Unraveling the Cosmos: What Does Completing the Atlas Path in No Man’s Sky Do?
Completing the Atlas Path in No Man’s Sky is a pivotal experience that significantly shapes your understanding of the game’s lore and your place within its vast universe. It’s one of three primary story missions and it’s a journey of cosmic introspection. Ultimately, upon completing the Atlas Path you will be guided to a black hole, which serves as a shortcut to get closer to the center of the galaxy. More significantly, it releases you from the direct influence of the Atlas, enabling you to freely explore the universe without its narrative constraints. While it doesn’t directly unlock game changing items, the narrative and the lore it provides enriches your overall experience.
The Atlas Path: A Journey of Self-Discovery
The Atlas Path centers around a mysterious cosmic entity known as The Atlas. Throughout this path, you are tasked with interacting with Atlas Interfaces and crafting Atlas Seeds. These interactions reveal fragments of the Atlas’s nature and its connection to the simulation you inhabit. The core loop involves travelling to specific locations, often guided by the Atlas, and performing specific tasks at these sites.
The path leads you on a quest for answers about the nature of the universe and your role in it. It’s a journey of discovery that intertwines with the broader narrative of No Man’s Sky, revealing hints and clues about the game’s deeper mysteries. The Atlas Path is more about lore and self-reflection than it is about gaining a distinct advantage in the game.
The End Result: Freedom and a Black Hole
After completing the final Atlas Interface and crafting the necessary Atlas Seeds, you’re shown the way to a black hole. This black hole isn’t just a portal; it’s a narrative device to symbolize your transition from the Atlas’s direct influence. By entering it, you’re not only taking a step closer to the galactic core, but you are also symbolically stepping outside the constraints of the Atlas’s narrative control.
Upon completion you gain access to the Star Seed blueprint which is rewarded to those who choose to “birth a star” at the final interface. The other option is to “walk away” and return to the galaxy. This choice is significant because by choosing to “birth a new star,” you contribute to the cycle of creation and destruction central to the No Man’s Sky universe and acquire a blueprint that can create valuable resources.
Essentially, finishing the Atlas Path frees you from its guidance, allowing you to explore the universe on your own terms without the directive of the Atlas. You can continue the other storylines, focus on base-building, or simply indulge in exploring.
The Significance of Lore
Completing the Atlas Path isn’t just about a reward at the end; it’s about the journey and the lore that comes with it. The story is told through various encounters throughout the game, from abandoned buildings and crashed freighters to ancient ruins. These elements add layers of depth to the narrative, making your exploration much more engaging. You may see the Atlas as a god depending on how you play, or it may just be a part of the simulation.
The path also provides a lot of context as to why certain things are the way they are and to help you understand the history of the world and your role within it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I start the Atlas Path after completing the Artemis Path?
Yes, you can absolutely do the Atlas Path after completing the Artemis Path. In fact, many players recommend doing the Artemis Path first, as it intertwines with the base-building missions, creating a smoother and more engaging experience. The Atlas path can be picked up at any point.
What happens if I refuse the Atlas Path?
If you refuse the Atlas Path, your character and starship will be immediately teleported back to the exotic planet reached via the final interface portal. The mission will be terminated, and you’ll be free to pursue other storylines or objectives. You’ll miss out on the Atlas Path lore and a possible shortcut closer to the galactic core via the black hole.
What happens if I complete the Atlas Path twice?
The game allows you to complete the Atlas Path multiple times. After completing it once, the mission will reappear in your Mission Log, and you’ll be required to complete it again if you want to dismiss it from your quest list. However, there is no change in outcomes by doing this.
Is the Atlas Path worth completing?
Yes, the Atlas Path is worth completing, mainly for the valuable lore and the deeper understanding of the game’s narrative it offers. It also leads you to a black hole which helps get closer to the center of the galaxy.
Do I need to keep all three Atlas Passes?
No, you do not need to keep all three Atlas Passes. The passes do not get consumed. A higher-tier pass (like the Atlas Pass V3) can be used to open any door or container that a lower-tier pass (V1 or V2) can access. Once you have the best one you can throw the other two away.
Should I accept or reject the Atlas in No Man’s Sky?
Following the Atlas Path is generally recommended. It is required to get Atlas Passes which are extremely useful for unlocking doors and containers within space stations and other locations. These passes can be used endlessly so having them can make exploration a lot easier.
What is the purpose of the Atlas Pass?
The Atlas Pass is used to unlock doors and storage containers in space stations and other locations that would normally be inaccessible. It provides a practical benefit, allowing players to access resources and rewards within these areas.
Is the Atlas considered a god in No Man’s Sky?
The Atlas is seen as a god-like entity by many of the Korvax and Gek races. However, the Vy’keen generally reject this belief, viewing the Atlas as a false god. The narrative allows different perspectives depending on your own choices.
Is Earth a planet in No Man’s Sky?
No, Earth does not exist as a specific, playable location in No Man’s Sky. The game features a procedural generation of an infinite number of planets within unique galaxies, but it does not directly include our own Earth.
What is the end goal of No Man’s Sky?
The overarching goal of No Man’s Sky is to reach the center of the galaxy. When you reach the center, you’ll be transported to the outskirts of a new galaxy. It’s a way to experience the infinite nature of the game.
Can I do both the Atlas Path and the Artemis Path?
Yes, you can absolutely do both the Atlas Path and the Artemis Path. They are separate storylines that don’t conflict with each other and add unique layers to the overall gameplay. These story lines are intended to be explored simultaneously as you desire.
How many Atlas Interfaces are there in the Atlas Path?
There are a total of 11 Atlas Interfaces associated with the Atlas Path. Each interface provides more lore and tasks necessary to complete this mission.
Can I go back to the Euclid galaxy after the Purge?
Going back to the Euclid galaxy after the Purge can be achieved by joining a multiplayer game hosted in Euclid. You can then teleport back to your previous base. However, once you load single player again, you will return to your new galaxy.
Can you be a “bad guy” in No Man’s Sky?
While there is no explicit “bad guy” role within the game, it’s possible to interpret your actions as potentially harmful. You can pillage resources, trade in questionable goods and generally do things that may be seen as less than ethical. The game doesn’t explicitly cast you as a hero, leaving room for interpretation.
What happens when an expedition ends in No Man’s Sky?
Upon the completion of an expedition, or when the expedition concludes, your progress can be converted to a Normal Mode save. Exclusive rewards earned during the expedition can be redeemed across all save games via the Space Anomaly.
Conclusion
Completing the Atlas Path is a significant step in your journey through the No Man’s Sky universe. It is not about rewards, but about narrative and experiencing the world the game has created. It frees you from the Atlas, provides a deeper understanding of the lore, and is a valuable part of the overall experience. This knowledge, combined with the potential shortcut to the galactic core, makes it a worthwhile path to undertake.