How Many Companions Can You Have in No Man’s Sky? The Ultimate Guide
The vast and procedurally generated universe of No Man’s Sky offers a dizzying array of possibilities, from charting new worlds to building sprawling bases. But one of the most endearing features of the game is the ability to adopt and befriend the unique creatures you encounter. So, the big question: How many companions can you have in No Man’s Sky? The direct answer is that you can adopt up to six creatures as active companions. This allows you to form a diverse team of alien critters to accompany you on your interstellar adventures. Now, let’s dive deeper into the specifics of companions in No Man’s Sky.
Understanding the Companion Registry
Initial Slots and Upgrades
Every player begins their journey with a Companion Registry that allows for just two companions. However, the good news is that you can expand this registry significantly. By spending Nanites, the in-game currency earned by completing missions, discovering new locations, and uploading discoveries, you can unlock additional slots in the registry.
The Companion Limit
The maximum number of companion slots you can unlock is eighteen (18). While you can only have six active companions at a time, having more slots allows you to keep a larger collection of creatures, switching them out as needed to suit your playstyle or current objective.
Nanite Costs for Unlocking Slots
Unlocking additional companion slots requires an increasing investment of Nanites. The costs escalate as follows:
- Slot 3: 500 Nanites
- Slot 4: 1,000 Nanites
- Slot 5: 5,000 Nanites
- Slot 6: 10,000 Nanites
- Slots 7-18: 20,000 Nanites each
This means that expanding your companion roster to its full potential requires a substantial commitment to earning Nanites.
Benefits of Having Companions
Companions in No Man’s Sky aren’t just cute; they provide a range of practical benefits:
- Resource Scanning: Companions can be trained to scan for nearby resources.
- Hazard Detection: They can alert you to environmental hazards, like extreme temperatures or toxic atmospheres.
- Illumination: Some companions provide light, which is especially useful in dark caves or at night.
- Combat Assistance: Aggressive companions can defend you against hostile creatures.
- Location Assistance: They can help you locate buildings and points of interest.
- Treasure Hunting: Companions can dig up buried treasures and artifacts.
- Mining: Some companions can be equipped with shoulder-mounted mining lasers.
Interacting with Your Companions
Bonding and Trust
Building a strong bond with your companions is crucial. The more you interact with them—by feeding them, playing with them, and keeping them safe—the higher their trust level will become. Higher trust levels unlock new abilities and behaviors.
Companion Mood
Keeping your companion happy is also essential. A happy companion will be more effective at performing tasks and more enjoyable to have around.
Companion Personality
Each companion has unique personality traits that influence its behavior and interactions. Understanding these traits can help you choose companions that complement your playstyle.
Customizing Your Companions
No Man’s Sky offers a variety of ways to customize your companions. You can rename them, equip them with accessories, and even genetically modify them.
Companion Size and Anatomy
Using the Genetic Modifier at the Creature Modification Terminal, you can change your companion’s physical characteristics:
- Growth: Manipulating the dosage will alter your companion’s size. Underdosing results in a smaller creature, while overdosing makes them larger.
- Splitter: This directly impacts the animal’s anatomy, changing its proportions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I get my first companion in No Man’s Sky?
To obtain your first companion, you’ll need Creature Pellets. These can be crafted or purchased. Locate a creature you wish to adopt, feed it a Creature Pellet, and it will become your companion. You will then need to register it in the Companion Registry.
2. Do companions grow up in NMS?
Yes, companion eggs hatch into baby creatures that grow to maturity over time. Baby creatures have different proportions than their adult counterparts.
3. What happens if my companion dies in No Man’s Sky?
Companions cannot permanently die. If they take too much damage, they will become incapacitated but will recover over time. Make sure to protect them!
4. Can I trade companion eggs with other players?
Yes! You can trade eggs from your prized companions with other players, allowing for the sharing of rare or genetically modified creatures.
5. How long does it take for companions to grow up in NMS?
The growth time for companions can vary. Some creatures may mature in as little as 24 hours, while others may take weeks. Be sure to care for your young alien by petting it and feeding it Creature Pellets regularly.
6. What can I do if I no longer want a companion?
You can release a companion back into the wild by navigating to the Pet Menu and holding the designated button (R3 on PlayStation).
7. What is the rarest animal in NMS?
One of the rarest land fauna in the game is the Rangifae, which has only a 0.25% chance of being found on a planet.
8. Can I have multiple bases in No Man’s Sky?
Yes, you can have multiple bases in No Man’s Sky. You can even teleport between them using base teleporters.
9. What is the maximum number of players in a group in No Man’s Sky?
You can experience up to 32-player multiplayer when you summon the Space Anomaly. This allows you to form large groups and go on intergalactic missions together or visit each other’s bases.
10. What is the maximum amount of Units I can accumulate in No Man’s Sky?
The maximum amount of Units a player can have is 4,294,967,295 (approximately 4.3 billion).
11. Do pets age in No Man’s Sky?
Yes, pets have three age groups: child (recently hatched), adult, and mature. Each stage can last for 1-10 days.
12. Can animals go extinct in No Man’s Sky?
Yes, species of flora and fauna can go extinct, especially after major updates that reset the universe or on a smaller scale after select updates.
13. Are there aquatic predators in No Man’s Sky?
Yes, aquatic predators exist in No Man’s Sky. The Prionace genus includes various species of underwater creatures often referred to as sharks, seasnakes, or seawraiths.
14. What happens if I accept the Atlas path in No Man’s Sky?
If you follow the Atlas storyline, you will encounter strange space stations run by the Atlas. You can interact with the Atlas using the Atlas Interface located inside these stations.
15. What happens if you complete the main storyline of No Man’s Sky?
Completing the main storyline allows you to choose a new procedurally generated galaxy, effectively starting a “New Game+” with everything you’ve earned, in a fresh environment.
Conclusion
Companions add a rich layer of depth and enjoyment to No Man’s Sky. While you can only have six active companions at a time, the ability to collect up to eighteen allows you to curate a diverse team tailored to your specific needs. So, explore the universe, befriend the creatures you encounter, and build lasting bonds in the vast and ever-evolving world of No Man’s Sky.
Remember to always keep learning and exploring the depths of gaming by visiting sites like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, where you can find more information about the intersection of gaming and education.