systems is the heart of the game.
How Long Would It Take to Visit Everything?
The numbers are staggering. If you were to visit every planet in No Man’s Sky for just one second each, it would take approximately 584 million years. This does not account for the time spent traveling between planets, gathering resources, building bases or engaging in any other aspect of gameplay. The fact that the stars cannot be landed on does not change the fact that completing all that the game has to offer is quite an undertaking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About No Man’s Sky
Here are some frequently asked questions to help clarify the details of the universe in No Man’s Sky:
Q1: How many galaxies are in No Man’s Sky?
There are 255 unique galaxies in No Man’s Sky, numbered from 1 to 255. This number is derived from the maximum value of an 8-bit binary unsigned integer.
Q2: How many planets are in No Man’s Sky?
There are over 18 quintillion planets in the game, specifically 18,446,744,073,709,551,616 worlds.
Q3: Can you visit Earth in No Man’s Sky?
No, Earth does not exist as a specific, playable location in No Man’s Sky. The planets are all procedurally generated and not based on real-world celestial bodies.
Q4: How long does it take to 100% complete No Man’s Sky?
Focusing on the main objectives typically takes about 30½ hours. To see all aspects of the game, aiming for 100% completion, it can take around 140 hours or even more.
Q5: Is the map in No Man’s Sky endless?
The map is not truly endless. It’s a finite universe with over 18 quintillion planets. However, for all intents and purposes, it is considered “effectively infinite” due to its vastness.
Q6: Can you go into the suns in No Man’s Sky?
No, you cannot fly into the suns. They are a part of the background graphics, not explorable locations.
Q7: Can you still name planets in No Man’s Sky?
Yes, you can rename planets you discover. When you select a planet on the system map you will have the option to name it before sharing it with other players.
Q8: Is there a space station in every galaxy in No Man’s Sky?
Yes, in every star system that isn’t an uncharted one, you will find a space station where players can trade and get missions.
Q9: What is the maximum amount of money you can have in No Man’s Sky?
The maximum number of units (money) a player can accrue is 4,294,967,295 (approximately 4.3 billion).
Q10: What is the main goal of No Man’s Sky?
The main objective is to explore, survive, engage in combat, trade, and build bases. You can also follow the storyline or work towards reaching the center of the galaxy.
Q11: How many players can play in No Man’s Sky multiplayer?
No Man’s Sky supports up to 32 player multiplayer using the Space Anomaly social hub.
Q12: How much of No Man’s Sky has been explored?
It is estimated that less than 1/1,000,000,000 of 1% of the game has been explored, highlighting the vastness of the universe.
Q13: What happens when you finish the main storyline in No Man’s Sky?
Completing the storyline will transport you to a new galaxy, effectively giving you a “New Game+” experience.
Q14: How does No Man’s Sky compare to the Earth?
No Man’s Sky has the equivalent of 7 trillion Earth surfaces, showcasing the enormous scale of its universe.
Q15: How long is one Sol in No Man’s Sky?
One Sol in No Man’s Sky is equivalent to one in-game day, which lasts 15 minutes in real-time.
Conclusion
While you cannot physically land on or explore the stars in No Man’s Sky, the game offers a colossal and endlessly engaging universe with over 18 quintillion planets to discover. The limitations are ultimately necessary for the game’s design and performance, making the game playable. The focus on planetary exploration, trading, base building, and survival provide countless hours of gameplay. Understanding that the stars are part of the background graphics, and not interactive elements, helps to temper expectations while still allowing for an appreciation of the game’s immense scale. So, while you can’t touch a star, the journey through the many systems and planets will remain a truly cosmic experience.