New Experimental Branch Launched for No Man’s Sky

No Man’s Sky has once again opened an experimental branch on Steam, aiming to tackle some of the persistent multiplayer and performance issues that players face. Although the updates being tested this time are modest, they have the potential to significantly enhance the gaming experience for No Man’s Sky enthusiasts looking forward to playing in 2024.

Despite its debut in 2016, Hello Games continues to diligently release updates that not only improve existing features but also introduce fresh content. Initially met with mixed reviews, No Man’s Sky has transformed its narrative into one of gaming’s most remarkable redemption stories. This year alone, players have enjoyed several free updates, including Worlds Part 1, which brilliantly revamped planetary environments with features like volumetric clouds and enhanced water effects. New planet types, teeming with unexplored fauna, have also been added, enriching the gameplay experience.

As 2024 approaches its end, Hello Games is actively testing additional changes. On November 28, they unveiled a new experimental test for Steam users, highlighting fixes for various issues. Specifically, the update addresses multiplayer connectivity problems on PS4 and crash issues on PS5 when running the PS4 version. Additionally, it targets a ship inventory merging bug and performance glitches on Mac. Wind calculations have also been tweaked for more realistic and immersive environmental interactions.

If you’re interested in trying out this experimental branch, here’s how you can dive in:

1. Right-click on No Man’s Sky from your Steam Library and select Properties.
2. Navigate to the Betas tab.
3. Enter "3xperimental" as the access code and hit Check Code.
4. Select the experimental branch from the available options.

Hello Games has cautioned users participating in this experimental build to back up their save files to prevent potential data loss. Players should save a local copy of the st_[userid] folder on their PC or Mac. Furthermore, if users opt-out of the beta, it’s suggested not to carry over saves to the main branch. These updates are set to roll out to other platforms as swiftly as possible.

It’s truly commendable to see Hello Games’ unwavering commitment to enhancing No Man’s Sky, reflected in its growing player base. The game recently achieved a "Very Positive" rating on Steam, a testament to its significant improvement over the years.

Looking forward to the holiday season, Hello Games has teased fans with a schedule of past expeditions set to rerun, starting with the Omega expedition currently in progress.

No Man’s Sky Experimental Branch Updates – November 28 Patch Notes:

• Fixed an uncommon issue that could cause ship inventories to merge inadvertently.
• Optimized wind calculations for a more immersive experience.
• Fixed multiplayer connectivity issues on PS4.
• Addressed a crash issue occurring when running the PS4 version on PS5.
• Resolved an issue affecting performance on Mac, maintaining application focus.

Lose yourself in a vast, procedurally generated universe that No Man’s Sky offers. Whether you’re prospecting for rare materials, trading with alien civilizations, or fighting off space pirates, the universe is yours to explore. With its ambitious scope and ongoing evolutions, it’s clear that this epic adventure remains a favorite among many gamers.