Where Should I Build My Base in No Man’s Sky? A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the perfect location for your base in No Man’s Sky can significantly impact your gameplay experience. The universe is vast and varied, offering countless planets with unique characteristics. But where should you plant your flag? The short answer: Prioritize systems with diverse planet types and establish your primary base on a Lush planet, while maintaining outposts on planets with specific resource benefits. This approach balances safety, resource accessibility, and creative freedom. Let’s break down why and how.

The Case for Diverse Systems

The article you provided emphasizes the importance of systems with varied planet types. This is crucial because different planets boast different resources. Building a base on a single, perfect world might be tempting, but it limits your access to vital materials. For example:

• Lush planets offer abundant Nitrogen, Paraffinium, Star Bulbs, and water, making them ideal for comfortable living and early-game resource gathering.
• Toxic planets, while dangerous for extended stays, can be rich in Cadmium, Activated Copper, and other specific resources.
• Volcanic planets often harbor Activated Indium and unique minerals crucial for crafting advanced technology.
• Frozen planets may be abundant in Cobalt, needed for refining.
• Exotic planets, like Pillared planets, are not suitable for primary bases due to their extreme conditions but provide materials found nowhere else.

By having access to a variety of planets, you ensure that you can efficiently acquire whatever materials you need without long, tedious journeys. Therefore, your first base should be placed in a system that has a minimum of three very different types of planets.

Why Lush Planets for Your Primary Base?

Lush planets are often considered the best choice for a main base due to several factors:

• No Environmental Hazards: They lack the extreme weather or atmospheric dangers of other planet types, eliminating the need for constant life support refills or specialized equipment. This makes building and exploring much easier.
• Abundant Resources: They provide a stable and reliable supply of common resources needed for base construction and basic crafting.
• Aesthetically Pleasing: Many players enjoy the lush, verdant environment, making it an enjoyable place to spend time.
• Ideal for New Players: Lush planets are an excellent starting point for newcomers to base building, as they remove the added challenge of hazardous conditions.

While your primary base should be on a Lush planet, don’t be afraid to establish smaller outposts or resource extraction centers on other planets in the system. This strategy allows you to leverage each planet’s unique properties.

Building with Intent

Remember, No Man’s Sky offers near-limitless freedom. Here are some strategies to consider when choosing your exact location:

• Proximity to Trade Outposts: Building near a trade outpost on the ground or a space station gives you easy access to buy and sell resources, plus pick up missions.
• Location near Mineral Hotspots: Use your scanner to locate mineral deposits, then set up Automated Mining Units (AMUs) nearby.
• Scenic Views: Don’t underestimate the value of a beautiful location. Find a spot with stunning vistas, water features, or unique terrain to make your base a joy to inhabit.
• Underwater Base Options: If you enjoy aquatic environments, consider building an underwater base. The Abyss update allows for some cool designs.
• Strategic Positioning: Build near a portal to allow easy travel to and from your base.

Don’t Forget System Types

It’s important to consider the system type when choosing your planet. While less relevant to location, the system’s properties can influence your base location:

• Class G or F Systems: These are the most basic and should be avoided if you’re looking for something unique.
• Class K or M Systems: These are acceptable for early game.
• Class E Systems: These are ideal for fast resource farming.
• Class O or B Systems: These are the most desirable due to their likelihood of having better ships and unique planets.

FAQs: Further Clarification on Base Building

1. Can I build a base anywhere in No Man’s Sky?

Yes, you can build a base anywhere by placing a Base Computer, which is found under “Portable Technology.” Use the computer to claim territory and start building.

2. Can my base be attacked in No Man’s Sky?

Yes, your base can be attacked, particularly if you engage in pirate activities or attack others’ bases. The risk of attack increases with your character level (starting at level 150) and aggressive behavior.

3. Can my base be destroyed in No Man’s Sky?

Yes, other players can dismantle your base if your multiplayer settings allow it. Be careful with your multiplayer settings and consider uploading your base with appropriate restrictions to protect it.

4. What’s the best thing to farm at my base?

Venom Urchins or Gravitino Balls are the most profitable crops to farm, yielding about 20,000 units per hour.

5. Can I automate mining in No Man’s Sky?

Yes, using Automated Mining Units (AMUs), you can extract minerals without supervision, providing a steady stream of resources.

6. How far can electrical wiring reach from a power source?

Electrical wiring in No Man’s Sky has a maximum range of 200 units.

7. Do solar panels work underwater?

Yes, solar panels function perfectly well underwater and even inside structures.

8. What is the maximum base height in No Man’s Sky?

There is a build height limit of roughly 1,000 units above your Base Computer.

9. Can I be a pirate in No Man’s Sky?

Yes, you can engage in piracy by attacking freighters or other ships. However, this will provoke Sentinel Drone Starships.

10. What is the goal of No Man’s Sky?

The primary goal is to reach the center of the galaxy. Upon reaching the center, you are transported to another galaxy.

11. Is No Man’s Sky worth it alone?

While playing alone can be enjoyable, connecting with others can enhance the experience. However, the game has modes for every preference, from casual to hardcore.

12. How should I start base building as a new player?

Start with a Lush planet, place a Base Computer, and follow the base-building tutorial. Focus on basic resources first.

13. What’s the rarest planet type in No Man’s Sky?

Pillared planets are considered the rarest planet type.

14. Can I play No Man’s Sky casually?

Yes, the “Relaxed” game mode offers an accessible, laid-back experience with reduced danger and minimal grind.

15. Why should I build a base in No Man’s Sky?

Base building provides a safe haven, a place to store resources, access to unique technology, and a creative outlet in the vast and diverse No Man’s Sky universe.

By taking all these factors into account, you will be well-equipped to choose the perfect place to build your home in the expansive world of No Man’s Sky. Happy building, traveler!