The Quintillion-Planet Question: How Long Would It REALLY Take to Visit Every Planet in No Man’s Sky?
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The short answer? It would take approximately 5 billion years to visit every planet in No Man’s Sky for just one second each. But that’s just the tip of the procedurally generated iceberg. To truly grasp the scale of this spacefaring epic and the (im)possibility of truly seeing it all, we need to delve deeper into the mathematics, the gameplay, and the very nature of No Man’s Sky itself.
The Sheer Numbers: Astronomical Scale
Let’s get the staggering statistic out of the way. No Man’s Sky boasts 18,446,744,073,709,551,616 planets. That’s over 18 quintillion worlds spread across 255 galaxies. As we mentioned above, even a fleeting one-second visit to each planet would consume roughly 5 billion years – a timeframe that dwarfs human history and even significant portions of Earth’s geological timeline.
This calculation assumes a player has the technological capabilities from the start to warp to any system without needing to upgrade their hyperdrive first. The fact is, the calculation also assumes that the player has the endurance of a machine and isn’t required to rest, eat, etc. It is, however, a good jumping off point for the sheer scope of the game.
Beyond Simple Visits: The Reality of Exploration
Now, let’s be realistic. A single second on a planet barely registers. To truly explore, a player might want to scan local flora and fauna, analyze the resource composition, or perhaps even construct a small base. Let’s conservatively estimate that a minimal exploration of each planet would take, on average, one hour.
Suddenly, our 5 billion years stretches exponentially. Now, we’re looking at 18 quintillion hours, which translates to roughly 2.1 x 10^9 years or 2,100,000,000,000,000,000 years, or 2.1 quintillion years! This is a time scale that completely defies human comprehension, and it highlights the core concept of No Man’s Sky: it is inherently unexplorable in its entirety.
The Procedural Generation Paradox
The secret behind No Man’s Sky’s vastness lies in its procedural generation engine. This system uses mathematical algorithms to create planets, lifeforms, and environments on the fly, drawing from a vast library of pre-designed assets and parameters. The benefit is an almost infinite universe created with finite programming resources. However, the downside is that while the possibility space is colossal, the actual variety a player encounters can sometimes feel repetitive.
Even though no two planets are exactly alike due to procedural generation, the sheer volume means that many will share similar characteristics. The “perfect” planet, the entirely unique experience, will become increasingly difficult to find simply due to the statistical probability of repeated patterns.
Has Anyone Explored All of No Man’s Sky?
Given the above numbers, the answer is a resounding no. The article also states that only about 1% of the first or starter galaxy, Euclid, has been explored. Far less of any of the rest of the galaxies has been explored. That is something that will most likely never happen, because if a group of ten people explored a planet every day, it would still take them longer than the current age of the universe to explore the current version of the game.
The Human Element: Why 100% Completion is a Fool’s Errand
Beyond the raw numbers, consider the human element. No Man’s Sky isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about the experience of exploration, discovery, and wonder. Even if it were physically possible, the act of methodically visiting every planet would become a monotonous chore, devoid of the spirit that makes the game compelling. Gamers can learn about what makes games interesting at GamesLearningSociety.org. It’s simply more important to explore the parts of the game that excite you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about No Man’s Sky’s Scale
1. How many galaxies are there in No Man’s Sky?
There are 255 galaxies in No Man’s Sky. The game’s code uses an 8-bit unsigned integer to track galaxies, limiting the maximum number to 255.
2. Is No Man’s Sky map bigger than Earth?
Yes, the surface area of planets in No Man’s Sky is actually larger than the surface area of the planet Earth. Given how many planets are in the game, No Man’s Sky has the equivalent of 7 trillion Earth surfaces.
3. Can you claim a whole planet in No Man’s Sky?
While you can’t officially “claim” a whole planet in the sense of owning it and preventing others from visiting, you can claim a base on any habitable planet. This essentially marks it as your home and allows you to build structures and customize the environment within a certain radius.
4. Is there an end to No Man’s Sky?
Narratively, there’s a point where everything begins again, but the overarching story continues as a loop. The game’s ultimate goal is to reach the center of a galaxy and then restart in a different galaxy. Your exploration and experiences, however, never truly end.
5. How long is 1 Sol in No Man’s Sky?
One Sol, representing a day on a planet in No Man’s Sky, lasts approximately 15 minutes in real-time.
6. Can you still name planets in No Man’s Sky?
Yes, you can still name planets and other discoveries in No Man’s Sky. Once you’ve discovered a new planet, you can upload the discovery with your chosen name, which will then be visible to other players.
7. How much money did No Man’s Sky make?
While exact figures are difficult to obtain, it’s estimated that No Man’s Sky grossed over $43 million in 2016 alone on Steam. This does not include console sales or subsequent years.
8. How big is the galaxy in No Man’s Sky?
The article says The galaxy has an approximate height of 102,000ly with a 51,000ly radius and the 500ly fade on each side. This gives it barely 1/17 of its normal radius. The galaxy is definetly not a sphere, but is build after its real world counterpart like a plate.
9. Is No Man’s Sky easy to get into?
Yes, the game is easy to get into but the tutorial is still designed for a single player. It isn’t complicated in the way other games are; the beginning is just easier to knock out alone.
10. How many ships can you keep in No Man’s Sky?
You can own up to 12 different Starships at any one time,
11. Should you build a base in No Man’s Sky?
Yes, base building is an integral part of No Man’s Sky and learning how to efficiently use the game’s construction mode will save a lot of time, resources, and headaches.
12. What is the rarest planet type in No Man’s Sky?
Pillared planets are considered the rarest planets in the game.
13. What is the most hostile planet in No Man’s Sky?
Compakask-Mepp Major is a highly dangerous planet due to the sheer number of predators that inhabit it.
14. What is the best planet to live on in No Man’s Sky?
A Lush Planet is arguably one of the most sought-after places to build a base. Lush planets possess no environmental hazards or need special equipment, and they often have a reliable amount of resources.
15. What happens when you reach the center of the galaxy in No Man’s Sky?
When you reach the center of a galaxy, the game essentially resets you in a new galaxy, allowing you to continue your exploration in a fresh environment. This is a core part of the game’s narrative and progression.
Conclusion: The Beauty of the Unexplored
No Man’s Sky is a testament to the power of procedural generation and a reminder of the vastness of the universe, even a virtual one. While visiting every planet is an impossible task, the game provides a unique and compelling exploration experience. The sheer scale of the game allows everyone to find something they find enjoyable, and it makes it worth diving into. The game is constantly changing, and the journey is often more important than the destination. Enjoy the ride!