Hello Games and Sean Murray have announced and released the latest update to No Man’s Sky, the Living Ship update.
As part of update 2.3 (and the redemption story of No Man’s Sky), the ninth free update introduces the biological ship class, a new story mission, new space encounters, new space NPCs, and more.
Firstly, the sentient living ships (with “dozens of procedurally-generated variations”) will use special organic technology. “These biological ships have their own set of unique organic technologies, all procedurally generated for a customised, evolved loadout.” These ships will also support 360 degree VR in their cockpits.
In addition, a new series of missions dubbed “Starbirth” will explore the living ships origins, and the “the ancient Korvax experiments” that lead to their birth.
The official website notes that “Players who wish to incubate, grow and ultimately fly their own living ship should visit the Space Anomaly and follow the call of the Void Egg.”
Along with the new space events that can yield rewards (or dangers), NPCs can now hail you while you fly around the universe. Much like space events themselves, this can lead to something good (such as them selling special items, them requiring your assistance), or anothe threat.
Several quality of life changes are also coming to the game. These include a new shortcut to inventory stacks in half, the ability to warp as a group in multiplayer, and improvements to game performance (focusing on runtime optimizations for terrain, cloud, and water shaders for PlayStation VR, and PlayStation 4).
You can find the full patch notes at the foot of the page here, and the new trailer below:
You can find the full rundown (via Steam) below:
Inspired by the adventure and imagination that we love from classic science-fiction, No Man’s Sky presents you with a galaxy to explore, filled with unique planets and lifeforms, and constant danger and action.
In No Man’s Sky, every star is the light of a distant sun, each orbited by planets filled with life, and you can go to any of them you choose. Fly smoothly from deep space to planetary surfaces, with no loading screens, and no limits. In this infinite procedurally generated universe, you’ll discover places and creatures that no other players have seen before – and perhaps never will again.
Now including…
Play with all 8 major updates since launch: Foundation, Pathfinder, Atlas Rises, NEXT, The Abyss, Visions, the 2.0 BEYOND update and Synthesis.
An epic voyage to the centre of a shared universe awaits, allowing you to explore, trade, fight and survive alone or with friends.
Embark on an epic voyage
At the centre of the galaxy lies a irresistible pulse which draws you on a journey towards it to learn the true nature of the cosmos. But, facing hostile creatures and fierce pirates, you’ll know that death comes at a cost, and survival will be down to the choices you make over how you upgrade your ship, your weapon and suit.
Find your own destiny
Your voyage through No Man’s Sky is up to you. Will you be a fighter, preying on the weak and taking their riches, or taking out pirates for their bounties? Power is yours if you upgrade your ship for speed and weaponry.
Or a trader? Find rich resources on forgotten worlds and exploit them for the highest prices. Invest in more cargo space and you’ll reap huge rewards.
Or perhaps an explorer? Go beyond the known frontier and discover places and things that no one has ever seen before. Upgrade your engines to jump ever farther, and strengthen your suit for survival in toxic environments that would kill the unwary.
Share your journey
The galaxy is a living, breathing place. Trade convoys travel between stars, factions vie for territory, pirates hunt the unwary, and the police are ever watching. Every other player lives in the same galaxy, and you can choose to share your discoveries with them on a map that spans known space. Perhaps you will see the results of their actions as well as your own…
No Man’s Sky is available now for Windows PC (via Steam), PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
