No Man's Sky
News, coverage and analysis tracking No Man's Sky across the outlets.
Latest coverage
No Man's Sky updates like Xeno Arena take "2-3x" longer on Switch 2 and Steam Deck because Hello Games has to beat "impossible memory constraints," engineer says
Hello Games engineer Martin Griffiths stated that updates for No Man's Sky, such as the Xeno Arena, take two to three times longer to implement on platforms like the Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck due to significant memory constraints. Despite these challenges, the team works to ensure the game runs seamlessly across all platforms, including PC, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.
No Man's Sky channels a little Pokemon with the Xeno Arena update
Hello Games has released a new update for No Man's Sky that introduces turn-based creature battling, allowing players to collect, train, and battle aliens. The update includes features like creature experience, leveling, mutations, and a breeding system. Players can challenge each other on the Space Anomaly and find new arena tables across various in-game locations.
Every PS5 Pro Enhanced Game (So Far)
Sony's PlayStation 5 Pro, launched in November 2024, offers enhanced graphics and frame rates for compatible games, identified by a 'PS5 Pro Enhanced' label. The console features an upgraded GPU and AI-driven upscaling through PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) to achieve higher fidelity visuals and smoother performance, often doubling the power of the base PS5.
Palworld 1.0 is “Still in the Oven,” Says Pocketpair’s Head of Communications and Publishing
Pocketpair's Head of Communications and Publishing, John Buckley, stated that the 1.0 update for Palworld is still in development and not ready for release. He asked for patience from players, comparing the development process to baking and promising more information when the update is closer to completion. Buckley also discussed the game's potential as a definitive survival crafting experience and its post-launch content plans, suggesting it may not follow a decade-long update model like No Man's Sky.
No Man Sky’s Xeno Arena update has given me something I never knew I needed: Pokemon battling in VR
The Xeno Arena update for No Man's Sky introduces turn-based creature battles, reminiscent of Pokemon, which can be experienced in VR. This feature adds significant depth to the game's companion system, encouraging players to register and level up more creatures. The author finds the VR implementation particularly engaging, fulfilling a childhood fascination with virtual creature combat.
MMO Week in Review: EQ Legends’ beta, Ashes of Creation’s drama
This week's MMO news roundup covers the upcoming closed beta for EverQuest Legends and ongoing legal drama surrounding Ashes of Creation. Several other titles like AdventureQuest Worlds Infinity, Dune Awakening, and Temtem Pioneers also saw significant updates or funding news.
Nintendo Switch eShop deals – lowest prices ever for Enter and Exit the Gungeon, Untitled Goose Game, more
The North American Nintendo Switch eShop is featuring new deals, including the lowest prices ever for games like Enter the Gungeon, Exit the Gungeon, and Untitled Goose Game. The sale includes a wide variety of titles, with discounts on many popular and indie games.
Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts – April 12, 2026 – Pokemon Pokopia leads, Pragmata approaches
The latest Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts for the week of April 12, 2026, show Pokemon Pokopia leading sales. Pragmata is also making a strong showing with pre-loads beginning. The charts detail top-selling games and download-only titles on the platform.
What we've been playing - "I do not have three thumbs, Nintendo"
Several individuals share their recent gaming experiences. Kelsey finds Pokémon Champions disappointing due to performance issues, while Marie celebrates a speedrun record for Jak and Daxter and enjoys Lego Batman: The Videogame. Bertie is focusing on Slay the Spire and warming to Luigi's Mansion 3 despite control scheme complaints. Matt is impressed by No Man's Sky's new creature-battling update, comparing it to Pokémon.
Evening Patches
A fan remake of the 1999 game Medal of Honor, built using Unreal Engine 4, has been released. The article also mentions official patches for No Man's Sky Xeno Arena 6.32 and the Samson Update #1.
