No Man’s Sky update 4.6 “Orbital” announced, overhauls space stations

Hello Games has announced and released No Man’s Sky update 4.6 titled “Orbital”, and as the name suggests it focuses mostly on space stations and other space stuff.

Here’s a rundown on the update, plus a new trailer:

ORBITAL: INTRODUCING UPDATE 4.6

Dock your fully customised starship in the sleek new space stations of update 4.6, ORBITAL! Space stations have been completely overhauled; brand new starships can be constructed from salvaged parts; frigate fleets can request intervention with interstellar expeditions; trading, standing and guilds have been improved – and much more!

SPACE STATION OVERHAUL

The external architecture of space stations has been completely reimagined. The new designs bring incredible detail and bold silhouettes, as well as a broad range of colour palettes to these deep space orbital platforms.

REPUTATION DISCOUNTS

Your standing with alien races now impacts the prices offered by technology vendors aboard the space station. Cultivate a strong reputation with alien lifeforms to enjoy deep discounts!

TOTAL SPACE STATION REDESIGN

Space station interiors have been completely redesigned and expanded. Engine improvements have enabled a vast and dramatic new station experience.

As well as visual improvements, navigating to essential shops and technical equipment is now more intuitive and efficient; stations include more nooks to explore; and aesthetics now vary tremendously from system to system.

TRADE SURGES

The starship Economy Scanner can now sweep for market surges in nearby star systems. These time-limited events present high-profit opportunities for enterprising traders, revealing which trade commodities are currently scarce and in high demand.

STARSHIP CUSTOMISATION

The Starship Fabricator allows Travellers to design and construct a completely custom ship from salvaged parts. Dismantle unwanted ships at the outfitting station, then repurpose the components into the starship of your dreams.

Naturally-hunted ships acquired by traditional methods can be identified by the Authenticated Starship seal, and attract a bonus in price when traded.

SPACE STATION VARIETY

Space Station interiors are now procedurally generated and vary dramatically from station to station. A huge range of different designs are waiting to be found, as well as a wide array of atmospheric and lighting arrangements.

SALVAGE SHIP PARTS

Disassemble starships at the Starship Outfitting station to break them into reusable components. These salvaged customisation modules can be used to fabricate a brand new, fully custom starship.

SCREEN SPACE REFLECTIONS

The lighting model for reflective surfaces has been revised to achieve a more realistic appearance, as well as reduce noise around reflections and improve their stability.

FLEET MISSIONS

Fleets of frigates engaged in interstellar expeditions may reach out for remote guidance, or even request your presence for direct intervention! Advise your commanders in situations relating to crew management, strange space phenomena, risky exploration ventures and more – or warp to their system to help defend the fleet against attack!

Your choices matter: decisions made will directly impact the outcome and rewards of expedition events.

IMPROVED GUILD REWARDS

Affiliation with the Mercenaries, Explorers and Merchants Guilds is more rewarding than ever. Guild envoys in each solar system now offer a selection of free or discounted supplies, increasing in value for higher-ranking members. Visit new systems to collect more complimentary items!

STATION MERCHANT REFRESH

All space station vendors have undergone a complete storefront renovation. New high-tech props, kiosks and decorations provide plenty of visual detail to delight customers, and each guild now has a uniquely designed service point for its envoy.

SPACE STATION BASE PARTS

A selection of the most premium and desirable space station commodities are available to build in planetary and freighter bases. Visit the Construction Research Station aboard the Space Anomaly to learn these new construction blueprints.

UNIQUE STATIONS

Each alien race imprints their personality onto their space station designs. The Korvax are known to furnish their stations with server blocks and technical equipment, Gek stations provide ergonomic seating amid scrolling billboards, and Vy’keen stations often double as a storage facility for classified military equipment.

FRONTEND AND UI IMPROVEMENTS

The Game Mode selection screen has been refreshed with a clean, polished new aesthetic, and many user interface elements throughout the game have been revisited for consistency and visual appeal.

GUILD ENVOYS

Swiftly advance in standing with the Merchants, Explorers and Mercenaries Guilds by donating surplus materials to Guild treasuries. Approach space station envoys to browse a list of their currently desired items.

SWITCH STARSHIPS ABOARD STATIONS

While docked with a Space Station landing pad, use the Quick Menu to instantly swap your primary ship. Scrapping starships for salvage has never been easier!

UNIQUE STARSHIP COLOURS

Custom-fabricated starships can be decorated with a variety of paint designs, including some tints and shades unavailable in galactic standard starships, as well as further refined with matte or metallic finishes.