How Many Settlements Can You Control in No Man’s Sky?
The short, direct answer is: You can control only one settlement at a time in No Man’s Sky. While the vast universe of No Man’s Sky offers boundless exploration and opportunities, settlement management is limited to a single instance. This means that if you wish to oversee a new settlement, you must abandon your previous one. This mechanic encourages players to carefully consider their choices when selecting a settlement, as each one offers unique challenges and rewards. This mechanic might seem limiting, but it’s designed to focus your efforts on developing a single settlement into a thriving community. You can, however, change settlements as often as you’d like, giving you the freedom to explore different procedurally generated towns, but remember there is a limit of one active settlement at a time.
Understanding Settlement Mechanics
The settlement feature in No Man’s Sky adds a layer of gameplay focused on construction and management. Becoming an Overseer places you in charge of developing a fledgling settlement. This includes making decisions on building, resolving citizen disputes, and defending the settlement from threats. This system offers a unique sense of responsibility and provides a long-term objective beyond the main questlines.
When you claim a settlement, it’s in a rather basic and undeveloped state. Your role as Overseer is to guide its growth through strategic decision-making. This could involve the building of new structures, managing resources, and maintaining the overall happiness of the citizens. It’s a continual balancing act between development, expansion, and maintaining the settlement’s well-being.
Procedurally Generated Settlements
Each settlement in No Man’s Sky is procedurally generated, meaning they’re created at random based on a set of algorithms. This ensures a unique experience every time you discover a new settlement. This procedural generation is a key factor behind the single settlement mechanic. If you decide to abandon your current settlement to take over another, the old one is reset to the exact state it was in when you first discovered it. In theory, you could go back to the old settlement, and retake it. This ensures you can change your mind, should you so desire. This constant shifting and decision-making adds to the strategic element of settlement management.
Why Only One Settlement?
The limitation to one settlement may initially seem restrictive, but it promotes a deeper, more engaging experience with the game’s management mechanics. Here’s why it works:
- Focus and Dedication: Managing one settlement requires significant time and resource investment. Limiting it to one forces you to engage deeply with your chosen community and make meaningful choices.
- Storytelling: The single settlement mechanic allows you to truly invest in the stories of its citizens. Each challenge you face and each decision you make is directly tied to the fate of your community.
- Balancing Gameplay: Allowing multiple active settlements could lead to an unmanageable burden on the player. Focusing on one allows a more rewarding and less overwhelming experience.
This concentrated management approach means that when you do decide to relocate, it is a conscious decision and not a whim. You are not just moving to a new settlement you are also letting go of a community you built and nurtured. This makes the process more engaging.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about settlements and related mechanics in No Man’s Sky, to further enhance your understanding.
1. What is the maximum population count in a settlement?
The maximum population count in a No Man’s Sky settlement is 200 citizens.
2. Can I own multiple bases in No Man’s Sky?
Yes, you can build multiple bases in No Man’s Sky. Each save file has a limit of 450 bases, including your freighter base. This equates to 449 planetary bases that you can create for farming, storage, and more.
3. Can multiple players share the same base on a planet?
Yes, multiple bases can be built on the same planet. However, only one base per player per planet will be shared online for other players to view. To share your base, you must upload it using the base computer.
4. What are the best planet types for building a base?
While all planets are unique, some are more suitable for building. The top planet types are:
* Paradise Planets
* Lush Planets
* Exotic Planets
* Dead Planets
These are often preferred due to the low risks and abundance of resources, making them great places to build your home.
5. Can I relocate my settlement to a new location?
Yes, you can relocate your settlement as often as you like. You can claim and manage only one settlement at a time but will have to abandon your old settlement when taking up a new one. The old one will be reset to its original state, giving you the option to come back later.
6. How many ships can I own in No Man’s Sky?
You can own up to 12 ships in No Man’s Sky. These can be swapped in and out using the quick menu, but only 6 will be visible at any time on your freighter’s hangar.
7. Are Quicksilver unlocks account-wide?
Yes, all non-consumable Quicksilver purchases, such as gestures and base building parts, are now account-wide rather than tied to a specific save slot.
8. How do I get more Quicksilver?
You can earn Quicksilver by completing daily missions in the Nexus, found within the Space Anomaly. Each daily mission rewards you with 250 Quicksilver. You can stack up to three of these, so you do not need to return every day.
9. Can I buy Quicksilver with real money?
No, you cannot buy Quicksilver with real money in No Man’s Sky. It can only be earned through gameplay.
10. How many frigates can I own?
You can own up to 30 frigates in No Man’s Sky, including traditional frigates, as well as special expedition reward frigates such as the Normandy and the Leviathan.
11. What happens if my ship is destroyed?
If your ship is destroyed, you will keep it. However, some installed technology may be damaged and need repair. You will also drop your inventory, which can be recovered at your grave marker (usually located at the scene of your ship’s destruction).
12. How do I become a pirate in No Man’s Sky?
You can engage in piracy by attacking freighters or other ships in a space fleet. This will trigger Sentinel drone starships, which will engage you in combat.
13. What happens if I abandon a settlement?
If you abandon a settlement, it will reset to its initial state. You can potentially reclaim it at any point in the future.
14. What is a “Paradise Planet” in No Man’s Sky?
A “Paradise Planet” is a planet with mild weather, no extreme temperatures, and little to no Sentinel activity. These are ideal locations for building a base.
15. How do I get a Living Ship?
To get your first Living Ship, you need to purchase a Void Egg from the Space Anomaly for 3,200 Quicksilver. You will then need to complete the Starbirth questline to finally claim the ship.
Conclusion
While you can only actively control one settlement at a time, the mechanic ensures focus and deeper engagement. The ability to explore and manage one settlement in No Man’s Sky at a time offers a unique and satisfying layer to the game. It encourages you to invest in the growth and well-being of your chosen community while also granting you the flexibility to experience new procedurally generated worlds. By understanding these limitations and the related mechanics, you can better navigate the vast universe of No Man’s Sky and create a truly remarkable experience.