Mastering Colonies in No Man’s Sky: A Comprehensive Guide

In No Man’s Sky, the pursuit of exploration and management extends to planetary settlements. The core question on many players’ minds is: How many colonies can you have in No Man’s Sky? The answer, in short, is that a player can only be the Overseer of one settlement at a time per save file. While you can discover numerous settlements across the vast universe, accepting the Overseer role at a new settlement means abandoning your previous one. This mechanic emphasizes strategic decision-making and careful management within the game. Let’s dive deeper into the nuances of settlement management and explore some related aspects of colony life in No Man’s Sky.

Understanding Settlement Mechanics

The Overseer Role

Being an Overseer grants you control over a settlement’s development, infrastructure, and citizen well-being. It’s a significant responsibility that comes with choices impacting the settlement’s growth, happiness, and prosperity. Each decision you make, from constructing new buildings to resolving citizen disputes, shapes the future of your colony.

Procedural Generation and Resetting

All settlements in No Man’s Sky are procedurally generated. This means each settlement is unique, with its own layout, challenges, and opportunities. However, when you relinquish control of a settlement to become Overseer of a new one, the old settlement essentially resets to its initial state. This implies that any progress you made, buildings you constructed, or decisions you implemented are effectively undone. It will exist still, but in the state you found it.

Save File Limitations

While you’re restricted to one settlement per save file, you can technically have settlements in multiple save files. This workaround allows you to manage different colonies simultaneously, but it can become cumbersome to switch between saves. Furthermore, there are reports of glitches when trying to manage multiple settlements across different saves. This is not something that the developers officially support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify settlement management and related aspects in No Man’s Sky:

1. Are there more than one settlements on one planet or only one per star system?

   While multiple settlements can exist within a single star system or even on the same planet, you can still only manage one settlement per save file. The presence of other settlements does not impact your ability to be the Overseer of your chosen settlement.

2. Can you relocate your settlement in No Man’s Sky?

   Yes, you can change settlements as many times as you want, but you can only claim and manage one at a time. If you change settlements, your previous one still exists but is reset to its initial state, allowing you to reclaim it if desired.

3. How do you improve settlements in No Man’s Sky?

   Improving a settlement involves making strategic decisions as the Overseer. Choices such as constructing a Saloon (to increase happiness) or a Marketplace (to increase revenue) directly impact the settlement’s growth and well-being. You’ll also need to resolve citizen disputes and address infrastructural needs.

4. What is the maximum settlement size in No Man’s Sky?

   The population of a planetary settlement can reach a maximum of 200 citizens.

5. What happens when you abandon a settlement?

   When you abandon a settlement to become Overseer of a new one, your previous settlement is reset to its initial state. Any progress you’ve made, buildings you’ve constructed, and decisions you’ve implemented will be undone.

6. Is it worth building a base in No Man’s Sky?

   Yes, building a base is an essential part of No Man’s Sky. It provides a safe haven, a resource hub, and a creative outlet. Bases can be incredibly useful for farming resources, researching technology, and exploring the galaxy.

7. What is the best planet to build a base in No Man’s Sky?

   Paradise planets are often considered the best for base building due to their mild weather, non-aggressive sentinels, and abundant resources. Lush, Exotic, and even Dead planets can also be suitable, depending on your preferences and needs.

8. How high can you build in No Man’s Sky?

   There is a build height limit of approximately 1,000 units above your Base Computer.

9. What are the Forgotten Colonies in No Man’s Sky?

   The Forgotten Colonies are distant settlements and factions striving for dominance along the outer border of the Beta and Delta sectors, far beyond 750,000 light-years from the galactic center. It is a story and roleplay-focused hub on the fringe of civilized space.

10. Are Quicksilver unlocks account-wide?

    Yes, all non-consumable Quicksilver purchases, such as gestures and base-building parts, are now treated as account-wide data rather than tied to a specific save slot.

11. How many ships can you have in No Man’s Sky?

    A player can own a maximum of twelve starships. Up to six ships can be stored in the freighter hangar at any time, while others can be swapped out using the quick menu.

12. Does No Man’s Sky have multiple endings?

    Yes, there is an alternate ending in No Man’s Sky. By following the Atlas Path and collecting Atlas Stones, you can uncover the story of Atlas and experience a different way to complete your journey.

13. What is the best thing to farm in No Man’s Sky?

    Crops like Venom Urchin or Gravatino Balls are excellent for farming and selling directly. They offer a good balance of value and harvest time.

14. Can species go extinct in No Man’s Sky?

    Yes, extinction can happen to both flora and fauna, often following major updates that reset the universe or smaller updates that affect specific species.

15. What is the rarest creature in No Man’s Sky?

    Rangifae are considered one of the rarest land fauna in the game, with only a 0.25% chance of being found on a planet.

Strategic Considerations

Given the limitation of managing only one settlement per save, it’s essential to approach settlement management strategically.

• Prioritize Your Goals: Determine whether you value happiness, revenue, or a balanced approach. Your choices should align with your overarching goals for the settlement.

• Evaluate Settlement Potential: Before committing to a settlement, assess its resources, layout, and potential for growth. Some settlements may be more conducive to certain playstyles than others.

• Consider the Long-Term Impact: Every decision you make as Overseer will have a lasting impact on the settlement. Think carefully about the consequences of your choices and plan for the future.

Beyond the Game: Learning Through Simulation

The mechanics of No Man’s Sky, including settlement management, offer valuable opportunities for learning and development. The game encourages players to engage in strategic thinking, resource management, and problem-solving. These skills are not only beneficial within the game but can also be applied to real-world scenarios. Organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org explore the educational potential of video games, recognizing their capacity to foster critical thinking and creativity. Engaging with complex systems like settlement management in No Man’s Sky can enhance cognitive abilities and provide a unique learning experience.

Conclusion

While you can only actively manage one colony per save file in No Man’s Sky, the universe is teeming with opportunities for exploration and discovery. Each settlement presents its own challenges and rewards, encouraging you to make strategic decisions and shape the future of your chosen colony. By understanding the limitations and embracing the opportunities, you can become a successful Overseer and thrive in the vast expanse of No Man’s Sky.