The Astronomical Time Sink: How Long to Visit Every Planet in No Man’s Sky?
If you’ve ever gazed at the vastness of space and wondered how long it would take to explore it all, then No Man’s Sky is a game tailor-made for your curiosity. This procedurally generated universe boasts a staggering number of planets, but just how long would it take to visit them all? Prepare yourself for a number so colossal it might just redefine your understanding of time.
The answer is: approximately 5 billion years. Yes, you read that correctly. To visit each and every one of the 18,446,744,073,709,551,616 planets in No Man’s Sky, even at the ludicrous rate of one second per planet, would take you a mind-boggling five billion years. That’s a timespan that dwarfs human history, and even the existence of our own planet.
The Sheer Scale of the No Man’s Sky Universe
The reason this number is so astronomically high is due to the game’s use of procedural generation. Instead of handcrafting every planet, the game uses complex algorithms to generate each world, its landscapes, flora, fauna, and even weather patterns. This means that there’s practically an infinite amount of diversity available within the game, with every planet offering a unique experience.
The size of the universe is not infinite in the true sense, it is generated from a seed. However, given the sheer size of the numbers involved, it is effectively infinite for practical purposes. You would be highly unlikely to ever encounter another player on a planet that is identical to yours unless you specifically coordinate that discovery.
A Practical Impossibility
It’s important to underscore that this is a purely theoretical calculation. No player, no matter how dedicated, could realistically attempt to visit every planet. The real-time commitment is simply insurmountable, making it a fun thought experiment rather than a practical goal. Even if we sped up the planet-visiting process, we would still be talking about an amount of time that no human could possibly experience.
The Appeal of the Unexplored
The vastness of No Man’s Sky is not a barrier; it’s a core feature. The game is designed to evoke a sense of wonder and exploration. The knowledge that there are countless worlds waiting to be discovered, each unique in its own way, is a big part of what makes the game so engaging. Rather than aiming for full exploration, players are encouraged to create their own unique stories and experiences by the worlds they choose to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about No Man’s Sky’s Scale
How many planets can I visit in No Man’s Sky?
- There are 18,446,744,073,709,551,616 planets, or approximately 18 quintillion, waiting to be discovered in the universe of No Man’s Sky.
Has anyone explored all of No Man’s Sky?
- Absolutely not. The sheer number of planets makes full exploration impossible. It’s estimated that about 1% of the first or starter galaxy, Euclid, has been explored and far less of the rest of the galaxies.
How long is a day in No Man’s Sky?
- An in-game “Day,” also known as a Sol, lasts exactly 30 real-time minutes. This is broken up into two 15 minute periods.
Is No Man’s Sky map infinite?
- The universe of No Man’s Sky is gigantic, with over 18 quintillion possible planets. While not technically infinite, for all practical purposes, it is functionally unlimited.
How long would it take to 100% No Man’s Sky?
- While it’s impossible to 100% the exploration of the universe, focusing on main objectives will take about 30.5 hours. Striving to see all aspects of the game might take around 140 hours.
Can you still name planets in No Man’s Sky?
- Yes, you can name planets, flora, and fauna you discover. These names are shared with other players.
What percent of the No Man’s Sky universe has been discovered?
- Less than 1/1,000,000,000 of 1% of the universe has been discovered. Approximately 1% of the first galaxy, Euclid, has been explored.
Are there pirates in No Man’s Sky?
- Yes, there are hostile NPC pirates in the form of starships that attack players. Friendly NPC ships may assist players being attacked by pirates.
How big can a base be in No Man’s Sky?
- There is a limit of 16,000 base objects per save and a 3,000 components upload limit per base. Bases with over 3,000 components cannot be uploaded to be shared.
How far do black holes take you in No Man’s Sky?
- Black holes usually move you closer to the center by approximately 7,000 light-years. Hyper black holes can move you vast distances, over 300,000 light-years, toward the center.
Is No Man’s Sky randomly generated?
- No Man’s Sky is procedurally generated, using algorithms to create each planet, creature, ship, and other items. This ensures high diversity and uniqueness throughout the game.
Is No Man’s Sky worth it alone?
- Playing No Man’s Sky alone can still be enjoyable, as each world is unique. However, connecting with other players can enhance the experience.
Can I pilot the freighter in No Man’s Sky?
- Yes, you can pilot your freighter to other star systems via the Freighter warp map located on the freighter’s bridge.
Can you go underwater in No Man’s Sky?
- Yes, you can explore underwater environments. There are also unique aquatic missions to take on.
Can you farm in No Man’s Sky?
- Yes, creating a farm is a profitable way to gain in-game currency, allowing players to control and expand their yields.
Conclusion: The Journey, Not the Destination
Ultimately, the question of how long it would take to visit every planet in No Man’s Sky serves to highlight the game’s core principles. It’s not about conquering every corner of the universe. It’s about the journey, the sense of discovery, and the personal experiences you create within a vast and ever-evolving world. No Man’s Sky isn’t about finishing, but about exploring, building, and creating your own spacefaring story within a universe that, for all intents and purposes, is infinite.