Why Does No Man’s Sky Say “Upgrade Required” When Joining Friends?
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If you’ve encountered the frustrating “Upgrade Required” message while trying to join your friends in No Man’s Sky, you’re not alone. This issue typically arises due to a mismatch in save file versions between your game and your friend’s. Essentially, your local save file hasn’t been updated to the same version as the server your friend is currently playing on. This disparity prevents you from connecting because the game’s systems require synchronized data structures to ensure a smooth multiplayer experience.
The root cause lies in how No Man’s Sky saves and loads game data. Each save file contains specific version information related to the game’s code and data schema. When the game receives an update, sometimes these save file structures change, and older saves may be incompatible with newer versions. So, even if you think you’re all on the same version of the game, your save file’s internal version might be lagging behind.
The fix involves a fairly simple, albeit sometimes unclear, process: you need to force your game to create a new save with the latest version. This is usually achieved by loading your single-player save and then getting in and out of your starship. This action triggers a save, updating the save file to match the current game version. Once you’ve done this, you should be able to join your friend’s session without the “Upgrade Required” error.
Common Causes of the “Upgrade Required” Error
While the primary cause is a save file version mismatch, there are some contributing factors that can increase the likelihood of encountering this error:
- Recent Game Updates: If either you or your friend has recently installed a game update, there is a high chance that your save files might not be on the same version as your friend’s active session.
- Infrequent Play: If you haven’t played the game in a while, your save may be outdated and need refreshing.
- Interrupted Sessions: Sometimes, if you abruptly quit the game during a save or encounter a crash, your save file may become corrupted or not be saved with the latest version metadata.
- Network Issues: While less common, intermittent network connection issues can sometimes prevent your save file from properly synchronizing during game updates.
How to Fix the “Upgrade Required” Error Step-by-Step
Here’s a step-by-step guide to resolving the “Upgrade Required” error:
- Launch No Man’s Sky: Start the game on your platform.
- Load Your Single Player Save: Choose to load your usual single-player save file.
- Enter Your Starship: Get inside your starship.
- Exit Your Starship: Get back out of your starship. This action triggers an auto-save.
- Attempt to Join Your Friend’s Game: Now, try joining your friend’s session again. The error should no longer appear.
If you still encounter the error, try the following steps:
- Restart the Game: Completely close and reopen No Man’s Sky.
- Verify Game Files (PC): If you’re on PC, verify the game files through Steam or GOG.
- Check for Game Updates: Ensure that both your game and your friend’s game are completely up-to-date.
- Ensure Crossplay is Enabled: Check that crossplay is enabled within your game’s network settings if you are trying to play with someone on another platform.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully join your friend’s game. If problems persist, ensure you have adequate storage space on the drive the game is installed on and that your operating system is up to date.
Additional Multiplayer Tips
Beyond the “Upgrade Required” fix, here are a few extra tips to make your multiplayer experience smoother:
- Add Friends In-Game: Use the in-game friend system, found in the network options, to add each other using your No Man’s Sky friend codes.
- Check Network Settings: Ensure your game’s network settings are set to “Friends Only” or “Anyone” depending on your preference.
- Patience is Key: Sometimes it can take a few moments for sessions to appear in the lobby, so do not instantly reload if it doesn’t appear.
- Use the Portal: If you’re in different galaxies, use the in-game portal system to join up directly with your friends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I add friends in No Man’s Sky?
To add friends, go to Network in the game’s options menu. Select “View No Man’s Sky Friends List” to see your code and invite others or input someone else’s code.
2. Can I play No Man’s Sky cross-platform?
Yes, No Man’s Sky supports cross-platform play between PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.
3. Why can’t I see my friend’s session?
Ensure that both your game and your friend’s game are set to the same multiplayer visibility settings, such as “Friends Only” or “Anyone”. Make sure you have added them as an in-game friend and give the game a minute or two to find the session, these can take a few minutes to appear.
4. How do I warp directly to my friend?
You can warp to a friend using the teleport option. Tap the Cog icon, then the Portal icon to teleport Home. There you’ll find the friend Constellation. Tap on your friend’s name to warp to their system.
5. What do I do if there’s a version mismatch?
If you’re having version mismatch issues, load your single-player save, get into your ship, then get out. This will create a new save with the correct version. Then, try to join your friend’s game again.
6. Is No Man’s Sky split screen?
No, No Man’s Sky does not support split-screen multiplayer.
7. How many players can play together in No Man’s Sky?
No Man’s Sky supports multiplayer for parties of 2 to 4 players.
8. How do I invite cross-platform friends?
Use the No Man’s Sky friend code found in the Network options to invite players from other platforms.
9. Can I share a base with friends in No Man’s Sky?
Yes, if your base has 3,000 parts or less, you can upload it so that it is visible to other players. Non-uploaded bases are only visible to the owner.
10. Is No Man’s Sky worth playing alone?
Yes, No Man’s Sky can be enjoyable alone, but it is more fulfilling when played with others.
11. How do I fix date and time sync errors?
Ensure your device and your friend’s device have the correct date and time settings. This can often be a root cause for multiplayer connection issues.
12. What does “host a new session” mean?
When you select “Host New Session”, you start a new game that other players can join. This is the way you should start a multiplayer experience if you are the one wanting to host.
13. Why is multiplayer sometimes buggy?
Multiplayer in No Man’s Sky is still being refined. While fun, occasional bugs may occur, but developers are actively working on improvements.
14. How do I find other players in No Man’s Sky?
You can find other players by joining a multiplayer session through the main menu, or by using the Space Anomaly as a hub for players.
15. Is No Man’s Sky a free PS5 upgrade?
Yes, if you own the PS4 version, you are entitled to a free digital upgrade for PS5. However, if you own the physical PS4 version, you will still require the PS4 disc for verification.
By understanding these common issues and solutions, you’ll be well-equipped to jump into the vast universe of No Man’s Sky with your friends, exploring the endless possibilities it offers. Happy travels!