What is the Best Multi-Tool in No Man’s Sky? A Comprehensive Guide
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The question of the “best” Multi-Tool in No Man’s Sky is multifaceted, as it depends heavily on your playstyle and priorities. However, if we’re talking about raw power and versatility, the answer is clear: an S-Class Royal Multi-Tool with a maximized Blaze Javelin weapon module, coupled with synergistic technology upgrades. While the Blaze Javelin isn’t universally loved, it’s undeniable that, when properly augmented, it is capable of delivering the highest single-shot damage, making it a powerhouse for both combat and mining.
The “best” multi-tool isn’t just about raw damage, though. A true contender for the title needs to balance damage potential with scan bonuses, slot capacity, and available tech upgrades. This leads us to a more nuanced discussion on what constitutes excellence in a Multi-Tool within the vast universe of No Man’s Sky.
Understanding Multi-Tool Basics
Before diving into the specifics, let’s cover some foundational information. Multi-Tools are your all-in-one tool in No Man’s Sky, performing a variety of functions:
- Mining: Gathering resources from planets and asteroids.
- Combat: Defending yourself against Sentinels and hostile creatures.
- Scanning: Analyzing flora, fauna, and geological formations for discoveries and units.
- Specialized Functions: Using specific tools like the Terrain Manipulator to reshape the environment.
Multi-tools come in several types:
- Pistols are more common and generally have a smaller slot count.
- Rifles generally have more slots.
- Experimental and Alien varieties, which are rare and boast special looks and bonuses.
- Royal multi-tools which are even rarer and offer high damage and scan stats.
- Sentinel Multitools, which have unique perks, a limited pool of tools and upgrades but have the highest single base damage for tools.
What Makes a Multi-Tool “Best”?
Several factors contribute to a Multi-Tool’s overall effectiveness:
Class
Multi-Tools come in four classes: C, B, A, and S. S-Class Multi-Tools are the most desirable, offering the highest base stats and the potential for the highest bonuses. An S-Class Multitool will always be stronger than an A, B or C Class Multitool.
Weapon Choice
As our opening statement suggests, the Blaze Javelin is considered the most powerful multi-tool weapon in the game. It behaves like a sniper rifle, dealing substantial damage at long distances.
- Scatter Blaster is a close-range weapon, similar to a shotgun.
- Neutron Cannon is another high damage weapon but does have an area of effect.
- Other weapons such as the Pulse Spitter, Boltcaster, Incinerator, Paralysis Mortar, and Geology Cannon have specific uses, but lack the overall versatility and damage potential of the Blaze Javelin.
- Sentinel Multitools have their own unique weapons such as the Shredder which is the highest damage single fire weapon, the Rifle, a laser weapon that deals beam damage, the Flamethrower, a short range burst damage weapon and the Scattergun a fast firing close range shotgun type weapon.
Technology and Upgrades
Multi-Tools can be equipped with various technologies that enhance their performance. Prioritize technologies that improve weapon damage, scanning range, mining efficiency, and shield capacity. S-Class upgrade modules offer the highest bonuses. Look for synergistic technologies that boost each other, like a Blaze Javelin upgrade coupled with a critical damage module. The supercharged slots will increase the stats of technologies placed in them.
Slot Capacity
More slots mean more technologies you can install. Although Royal Multi-Tools start with fewer slots but better stats, there is an option to purchase slot upgrades. Alien and Experimental varieties have more slots, however, they can be difficult to find in S class.
Appearance
While not directly impacting performance, the aesthetic of your Multi-Tool is an important factor for many players. Some players prefer the sleek design of Alien Multi-Tools, while others may gravitate towards the utilitarian look of a standard pistol.
Finding Your Ideal Multi-Tool
Rich Economies
The most effective method for locating a good multi-tool is to search “rich” or “affluent” systems. Using an economy scanner which can be purchased from the Anomaly, you can identify these systems. Richer economies tend to have a higher probability of spawning S-Class multi-tools.
Space Stations and Trading Posts
Visit the space stations and trading posts within wealthy systems and check the Multi-Tool vendor. While the stock is randomized, focusing on these locations increases your chances of finding what you’re after.
Sentinel Pillars
Sentinel Pillars are a great source for Royal Multi-Tools. These will need to be discovered by using a planetary chart. However, they may need to be cleared of sentinels before a Royal Multi-Tool can be obtained.
Trading Up
Don’t be afraid to swap Multi-Tools when you find a better one. You can always trade in your current model to reduce the cost of a new one.
Conclusion
The “best” Multi-Tool is a subjective concept. However, an S-Class Royal Multi-Tool with a maxed-out Blaze Javelin, strategically enhanced with synergistic technologies, will provide the highest levels of damage, survivability and utility in the game. Combine this with the highest slots your can manage and you have an end game multi-tool. Focus on rich economies, check space stations, trade posts and Sentinel Pillars, and never stop exploring. The perfect multi-tool for your needs is waiting to be discovered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I find an S-Class Multi-Tool?
S-Class Multi-Tools are most commonly found in wealthy economies at Space Stations and Trading Posts. Using an Economy Scanner will help you find those systems.
2. Can I upgrade the class of my Multi-Tool?
No, the class of a Multi-Tool is fixed. You cannot upgrade a C-class to an S-class. You will need to find an S-class version of a Multi-Tool if you want an S-class version.
3. How many Multi-Tools can I own?
You can own up to six Multi-Tools. You can swap the active one by using the quick menu.
4. What are Royal Multi-Tools good for?
Royal Multi-Tools have high base stats for scanning and damage. They are rare, expensive, and can only be found at Sentinel Pillars. They start with less slots but this can be upgraded.
5. What is the most expensive Multi-Tool in NMS?
The most expensive are Alien and Experimental S-Class models with 24 slots, costing up to 7,500,000 units.
6. What is the rarest item in No Man’s Sky?
While not directly related to Multi-Tools, the rarest item is the Gold GUPPY ship with Cowled Rear Thruster.
7. Are power multi-tools worth it in real life?
In real life, power multi-tools are highly versatile and valuable for various tasks, making them worth the investment for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. However, the multi-tools in the game are a fictional concept.
8. What happens if I lose my Multi-Tool?
You can access your collection of owned Multi-Tools at any time using the quick menu.
9. Can I fly with a multi-tool?
In real life, multi-tools with knives are prohibited in carry-on luggage. They must be packed in checked bags. This is not the case in No Man’s Sky.
10. How do I upgrade my Multi-Tool slots?
You can upgrade Multi-Tool slots by purchasing additional slots. This can be found at the vendor inside the space station.
11. What happens when I buy a new Multi-Tool?
Your current Multi-Tool is traded in and the price of the new one is reduced by the trade in value. The new Multi-Tool will require repairs.
12. What is the best weapon to use against Sentinels?
The Scatter Blaster is very effective at close range combat with sentinels, but the Blaze Javelin can take out most sentinels in a single shot at long range.
13. How many ships can I own in NMS?
You can own up to 12 starships.
14. What is the best planet in No Man’s Sky?
Paradise Planets are widely considered the best for living on, due to their pleasant environments and lack of extreme conditions.
15. What is the most expensive starship in No Man’s Sky?
The most expensive ship is a Class S 48+8 slot Hauler, costing around 126 million units. A Class S 34 slot freighter costs around 465 million units.