What Happens When You Finish an Expedition in No Man’s Sky?
When you reach the end of an Expedition in No Man’s Sky, several things happen, offering a satisfying conclusion to your temporary adventure and a wealth of benefits for your broader game experience. The most immediate change is the option to convert your Expedition save into a Normal Mode save. This means that after all the challenges, exploration, and milestones you completed during the expedition, you’re able to continue playing with that character, this time in the standard, persistent universe. However, the expedition specific rules and challenges are no longer in effect. This conversion is a one-time event, so once you do it, there’s no going back to the expedition.
Beyond this, the exclusive rewards you earned during the Expedition become available for all of your saves. These rewards can be redeemed at the Quicksilver Synthesis Companion in the Space Anomaly. This means any cool ships, unique multitools, base building parts or other items you’ve unlocked during the expedition are not locked to just that one save; you can access them on all of your saves, including pre-existing saves and those you create in the future.
The conclusion of an Expedition signifies a time-limited event is over. Past Expeditions cannot be replayed, so the unique challenges and stories associated with them become a fond memory, unless the developer chooses to reintroduce them for a limited time sometime in the future. Expeditions serve as fantastic jumping-on points for players, often focusing on different aspects of the game and providing interesting narrative twists to the usual gameplay loop. So with the end of an Expedition, you are released to explore the universe of No Man’s Sky once again, with all of your newly acquired rewards.
The Conversion to Normal Mode
Making the Choice
The primary action you’ll take after an Expedition is concluding will be choosing to convert your Expedition save to Normal mode. This conversion allows you to continue your journey using the same save file you used during the expedition. All of your inventory, base, and discovered locations will transfer to the normal mode. However, there are some key differences. The most significant is that the expedition specific parameters, which might have given you unique objectives, limitations or buffs, are gone. You are free to play in the normal universe.
What Gets Carried Over
Your starships, multitools, inventory, upgrades, and discoveries all come along for the ride. The only limitation is what is specific to the expedition itself. This is an excellent opportunity to bring powerful ships, multitools, and tech that you likely would have had to work longer to acquire on a normal save.
What is Lost?
Once your expedition save is converted to normal mode, there is no going back. Also you will no longer see expedition specific missions or challenges, these are removed from your mission logs once the conversion is made.
Unlocking Your Rewards
The Quicksilver Synthesis Companion
The rewards earned in the Expedition are available for all of your saves at the Quicksilver Synthesis Companion located within the Space Anomaly. This character is the go-to for all things related to quicksilver and associated rewards.
Claiming Your Goodies
Upon interacting with the Companion, you’ll see the items and blueprints earned during the Expedition that you can now claim on any and all of your saves. This includes unique starships, powerful multitools, special customizations, and rare items. This is a great way to bolster your existing saves or begin a new journey in normal mode. You need to claim the items before they become available in other saves.
Cross-Save Benefits
One of the biggest advantages of the rewards system is that once an item is redeemed on one save, it’s available on all your other saves. This allows you to use an expedition as a powerful way to supercharge your entire game.
The Nature of Expeditions
Limited-Time Events
Expeditions are designed as limited-time events. Typically, they run for around six weeks, after which they are no longer available. This temporariness adds to the event’s exclusive nature, making them a key part of the No Man’s Sky experience.
Fresh Starts and Unique Challenges
Expeditions always begin with a fresh save, providing a level playing field for all players. They are not intended to be permanent, but rather are a fun way to experience the game through new angles and with unique challenges.
The Heart of No Man’s Sky
For many, Expeditions have become the real heart of No Man’s Sky, bringing the community together to tackle fresh challenges and obtain exclusive rewards. Their temporary nature allows the game to introduce experimental gameplay and focus on specific aspects of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about expeditions in No Man’s Sky:
1. Can I Replay Past Expeditions?
No, past expeditions cannot be replayed. They are limited-time events that disappear once they end. However, the developers may sometimes bring them back for a limited time, so keep an eye on the patch notes.
2. What Kind of Rewards Can I Expect From Expeditions?
Expeditions offer a variety of rewards, such as unique starships, powerful multitools, base-building parts, customization options, expedition patches, and valuable items. These are exclusive to the expedition and can be claimed in any save file.
3. Do I Need to Start a New Game for an Expedition?
Yes, each expedition starts with a new save. This ensures a fresh start for everyone and allows the game to implement unique limitations and buffs.
4. What Happens if I Miss an Expedition?
If you miss an expedition, you will not be able to obtain the rewards associated with it unless it is re-run. This highlights the importance of participating in the available Expeditions.
5. How Long Do Expeditions Usually Last?
Expeditions typically last for around six weeks. The exact duration is usually announced by the developers ahead of the event.
6. Can I Play Expeditions Offline?
No, Expeditions require an internet connection. This is due to their nature as online events.
7. Will My Expedition Progress Be Saved?
Yes, your Expedition progress will be saved, just like a normal save. You can pick up where you left off even if you step away for an extended period.
8. Can I Bring Friends With Me on an Expedition?
Yes, you can play Expeditions with your friends. This adds to the fun of tackling the challenges and working together.
9. How Do I Know When A New Expedition Starts?
The start of a new expedition is usually announced by the developers, typically through their website, social media channels, and in-game notifications.
10. What is the Point of Expeditions?
Expeditions provide structured, timed challenges and an opportunity to earn unique rewards. They help to create a sense of community and excitement around the game.
11. How Do I Access the Quicksilver Synthesis Companion?
The Quicksilver Synthesis Companion is located in the Space Anomaly. They appear as a large, hooded figure to the left as you enter the anomaly.
12. Do Expedition Rewards Cost Quicksilver?
No, Expedition rewards do not cost Quicksilver. They are claimed for free once earned through the expedition. Quicksilver is usually earned through completing missions in the anomaly.
13. Is There A Level Limit on Expedition Rewards?
No, there is no level limit on expedition rewards. Once you earn them, they are available to be claimed, regardless of your progress in your current game.
14. Can I Convert Back to My Normal Game After an Expedition?
Yes, your expedition save can be converted into a normal save after the expedition ends. This is a one-time choice.
15. What Happens to My Expedition Progress if I Don’t Convert It?
If you don’t convert your expedition save, it will still be available as an expedition save. However, the expedition specific challenges will be removed once the event ends. Once the save is converted it will function as any other normal save and is permanent.