What Happens If You Do the Atlas Path Twice in No Man’s Sky?
The simple answer is: you can’t truly do the Atlas Path twice in the same save file. While the mission might reappear in your log, it won’t progress the same way. The core Atlas Path, with its 11 unique interfaces, is a one-time experience. If you complete the Atlas Path, including the final decision to birth a new star or walk away, the story arc concludes. Re-engaging with Atlas interfaces after this point will not trigger the same sequence of events or offer the same rewards.
The confusion arises from the game’s design where certain missions can reappear in your log and the Atlas Path’s initial stages being intertwined with the early game experience. It’s not a case of the Atlas storyline resetting; rather, you may encounter Atlas interfaces and minor tasks reminiscent of the initial path. These encounters won’t progress the original Atlas Path narrative or reward the same items, such as the Star Seed blueprint. You will not be able to reset the simulation or experience the full storyline again with the same character.
Understanding the Atlas Path and its Permanence
The Atlas Path is a critical narrative arc in No Man’s Sky, presenting players with existential questions about the nature of the universe and their place in it. It introduces the concept of the Atlas, a central AI controlling the simulated reality. Completing this path culminates in a choice: either to reset the simulation (effectively moving to a new galaxy) or to refuse the reset and remain in the current galaxy. Once this choice is made, the Atlas Path’s core narrative is effectively finished.
The Initial Journey
The Atlas Path is a guided series of missions where you discover strange space stations run by the Atlas. Interacting with the Atlas Interface within these stations will allow you to understand its history and impact on the simulated universe. The path includes 11 Interfaces, each revealing more of the story and requiring specific resources or actions. These actions are only able to be completed once. Upon completing the Path the player must either choose to birth a star or to walk away. Once either choice has been selected the Atlas Path’s conclusion is reached.
Post-Completion Encounters
If you re-encounter Atlas Interfaces after completing the path, the interactions will be significantly different. You may be able to engage in minor tasks or receive small rewards, but the main narrative thrust and crucial choice points are no longer available. These encounters simply reoccur for players who may have not previously completed the Atlas Path.
What Reappears and Why?
The reason for the reappearance of some elements is likely tied to the game’s design. After completing the Atlas Path, many players continue to explore. Thus, the Atlas remnants serve as a way to keep certain content accessible and prevent the complete disappearance of the Atlas from the game’s open world. It’s not a story reset; it’s simply a recurring element.
It is important to remember, that while some of the smaller stages of the Atlas Path may be re-engagable, players will not be able to experience the grand finale again. The option to either reset the simulation or walk away will not be offered a second time on the same save file.
The Artemis Path Overlap
Another source of confusion is that the Atlas Path is intertwined with other storylines, especially the Artemis Path. The two often run in parallel and their overlap can give the impression that you are redoing the Atlas Path. It is advised to complete the Artemis Path first to ensure the stories do not become confused and the player receives the clearest understanding of the narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I lose everything if I reset the Atlas?
Resetting the simulation through the Atlas Path moves you to a new galaxy, but you keep your inventory, technology blueprints, and learned languages. However, your current base is left behind. You do not lose everything. A new base can be established in the next galaxy.
2. Does the Atlas Path ever truly end?
Yes, the core Atlas Path has a definitive ending after completing all 11 Interfaces and choosing to birth a star or walk away. You can complete the Atlas Path and still continue playing.
3. What happens if I refuse to reset the Atlas?
If you refuse to reset the Atlas, you are teleported back to the exotic planet where you used the final portal, and the mission ends. You do not get a free galaxy jump, and will need to navigate to the center of the galaxy manually.
4. Is the Atlas Path worth completing?
Yes, the Atlas Path is worth completing for its unique narrative and rewards, including the Star Seed blueprint. It helps with understanding the lore of No Man’s Sky. However, it is recommended to complete the Artemis Path first as it directly intertwines with the Atlas storyline.
5. Can I do the Atlas Path after The Purge?
Yes, you can do the Atlas Path after completing The Purge. It is a standalone storyline that can be completed at any time. This allows players to explore the world before tackling the final parts of the main story.
6. Can you finish the Atlas Path after the Artemis Path?
Yes, you can complete the Atlas Path after the Artemis Path. The Artemis Rises update reworked the story so both paths interweave. It is generally recommended to complete the Artemis Path first.
7. What is the ending of No Man’s Sky?
The ending of No Man’s Sky generally culminates in the player’s choice to reset the simulation and move to a new galaxy, or to refuse and stay in the current one. This is not the only ending to the game but a major aspect of the story.
8. What will I lose if I reset the simulation?
When you reset the simulation via the Atlas Path, you will be transported to the edge of a new galaxy. You will not lose your inventory or any of your crafted items. However, your current base will not transfer.
9. Is Earth in No Man’s Sky?
No, the planet Earth does not exist in the game as a specific playable location. The universe in No Man’s Sky is procedurally generated and vastly different.
10. How much of No Man’s Sky has been explored?
A very small percentage of the universe has been explored. Only about 1% of the first galaxy has been documented, and even less of all the other galaxies. This means that there is still a massive amount of content that is untouched and new.
11. What happens if you upload Artemis to the simulation?
Uploading Artemis to the simulation allows their consciousness to live on in a digital world. It is a part of the Artemis storyline and influences your ongoing interactions in the game.
12. Is the Atlas a god in No Man’s Sky?
Some races, like the Korvax and Gek, view the Atlas as a god. Others, like the Vy’keen, see it as a false god. This difference of opinion helps to further develop the lore within the game.
13. Can you go back to Euclid after the Purge?
Yes, you can return to the Euclid galaxy via the teleporter in a space station or your base. You can also use the multiplayer function to return to this galaxy.
14. How many galaxies are in No Man’s Sky?
There are a total of 255 unique galaxies in No Man’s Sky, each with its own unique properties and features.
15. What happens at the end of the Atlas Path in No Man’s Sky?
The Atlas Path ends with the option to either birth a star (which rewards the Star Seed blueprint) or to walk away. Both options will conclude the story path. Regardless of your choice the Atlas path is not replayable with a single save file.
Conclusion
While you might re-encounter elements of the Atlas Path, the central narrative and impactful choices are a one-time experience. These re-encounters are merely a game mechanic to prevent the complete disappearance of the Atlas from the game world. Understand that No Man’s Sky encourages multiple playthroughs to explore different paths and galaxies; completing the Atlas Path multiple times would undermine the game’s core narrative design. Focus on exploring the vast universe and enjoying each unique journey as it unfolds.