How to Become a Pet Hoarder in No Man’s Sky: A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
So, you’ve been captivated by the diverse and often bizarre fauna of No Man’s Sky and want to build your own intergalactic menagerie? You’re in the right place! Let’s dive into the how-to of expanding your pet collection in this expansive universe.
The Core Mechanic: Befriending and Adopting
The first step to expanding your pet family in No Man’s Sky is understanding the core mechanic: befriending creatures. You can’t just waltz up to a creature and claim it as your own (well, you can try, but it won’t work). To add a critter to your companions, you need to gain its trust by feeding it. Each animal will have a specific food preference:
- Organic Creatures: These love Creature Pellets. Craft these using carbon and condensed carbon at a portable refiner.
- Robotic Creatures: These require Iron Batteries. These can also be crafted from refined ferrite dust, or found in some structures.
Once you’ve offered the right type of food, the creature will likely display an animation indicating it’s now your friend. Next, you will have the option to adopt the creature. Simply click the appropriate button and they’ll be added to your list of companions!
Expanding Your Pet Slots
Initially, you are limited in the number of pets you can have. The base number is six pet slots. Don’t worry, you can expand this to a whopping 18 slots by purchasing additional slots at the Nexus. You’ll find the pet expansion terminal by interacting with the Companion Register. Keep in mind that the first 6 slots are unlocked from the start, and then the price in Nanites ramps up pretty quickly, making this a long term goal. The slots are unlocked sequentially, and cost:
- Slot 7: 500 nanites
- Slot 8: 1000 nanites
- Slot 9: 5000 nanites
- Slot 10: 10,000 nanites
- Slots 11 – 18: 20,000 nanites each.
Summoning Your Loyal Companions
Once you’ve adopted a few of these unique creatures, you’ll need to know how to summon them! It’s simple:
- Press down on the D-pad.
- Scroll to the side until you see the paw print icon.
- This will give you a list of your available pets. Select the pet you would like to summon and watch them appear at your side.
There’s also a Pet Menu option on this menu which will allow you to interact further with your companion. You can customize, name, and trade them, and view their stats.
Finding the Right Creatures
No two planets are exactly alike, and this holds true for the creatures you will encounter. The good news is, this means there are a ton of different companion possibilities. It’s time to explore! Here’s what to keep an eye out for:
- Different Biomes: Fauna spawns in different biomes including land, caves, sky, and water. Check every corner of the planets.
- Day & Night: Some animals are nocturnal, only appearing during the planet’s night cycle. Pay attention to planetary time.
- Rarity: Keep in mind that certain animals, like the Rangifae, are incredibly rare and might require extensive searching.
- Creature Bait: In addition to creature pellets, certain creatures might require specific bait crafted from ingredients found on that planet.
Now that you are armed with knowledge of the core mechanics, you can go out and start building your dream team of intergalactic pets!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pets in No Man’s Sky
Here are some frequently asked questions about pets in No Man’s Sky to help you become a pet expert:
1. How many pets can I have in No Man’s Sky?
You can have a total of 18 pets, but you’ll need to unlock those slots using Nanites.
2. How do I unlock more pet slots?
You can unlock more slots for pets by spending Nanites at the Nexus in the Companion Register.
3. What do I feed my pets?
Organic creatures are fed Creature Pellets, which are crafted with carbon and condensed carbon. Robotic creatures require Iron Batteries, crafted from ferrite dust.
4. How do I summon my pets?
You can summon your pets by using the quick menu (down on the D-pad) and scrolling to the paw print icon. From there, select the pet you want to summon.
5. Where do I find creatures in No Man’s Sky?
Creatures can be found in different biomes, including land, caves, sky, and water. Some are only out during the day or night, so be sure to check at different times of the day.
6. Are the animals in No Man’s Sky randomly generated?
Yes, most of the universe in No Man’s Sky, including the flora and fauna, is procedurally generated. This means every planet and its creatures are unique and different.
7. Can I ride my pets in No Man’s Sky?
Yes, you can tame and ride certain creatures. Once tamed, you’ll be able to mount them!
8. Can creatures go extinct in No Man’s Sky?
Yes, extinction can occur normally after a major update which resets the universe, but can sometimes happen to select species after smaller updates.
9. Can I breed my pets in No Man’s Sky?
Yes, you can breed befriended creatures. Only one parent is required to lay an egg.
10. How do I get pet eggs?
To get a pet egg, summon your pet, feed it to increase its happiness, and then choose the “Induce Egg” option in the interaction menu. You’ll need to wait 24 real-life hours for the egg to become ready.
11. Can I trade pets with other players?
Yes, you can trade pets with other players, allowing you to expand your collection in unique ways.
12. Can I store pets?
You can store a certain amount of pets, and you can also increase the amount of storage slots by using Nanites, or by going to other player bases who have pet storage terminals.
13. Can I change the stats of my pets?
Yes, you can genetically modify your pets to alter their stats using the Pet Menu.
14. What is the rarest animal in No Man’s Sky?
The Rangifae is considered one of the rarest land fauna, with only a 0.25% chance to be found on a planet.
15. How many starships can I own?
While not directly related to pets, you can own a maximum of twelve starships, with up to six being stored on your freighter.
Now go forth, and populate the universe with your unique collection of alien friends! Your intergalactic menagerie awaits. Happy exploring!