Hello Games has unveiled the “Voyagers” update for No Man`s Sky, an expansion cryptically teased by studio founder Sean Murray with his characteristic emoji clues. The central feature of this update is the introduction of expansive, multiplayer-capable starships, designed to allow friends to traverse the vast galaxy together.
The Voyagers update introduces **Corvette-class ships**, marking a significant evolution from the single-seater vessels players have previously piloted. Unlike their smaller counterparts, Corvettes offer unparalleled customization. Players can construct these majestic ships “piece by piece,” personalizing every aspect of their design, both inside and out, through a comprehensive ship-designer menu. This system, reminiscent of Starfield`s approach, allows for truly unique creations, offering various interior styles and cockpits – from the bustling, readout-filled bridge of a Millennium Falcon to the sleek, minimalist aesthetics of Star Trek. Crucially, customization extends beyond cosmetics; a range of functional ship modules can be integrated to enhance performance and stats.
Once built, these Corvettes transform into mobile bases. Players can walk freely within their ship`s interior, and with friends onboard, collaboratively explore the galaxy as a unified crew. A thrilling new **spacewalking mechanic** also allows players to venture outside their vessel`s airlock, floating in zero gravity or even jumping between Corvettes.
Beyond the groundbreaking ship features, the Voyagers update delivers substantial technical enhancements. Graphical improvements have been applied to elements like glass and player lighting, significantly boosting visual fidelity. The update also brings cutting-edge performance with **NVIDIA DLSS4**, **PlayStation® Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR)**, and **Intel Xe Super Sampling (XeSS) 2** compatibility, ensuring sharper images and higher frame rates across various platforms.
To aid players in acquiring their first Corvette, a new **Expedition, “Expedition Nineteen,”** will be available for approximately six weeks. This Expedition offers exclusive rewards such as new posters, decals, titles, unique jetpack and starship trails, an exclusive deadeye cannon module for Corvettes, and the adorable Mecha-Mouse robotic companion.
Key Features and Improvements at a Glance:
Corvette-class Starships
- **Fully customizable, multi-passenger ships** with bespoke interiors, assembled piece by piece.
- Modules can be salvaged from containers, found in derelict freighters, dropped by defeated pirates, or earned through missions.
- Features include various habitation module styles (Titan, Thunderbird, Ambassador), multi-storey designs, and functional internal modules (e.g., Living Wall, Nutrition Unit, Refiner Unit, Mission Radar).
- Stat-enhancing technology upgrades are also integrated.
- A dedicated **Corvette Workshop** on Space Stations facilitates assembly, purchasing, and trading of modules.
- Corvettes boast a powerful pulse drive, advanced autopilot capabilities (to stations, planets, or along flightpaths), and a specialized teleporter for beaming passengers to planetary surfaces.
Multiplayer Enhancements
- A new **Corvette-based mission board** allows co-operative objectives for crew members to complete in the local system.
- The introduction of **multiple physics worlds** enables stable on-foot movement within fast-moving Corvettes.
- A fully supported **spacewalking mechanic** allows players to exit their ship or freighter and jetpack through space.
Cosmetics & Rewards
- The **Skyborn Exosuit and Jetpack** are added as 5-piece and standalone customisations, respectively, to the Appearance Modifier.
- A new package of **Twitch Drops** will provide exotic base parts, high-tech starships, fireworks, and more appearance modifications.
Gameplay & Quality of Life
- **Console control rebinding** and improved UI usability (e.g., “scroll on hover,” faster mouse scroll speed in base building).
- Increased density of buried ancient bones and salvageable scrap, now **unguarded by corrupt Sentinels**.
- More accurate HUD time estimates for destinations and improved Space Anomaly landing pad indicators.
- Robotic creatures now lay metal eggs.
- Improved visibility for `Switch Base` control and ability to copy/paste No Man`s Sky Friend Codes on PC/MacOS.
Rendering Innovations
- Cutting-edge upscaling support: **NVIDIA DLSS4, PlayStation® Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), and Intel Xe Super Sampling (XeSS) 2** for enhanced performance and image quality.
- **Moment-based order-independent transparency (MBOIT)** improves the appearance of translucent surfaces.
- Localized `hero lighting` for players and improved rendering of 3D objects (ship, Multi-Tool, jetpack), glowing distant objects, semi-transparent mesh particles, and more dramatic cloud shadows.
Bugfixes & Optimisations
- A wide array of **bug fixes** addressing issues from NPC behavior and terrain rendering to multiplayer stability and UI anomalies.
- Significant **performance optimisations** include occlusion culling for Xbox Series and PS5, multi-threaded rendering for PC/VR, improved performance on mature saves, and faster load times (especially near large planetary bases).
- **Abandoned Mode** receives Mech Hardframe parts and a fix for the Creature Pellets recipe.
- General performance improvements across multiple game systems like HUD markers, physics, audio, and animations.
This comprehensive update promises to revolutionize space exploration and interaction within the vast, ever-expanding universe of No Man`s Sky.
Note: This article summarizes the key features and improvements of the No Man`s Sky Voyagers Update based on the official patch notes and announcements.