Joining Forces in the Cosmos: A Guide to Playing No Man’s Sky with Friends

So, you’re ready to embark on an interstellar adventure with your friends in No Man’s Sky? Excellent choice! Exploring the vast, procedurally generated universe is always better with companions. The good news is, joining up is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s a direct answer to your question:

To join your friend’s game in No Man’s Sky, follow these steps:

1. Ensure both you and your friend have multiplayer enabled in your network settings. This setting can be found within the game’s options menu.
2. Make sure you are both connected to the game’s online servers. A stable internet connection is crucial.
3. Verify that you both have save files in the same game mode. For example, if your friend is playing in Normal mode, you must also be in Normal mode. Otherwise, you won’t be able to join.
4. Within the game, one of you should host a new multiplayer session by selecting the “Host New Session” option from the main menu.
5. The host can then invite friends directly from their friends list within the game. Alternatively, friends can join via the No Man’s Sky friend code. This code can be found in the Network settings.
6. Once the invite is sent, the friend can accept and choose the appropriate save file to load.
7. Voilà! You’ll be in a party, ready to explore, build bases, and trade resources together.

That’s the basic process. However, like any good spacefaring adventure, there are bound to be a few nuances and potential roadblocks. Let’s delve into some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to smooth your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here’s a detailed set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to make sure you and your friends have a great adventure in the stars.

How do I find my No Man’s Sky friend code?

Your No Man’s Sky friend code is essential for inviting players from other systems, particularly those not on your platform’s friends list. To find it:

1. Go to the main menu or pause the game.
2. Select “Options.”
3. Navigate to the “Network” tab.
4. You will see an option labeled “View No Man’s Sky Friends List.” Clicking this will display your friend code at the top of the screen.

Share this code with your friends so they can send you an invite.

Can I play No Man’s Sky cross-platform with my friends?

Yes! No Man’s Sky fully supports crossplay, meaning players on PC (Steam, GOG, Microsoft Store), PlayStation (PS4, PS5), and Xbox (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S) can all play together. Just ensure everyone has their crossplay settings enabled.

Do I need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass to play No Man’s Sky multiplayer?

Yes, on consoles. To engage in online multiplayer on PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5, you need a PlayStation Plus subscription. Similarly, on Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S, you require Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Xbox Game Pass Core to play online multiplayer. PC players do not require any subscription.

What game modes need to match to play with friends?

To seamlessly join your friends, you must both be playing in the same game mode. The available game modes are:

• Normal: The standard No Man’s Sky experience.
• Creative: Provides unlimited resources and allows for unrestrained building.
• Survival: A more challenging experience with limited resources and hostile environments.
• Permadeath: The ultimate challenge, where death means losing your save file.

Ensure everyone in your group is on the same page regarding the game mode.

What if I can’t see my friend in the multiplayer lobby?

Several reasons could cause this issue:

• Network Issues: Verify both you and your friend have a stable internet connection.
• Incorrect Settings: Ensure that both of you have “Multiplayer: Enabled” and “Can join group: Anyone” in your network settings. If “Can join group” is set to “Invite Only”, you won’t appear in the lists.
• Platform Issues: Be sure crossplay settings are enabled, if applicable.

How many players can be in a No Man’s Sky group?

No Man’s Sky supports groups of up to four players. While you can encounter many players in areas like the Anomaly, a dedicated group can only consist of four individuals.

What is the Anomaly and how does it relate to multiplayer?

The Anomaly is a shared social space where you can meet other players, undertake multiplayer missions, purchase unique items, and access specialized vendors. It’s a hub for community interaction.

How do I invite friends to my group in No Man’s Sky?

There are two main ways to invite friends:

1. Via Friend Code: As mentioned earlier, share your No Man’s Sky friend code. Friends can then use this code to send you an invitation.
2. Via Platform Friends List: Access your platform’s friends list within the game (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Steam, etc.) and send an invitation to your friends directly.

How do I share resources with my friends in No Man’s Sky?

Sharing resources is a crucial aspect of cooperative gameplay. Here’s how to do it:

1. Proximity: You need to be in close proximity to the player you wish to share with.
2. Inventory Transfer: Open your inventory and select the resource you want to give.
3. Transfer Option: Choose the “Transfer” option and select your friend’s name from the list.

Can I build a base with my friends in No Man’s Sky?

Absolutely! Collaborative base building is a fantastic way to enhance your multiplayer experience. You can either:

• Build individual bases near each other to create a small community.
• Work together on a single, massive base. This requires coordination but can lead to impressive results.
• Share base access: By adjusting base permissions, you can allow your friends to build, modify, or even manage your base.

How does voice communication work in No Man’s Sky?

No Man’s Sky features built-in voice chat. Ensure your microphone is properly configured in the game’s settings. Voice chat is automatically enabled when you are in a group with other players. You can also adjust voice chat volume and mute individual players as needed.

Can I teleport to my friend’s location in No Man’s Sky?

Yes, there are several ways to rendezvous with your friends:

• Teleporter: If your friend has a base with a teleporter, you can teleport directly to their base.
• Space Station Teleporter: Teleporters in space stations allow you to travel to any space station you’ve previously visited, offering a way to meet in a common area.
• Joining Session: If you are not in the same system, you can leave your current game, and then join your friend’s active session from the multiplayer menu. This will transport you to their location, assuming they are on a planet or in space.

Will I lose my progress if I join a friend’s game?

No. Your progress is tied to your individual save file. When you join a friend’s game, you are simply exploring the universe together, and all actions you take (discovering planets, earning units, building bases, etc.) are saved to your own file.

What are some fun multiplayer activities in No Man’s Sky?

The possibilities are endless! Here are a few ideas:

• Exploration: Chart uncharted territories together.
• Base Building: Construct a magnificent collaborative base.
• Trading: Establish a trading network and share resources.
• Combat: Take on pirate attacks and Sentinel threats as a team.
• Completing Missions: Team up for Nexus missions on the Anomaly for valuable rewards.
• Expeditions: Engage in seasonal expeditions, limited-time events that provide unique challenges and rewards.

How can I learn more about game design and development?

If you are inspired by the complexity and creativity of games like No Man’s Sky, consider exploring the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. This organization is dedicated to promoting research and innovation in game-based learning.

A Universe of Possibilities Awaits

With these tips and answers, you should be well-equipped to join your friends and embark on incredible adventures in No Man’s Sky. Remember to communicate, coordinate, and most importantly, have fun! The universe is vast, and there’s always something new to discover. Happy exploring, Travellers!