Unveiling the Limits of No Man’s Sky: A Comprehensive Guide
What exactly are the limitations within the vast, procedurally generated universe of No Man’s Sky? It’s a question many explorers ponder as they journey through countless galaxies, build sprawling bases, and amass fleets of starships. The truth is, while the game encourages seemingly endless exploration, it does have defined boundaries and limitations. These aren’t always obvious, but understanding them is crucial for any serious player. In essence, the “limit” in No Man’s Sky manifests across various aspects of the game, including base building, ship ownership, and overall save file constraints.
Overall, the limits in No Man’s Sky can be summarized as follows: Each save file has a limit of 450 bases including one’s freighter base, so 449 planetary bases. There is a global maximum part count of 20,000 items per save, which includes all the bases you have made. A base is allowed a maximum of 3000 parts if you wish to upload it. Furthermore, a base has a build height limit of around 1,000 units above your Base Computer. You can own up to 12 starships, but only one freighter. Additionally, you may only be the Overseer of one settlement at a time. Let’s break down these limits in detail.
Base Building Limits
The freedom to construct elaborate bases is a cornerstone of the No Man’s Sky experience. However, even this creative outlet has constraints:
Base Count and Upload Limits
The most immediate limitation players often encounter is the base cap. You’re allowed to have a total of 450 bases per save file, with one of these being your freighter base. This means you can have 449 planetary bases scattered across different systems. Trying to claim a new base computer when you are at the limit will result in the message, “unsuitable location.” While you can build more parts than 3000, you won’t be able to upload a base with over 3000 parts to the servers for other players to visit.
Base Part Limits
Beyond the number of bases, there’s also a limit on how many parts you can use. Each base has an uploadable limit of 3,000 parts or components, meaning that if you exceed this number the base cannot be uploaded to the servers for other players to visit. Moreover, there is a total maximum of 20,000 base parts per save file. This includes every single base you build, so you can’t have lots of bases with 3000 parts each.
Build Height Limit
There’s a vertical limit to how high you can build a base. Typically, this limit is approximately 1,000 units above your base computer. This restriction is in place to prevent players from creating bases that exploit the game’s terrain generation or performance.
Ship and Freighter Limits
Beyond base building, ownership of ships and freighters also has limitations.
Starship Ownership
You can own a maximum of 12 starships. These can be a mix of different types – fighters, haulers, explorers, exotics, and more. Although you can own 12, only 6 starships can be kept in your freighter hanger at any time. You can swap out the ships by using the quick menu.
Freighter Ownership
Interestingly, despite having the ability to own multiple starships, you can only ever own one freighter at any given time. This means you cannot create a fleet of massive freighters and therefore having only a “Task Force” of freighters is not possible.
Other Key Limitations
There are a few other key limitations in No Man’s Sky that players should be aware of.
Settlement Limits
You can only be the Overseer of one settlement at a time. This means that if you find a more attractive settlement, you must abandon your old one.
Exploration Limits
While the game boasts an almost infinite number of planets, 18 quintillion to be exact spanning 255 galaxies, the number of planets you can visit and explore is practically infinite. No player is ever likely to visit the entire game world in their lifetime. To traverse all worlds at the rate of 1 second per planet would take 5 billion years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the limitations in No Man’s Sky, along with concise answers:
1. How many bases can I build in No Man’s Sky?
You can build a maximum of 450 bases per save file, including one freighter base. That leaves 449 planetary bases.
2. What is the part limit for a single base?
A single base can have up to 3,000 parts that can be uploaded to servers. If you do not upload it, you can add more parts.
3. Is there a total limit to the number of base parts across all my bases?
Yes, there is a global maximum of 20,000 parts across all bases in a single save file.
4. How high can I build my base?
The build height limit is approximately 1,000 units above your base computer.
5. How many ships can I own in No Man’s Sky?
You can own a maximum of 12 starships.
6. Can I have more than one freighter?
No, you can only own one freighter at any time.
7. Can I own multiple settlements?
No, you can only be the Overseer of one settlement at a time.
8. What happens if I reach the base limit?
If you reach the base limit, you will receive a generic “unsuitable location” message when you try to claim a new base computer.
9. Can I visit every planet in No Man’s Sky?
The number of planets in No Man’s Sky is vast, estimated at 18 quintillion across 255 galaxies. It would be nearly impossible for a single player to visit them all, as it would take around 5 billion years.
10. What is the point of base building?
Base building is crucial for resource extraction, growing plants, using exocraft on a planet and teleporting to different systems.
11. How can I extend my base building radius?
By saving your game and restarting, it can extend the build radius from the base computer.
12. What is the best type of planet to build a base on?
Lush planets are generally considered the best for building, as they have no environmental hazards, and they often have a lot of resources.
13. What is the rarest planet type in No Man’s Sky?
Pillared planets are considered the rarest planet type.
14. What is the best way to make money in No Man’s Sky?
Farming and selling salt refined into chlorine is a common method for making money. Salvaged Technology Data, Ancient Bones, and Galactic Trading are also good sources of income.
15. How long does it take to 100% complete No Man’s Sky?
It would take approximately 140 hours to 100% complete No Man’s Sky if you aim to complete all of the main objectives and side missions.
Conclusion
Understanding the limits in No Man’s Sky is key to effectively navigating the game. While the universe may appear boundless, these defined restrictions ensure a balanced and enjoyable experience. By being aware of these limitations, you can better plan your bases, manage your fleet, and make informed choices in your intergalactic adventures. So, while you explore the far reaches of space, remember that even in the vastness of No Man’s Sky, there are still lines that even the most dedicated explorer must respect.