Devs aren't "lazy" and game updates aren't guaranteed | Opinion
This opinion piece discusses the growing expectation that all games should receive continuous updates, a trend fueled by live service models. Developers like Landfall Games, creators of Peak, are pushing back against the notion that they are 'lazy' when they choose to move on to new projects after a game's initial support period. The article argues that the shift to digital distribution and the success of redemption stories like No Man's Sky and Cyberpunk 2077 have altered consumer expectations, leading to friction between players and developers.
No Man's Sky Xeno Arena update feels like "a really great and simplified Pokemon clone," fans say, and is basically "a whole new game" to play within the survival gem
The recent Xeno Arena update for No Man's Sky has been met with positive reception from players, who describe the new creature-battling system as a simplified Pokemon clone and a significant addition to the game. This update encourages exploration for new fauna and provides a new purpose for companions, making it feel like a substantial new experience within the existing survival framework.
'We Did It': No Man's Sky's Crazy Pokémon Update Fulfils a Fan's 2-Year-Old Wish
Hello Games has released the Xeno Arena update for No Man's Sky, fulfilling a fan's two-year-old request for Pokémon-like creature catching, training, and battling. The update, which is free for all players, was highlighted by streamer Gothalion and acknowledged by Hello Games founder Sean Murray.
Starfield in 2026: Finally Fixed or Still Falling Short?
Bethesda's latest update for Starfield, dubbed Free Lanes, significantly expands upon the game's existing systems and mechanics, aiming to fulfill the original space-faring fantasy. Key additions include Cruise Mode for seamless travel between planets, new points of interest, and expanded ship customization, addressing criticisms of emptiness and loading screens. While not a complete overhaul, these numerous improvements provide more depth and reasons for players to explore the vast universe.
10 PS5, PS4 Space Games to Play After Artemis 2's Big Moon Mission
Inspired by the Artemis II moon mission, this guide highlights ten space-themed games available on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. The list includes titles ranging from realistic simulations like Kerbal Space Program and Elite Dangerous to expansive exploration games like No Man's Sky and Starfield, as well as narrative-driven experiences like Mass Effect Legendary Edition and Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector.
Triple-i Initiative: Everything Revealed!
The Triple-i Initiative showcased over 40 new indie games during its 45-minute live stream. Announcements included titles like Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, SpaceCraft, Rift of the Nencrodancer x Undertale, and many more, with several games available for wishlist on Steam or launching in early access soon.
How to get S-class Xeno pets in No Man’s Sky
This guide explains how to find and acquire S-class Xeno pets in No Man's Sky following the Xeno Arena update. Players must first complete tutorial battles before scanning planets for S-tier creatures, which can then be befriended and used in combat. While S-tier pets have high growth potential, they may start at low levels.
SpaceCraft Early Access Release Date Readies for Launch in May
Shiro Games has announced that its space sandbox simulation game, SpaceCraft, will launch into Early Access on May 20th for PC. The game promises a vast, seamless universe where players can build production empires, explore planets, and coordinate large-scale operations through player-driven corporations. Shiro Games plans to update SpaceCraft with new systems and features during its Early Access period, which is expected to last at least six months.
Amid harrowing reviews, Samson devs promise to fix ‘unacceptable’ bugs and issues: ‘We are listening to everyone’s feedback’
Liquid Swords has acknowledged the numerous bugs and performance issues plaguing their game Samson, calling them 'unacceptable.' The development team is actively working on fixes, with a patch scheduled for Friday to address critical problems like crashes and save file issues. Subsequent updates will focus on animation, gameplay, and overall polish, aiming to improve the game's reception.
Almost 2 years later, No Man's Sky boss finally responds to fan asking for Pokemon-style update: "We did…
Hello Games founder Sean Murray responded to a nearly two-year-old fan request for a Pokémon-style creature catching, training, and battling update in No Man's Sky. The studio recently released the Xeno Arena update, which fulfills this request, allowing players to engage with alien creatures in battles. This response highlights the studio's engagement with player feedback and its ongoing commitment to updating the game.
