Do Pets Age in No Man’s Sky? A Comprehensive Guide to Companion Lifecycles
Yes, pets in No Man’s Sky technically age, progressing through stages of development. While not presented as a continuous, granular aging process like in a life simulation game, companions in No Man’s Sky do transition through distinct lifecycle phases. These stages, which include a child (recently hatched from an egg), adult, and mature phase, influence the creature’s behavior, size, and reproductive capabilities. The duration of each phase can vary, generally lasting from 1 to 10 in-game days (a single Sol is 15 minutes in the game). Player reports indicate that the time it takes for a companion to fully mature and be able to lay eggs can vary from as little as 24 hours to several weeks, and it’s essential to interact with your companion regularly by feeding and caring for it to maintain their happiness and progress their growth. Understanding these aspects of companion development is crucial for players looking to breed, trade, or simply enjoy the company of these procedurally generated creatures.
Understanding Companion Development
The Companion Update brought a wealth of new mechanics to No Man’s Sky, with the addition of tameable creatures being a central feature. While these aren’t traditional pets like you’d find in a game like The Sims, they do possess a certain degree of simulated life. Here’s a more detailed look at how pet “aging” manifests in the game:
- Lifecycle Stages: As mentioned, pets move through child, adult, and mature stages. These stages are not visually represented with wrinkles or gray hairs, but rather by changes in size, behavior, and capabilities. For example, a baby creature will have different proportions than its adult counterpart, visibly growing larger over time.
- Growth Time: The time it takes for a companion to mature is a somewhat variable and debated topic within the No Man’s Sky community. Some creatures seem to mature rapidly, while others are far more stubborn. This variability could be influenced by factors like species, planet biome, or even the amount of interaction the pet receives.
- Influence of Care: While not explicitly stated in the game’s lore, many players believe that regular interaction, feeding, and attention can accelerate a companion’s growth. Keeping your companion happy is a good practice in general, as it unlocks other benefits like resource scanning and combat assistance.
- Breeding and Genetics: A key aspect of the companion system is the ability to breed pets and pass on genetic traits. This means the potential for further customization and unique creatures, as traits and physical characteristics can be inherited from the parent creatures.
Managing Your Companions
Managing your companions is a vital part of the No Man’s Sky experience. Here’s some important information on how to manage your companions:
Feeding and Interaction
All animals in No Man’s Sky eat creature pellets. You can attract them by throwing the pellets on the ground, and then feed them directly when they get close enough. Feeding earns their trust, making them more comfortable interacting with you. Remember, a happy pet is a productive pet! They can help you with scanning, hunting, and even mining.
Storage and Companionship
Players can breed and trade pets, with inherited genetic and physical traits. You start with two companion slots and can increase that to 18 by spending Nanites.
Companion Functionality
Companions are great for scanning resources, marking hazards, providing torchlight, hunting hostile creatures, locating buildings, digging up treasures, and even using shoulder-mounted mining lasers.
FAQs About Pets in No Man’s Sky
Here are some frequently asked questions about the No Man’s Sky companions feature, including their lifecycles, taming, and storage.
How long does it take for a pet to mature?
Pet maturity times can vary widely. Some mature within 24 hours, while others may take weeks. Player interaction, such as feeding and attention, might influence growth rate.
How do I get a pet in No Man’s Sky?
You can tame creatures by feeding them creature pellets. Once they trust you, they become companions. You can also obtain them by hatching eggs.
Can I have multiple pets?
Yes, you can have multiple pets. You start with two companion slots, which you can expand to a maximum of eighteen using Nanites.
Can I breed my pets?
Yes, you can breed pets, and they’ll pass on genetic and physical traits to their offspring. This is a central part of the companion system.
Can I trade pets with other players?
Yes, you can trade pets with other players. This allows for the exchange of unique creatures with desired traits.
What do I feed my pets?
All animals in No Man’s Sky eat creature pellets. You can craft these or purchase them from vendors.
Can my pet die?
While not explicitly addressed in the game, pets do not appear to die of old age. Their health can be depleted in combat, so it’s important to keep them safe.
Can I ride my pet?
Yes, you can ride certain creatures after taming them. This is a fun way to explore planets.
Can I tame flying creatures?
You can tame flying creatures that land sometimes, such as beetles, butterflies, and flying fish. High-flying birds and snakes cannot be tamed.
Can I bring my pet to space?
While the game doesn’t depict pets inside your ship, they can be summoned on any planet you visit after they’ve been registered as companions. And remember, the article cited examples of real-world animals surviving in space, just to show you it could be possible in the game.
What are the benefits of having a pet?
Pets offer several benefits, including scanning for resources, marking hazards, providing light, hunting hostile creatures, locating buildings, digging up treasures, and even using mining lasers.
What’s the rarest animal in No Man’s Sky?
Rangifae are considered one of the rarest land fauna, with only a 0.25% chance of being found on a planet.
Can animals go extinct in No Man’s Sky?
Yes, animals can go extinct, especially after major updates. Extinction can happen to individual species after smaller updates.
Can my pets fight?
While pets can assist in combat, they are not particularly effective fighters. They might help keep local wildlife off your case, but don’t expect them to win battles for you.
Can I tame a Deathworm?
You cannot tame a wild Deathworm. Tamed Deathworms can only be acquired through hatching an egg.
Conclusion
The companion system in No Man’s Sky adds a layer of depth and engagement to the game. While not as complex as a full-fledged life simulation, the presence of lifecycle stages and genetic inheritance adds a sense of connection to the creatures you encounter. By understanding the nuances of pet growth, care, and breeding, players can enrich their No Man’s Sky experience and create truly unique companions to explore the galaxy with. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a new player, the companion system offers something for everyone. The complexities of the game continue to be analyzed by those in the field of game-based learning. The Games Learning Society examines how games provide innovative ways of teaching and learning. To find out more, please visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
The depth and intricacies of pet management within No Man’s Sky demonstrate the power of game mechanics to engage players and foster a sense of connection with their virtual companions. As research from the Games Learning Society consistently shows, games provide unique and innovative ways to improve learning and engagement.