How to Traverse Universes in No Man’s Sky: A Comprehensive Guide
Traveling between universes, or more accurately, galaxies, is a core mechanic in No Man’s Sky, allowing players to explore the game’s vast and procedurally generated cosmos. Unlike other games that confine you to a single map, No Man’s Sky boasts a staggering 255 unique galaxies each brimming with potentially undiscovered planets, resources, and mysteries. This guide will detail exactly how you can make these intergalactic leaps, and what to expect when you do.
The primary method of traversing to a new galaxy involves reaching the galactic core of your current one. This is achieved by following the game’s narrative or by directly navigating to the core. No Man’s Sky does not require you to have special colored drives or exceptional jump capabilities to travel between galaxies. You simply need a full hyperdrive on your starship and the determination to reach the center. Once you reach the galactic core, you are not merely warping to a new system but are, in fact, transitioning to a new universe.
Steps to Jumping Between Galaxies
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make the jump:
- Locate the Galactic Center Objective: The game provides an objective marker that leads you towards the galactic core. This can be found on the Galactic Map.
- Charge Your Hyperdrive: Ensure that your starship’s hyperdrive is fully fueled before attempting the jump.
- Navigate to the Final System: Follow the objective marker on the Galactic Map to the system located at the galactic core.
- Open the Galaxy Map: Once inside the final system, open the Galactic Map.
- Select the Objective: Select the core objective while in this system and with your hyperdrive fully charged.
- Initiate the Jump: If all conditions are met, you will be presented with an option to initiate the jump.
- Transition to the New Galaxy: A cinematic will play, and you will find yourself in a new galaxy near its core.
The Impact of Jumping Galaxies
It’s important to note that jumping galaxies is not without consequences. When you transition to a new galaxy, your ship, multi-tool, and Exosuit’s technology will be severely damaged, requiring repairs using various resources. Your stored resources and currencies (Units, Nanites, Quicksilver) will be retained. Therefore, plan your jump carefully and ensure you have sufficient resources to repair your crucial equipment.
Alternative Method: Black Holes
While the primary method involves following the objective to the galactic core, an alternative method involves the use of black holes. These cosmic entities, found throughout the galaxy, will transport you a considerable distance, generally bringing you much closer to the galactic core. However, a caveat is that each use of a black hole will randomly and unavoidably damage a part of your ship. Black holes are a faster method than using the hyperdrive alone, but require more maintenance.
Core to Core Jumps
The fastest method of traversing galaxies is known as the Core to Core Jump technique. This technique exploits the nature of black holes within the core area of a galaxy to expedite reaching the center of the next galaxy. Essentially, you use a black hole at the core of your current galaxy to travel to a “gateway system” in the core of a new galaxy, allowing you to more rapidly make the final hyperdrive jump to the center.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need special warp drives to travel between galaxies?
No. You do not need special warp drives or the ability to jump vast light years to travel between galaxies. All that’s required is a fully charged hyperdrive and reaching the galactic core.
2. Can I jump between galaxies by just warping really far?
No, you cannot simply warp far enough to reach another galaxy. Intergalactic travel is only accomplished by passing through the core or through black holes.
3. How many galaxies are there in No Man’s Sky?
There are 255 unique galaxies in No Man’s Sky, numbered from 1 to 255. This is derived from the maximum value of an 8-bit binary unsigned integer.
4. What happens when you reach the center of the galaxy?
Reaching the center of a galaxy will transport you to the next galaxy. Upon arrival, your ship, multi-tool, and Exosuit technology will be damaged. You’ll need to repair them using the resources you have collected.
5. Will I lose all my items when I change galaxies?
No. You will keep all your inventory items, Units, Nanites, and Quicksilver when transitioning to a new galaxy. However, the technology of your ship, multi-tool and exosuit will be damaged.
6. Is there a specific order to the galaxies?
Yes, there is a numbered order to the galaxies from 1 through 255. Most players tend to transition sequentially, although other methods can lead to random placement in the numbered order.
7. Is it possible to visit every planet in No Man’s Sky?
While there are over 18 quintillion planets across all galaxies, it would take an impractical amount of time to visit every single one. It is technically possible but would require billions of years.
8. Are the galaxies the same?
While the galaxies are procedurally generated, they often vary in their planet types, resource availability, and overall feel. Certain galaxies have a higher propensity for certain planet types (lush, barren, etc.), but they’re also all generally functionally identical to the previous ones.
9. Is there a faster way to reach the galactic core?
Yes, the fastest method is using black holes. Each black hole jump significantly reduces the distance to the core. However, this comes with the drawback of potentially damaged ship components.
10. What is a Core to Core Jump?
A Core to Core Jump is the fastest way to hop between galaxies, using a black hole near the core of your current galaxy to be transported closer to the core of the next galaxy, enabling a shorter hyperdrive warp to the core.
11. What happens if you reset the simulation?
Resetting the simulation in No Man’s Sky will also transport you to a new galaxy. Similar to reaching the core, this will damage your ship, multi-tool, and exosuit technology.
12. Can I find a specific planet like Earth in No Man’s Sky?
No, Earth is not a specific planet in No Man’s Sky. The game features a procedurally generated universe with billions of uniquely created planets. There is no ‘preset’ planet similar to Earth.
13. Is there an ending to No Man’s Sky?
Yes, there is a narrative ending, and it involves reaching the center of multiple galaxies. However, the gameplay is designed for continuous exploration, and the “ending” simply places you on the edge of a new galaxy.
14. How long does it take to 100% No Man’s Sky?
Completing the main objectives in No Man’s Sky takes about 30.5 hours. However, achieving 100% completion can easily take over 140 hours due to the vast content. The true 100% would be impossible due to the sheer size of the game.
15. What is the final galaxy in No Man’s Sky?
The final galaxy in No Man’s Sky is Iousongola, located at the end of the game’s numbered sequence of 255 galaxies.
Navigating the galaxies in No Man’s Sky provides endless opportunities for discovery and adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a new player, understanding these methods of intergalactic travel can greatly enhance your experience in this limitless universe. So, fuel your hyperdrive, locate your objective, and prepare to jump into the unknown. Happy travels!