Do I Need a New Save for No Man’s Sky? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of whether to start a new save in No Man’s Sky is a common one, especially for returning players who haven’t explored the cosmos in a while. The straightforward answer is: no, you don’t need to start a new save. Your old save should generally function just fine. However, the decision isn’t quite that simple. Whether or not a fresh start is right for you depends on your personal preferences and what you want to get out of your No Man’s Sky experience. Let’s dive into the specifics and help you make an informed choice.
The Case for Keeping Your Old Save
Access to Existing Progress
The biggest advantage of sticking with your old save is that you retain all your progress, resources, ships, bases, and upgrades. You can immediately jump back into the game and explore the new content without having to grind through the early game. This can be a significant time-saver for players who have already invested many hours in building up their space empire.
Familiarity and Comfort
Returning to an old save can also be comforting. You’re already familiar with your character’s capabilities, your preferred playstyle, and the location of your established bases. This familiarity can ease the transition back into the game, allowing you to focus on discovering the new features and mechanics without the initial struggle of learning the ropes all over again.
Seamless Integration with Updates
While significant updates have changed the game drastically since its launch, the developers at Hello Games have generally done a fantastic job of integrating new content into existing saves. This means that even if your old save is from 2016, most of the new features and content should be available to you without having to start from scratch.
The Case for Starting a New Save
Relearning the Game
The landscape of No Man’s Sky has evolved dramatically through numerous updates. Many mechanics have been revamped, resources have been renamed, and whole new systems have been introduced. Starting a new game provides the opportunity to learn these changes gradually through the revised tutorial. This ensures you aren’t overwhelmed and can fully appreciate the depth and complexity of the current No Man’s Sky experience.
Obsolete Components
One of the main arguments for a fresh start is the possibility of dealing with obsolete components and blueprints on an old save. Since early builds, several items have become outdated, and your old inventory could be cluttered with these relics. A new save eliminates this issue, giving you a clean slate with access to the current resources and technology.
Experiencing the Full Progression
A new save allows you to experience the progression of the game as it is intended now. You’ll get to enjoy the story from the beginning, learn the new mechanics as they are introduced, and generally feel the sense of gradual advancement that can be missed if you jump back into an end-game save.
A Fresh Start and Renewed Excitement
Sometimes, the best way to rediscover a game you once loved is to start fresh. A new save can rekindle the initial excitement of exploring uncharted worlds, discovering new technologies, and building up your empire from nothing. It can give the game a new lease of life and offer a whole new perspective.
Making the Right Decision
Ultimately, the best decision is the one that suits your individual preferences and gaming style. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
- Keep Your Old Save If: You prefer to jump straight into the action, have a strong attachment to your progress, and are comfortable with potentially having some obsolete items in your inventory.
- Start a New Save If: You want to relearn the game from the ground up, experience the new tutorial, and enjoy a clean slate without old components.
There is no right or wrong answer. Both paths offer unique benefits and will ultimately lead to countless hours of exploration and fun in the vast universe of No Man’s Sky.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will my old blueprints still work?
Many old blueprints may be obsolete or require different materials due to game updates. However, starting a new game will give you access to the current blueprints and technologies.
2. What happens to my old base if I load an old save?
Your old base should still be there, but some components might be outdated. It’s generally safe to return to your old bases. However, you might want to consider rebuilding them to take advantage of new base-building features.
3. Can I transfer my progress between platforms?
Yes, but it’s not always straightforward. You can transfer between Xbox and PC, as your save is linked to your Xbox Live account. Transferring from Playstation to PC or vice-versa usually requires third-party tools. Saves on PS4 can be directly transferred to PS5, but the process is not as simple for PC and Xbox.
4. Is it too late to get into No Man’s Sky?
Absolutely not! It’s actually a great time to start playing No Man’s Sky. The game is incredibly polished and has a vast amount of content thanks to the many free updates over the years.
5. What’s the end goal of No Man’s Sky?
The main goal is to reach the center of the galaxy. However, after reaching the center, you’ll be transported to a new galaxy, essentially resetting your journey with a new map. The real fun is in exploring and achieving your own goals.
6. How many hours does it take to complete No Man’s Sky?
The main story can be completed in around 30-40 hours, but to experience everything and achieve 100% completion could take well over 100 hours, potentially much more.
7. What should I not sell in No Man’s Sky?
Certain resources are better kept than sold. These include Carbon, Oxygen, Sodium, Copper, Salvaged Data, Navigation Data, and Salvaged Frigate Modules. They’re frequently used in crafting and building.
8. Is No Man’s Sky a relaxing game?
Yes, it can be very relaxing, especially with the Relaxed Mode which reduces danger and grind. Many players find the exploration and base-building aspects to be very soothing.
9. How does saving work in No Man’s Sky?
The game saves every time you exit your starship. You can also manually save by activating a beacon at any planetary structure.
10. Is No Man’s Sky a scary game?
The game is not primarily a horror game but does feature some creatures and locations that can be unsettling, particularly if you explore deep ocean biomes and ancient ruins.
11. Is the No Man’s Sky map infinite?
The universe in No Man’s Sky is procedurally generated and has over 18 quintillion planets. It’s practically infinite for all practical purposes. It would take an impossible amount of time to see every planet.
12. What should I do after completing the main story?
After completing the main story, you’ll find yourself in a new galaxy. You can continue exploring, building bases, completing missions, or pursue any of the goals you set for yourself. Essentially, it is the start of New Game+ with new narratives and new places.
13. Can I transfer saves from PS4 to PS5?
Yes, you can directly transfer saves from the PS4 to PS5 version of No Man’s Sky using the in-game transfer option on the save game select menu.
14. Does completing the story reset my progress?
No, completing the story does not reset your progress. You keep all your items, ships, bases, and upgrades. You’re simply moved to a new galaxy.
15. Can I play No Man’s Sky casually?
Absolutely! The game offers a Relaxed Mode that’s perfect for casual players. It removes a lot of the survival pressure and grind, making it a very approachable and laid-back experience. You can explore at your own pace and enjoy the vast universe of No Man’s Sky without feeling rushed or pressured.