Should you play No Man's Sky in 2025?

If you're eyeing No Man's Sky in 2025 and wondering if it's worth your time, you're not alone. Many are rediscovering this game after its rocky launch back in 2016. What was once labeled an underwhelming release has since grown into a massive, feature-rich universe, packed with exploration, survival mechanics, and continuous updates.

So, should you play No Man's Sky in 2025? Yes. Whether you're a returning player curious about how the title has evolved, or a new one looking for a fresh survival experience, this game is worth your time. Let's dive into the details.

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The evolution of No Man's Sky

Board your ships for an exciting space-faring adventure (Image via Hello Games)

No Man's Sky had a rough start. Overpromising and lackluster execution left many disappointed. But that was nearly a decade ago, and life moves fast. In the time since, developer Hello Games has delivered consistent, free updates that have fundamentally transformed the game.

From adding a storyline to introducing a multiplayer mode, crafting systems, and robust base-building mechanics, No Man's Sky, today is a far cry from its initial version.

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What makes it worth playing in 2025?

A still showcasing the varied landscapes of No Man’s Sky (Image via Hello Games)

1) Endless exploration

No Man’s Sky is the epitome of "go anywhere, do anything." With over 18 quintillion planets to explore, each uniquely procedurally generated, you’ll never run out of new landscapes to discover. From lush jungles to barren wastelands filled with storms or robotic creatures, every planet offers something extraordinary.

For players who enjoy open-ended exploration, the game is like a spacefaring version of Subnautica or Valheim. You gather resources, craft tools, and upgrade your abilities as you venture deeper into the vast universe.

2) Storyline and missions

While the initial release left players stranded with little direction, No Man’s Sky missions are good, though they occasionally stretch playtime (like parking your spaceship just before your destination to make you walk).

For those seeking a gripping, linear narrative, it might fall short, as the story lacks any urgency or emotional weight. However, its open-ended approach shines for players who value freedom.

Progression, meanwhile, is a slow burn. From upgrading your freighter to mastering the in-game economy, there’s a ton to sink your teeth into. Nanite farming, unlocking glyphs for galactic travel, and setting up trade routes add layers of depth to the gameplay.

3) Base building and customization

With a vast array of building pieces, decorations, and creative tools, you can craft sprawling bases on land, underwater, or even inside your freighter. Players are designing mini-cities, underwater mazes, and more. Plus, the game now emphasizes resource farming and power management, adding a layer of strategy to your projects.

Collaborative building could use some improvement — currently, you can’t edit bases with friends unless they’re online — but the creativity on display in player communities, like the Galactic Hub, shows the sheer potential of this system.

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Multiplayer and social features

You play as a Traveller who wakes up on a remote planet suffering from amnesia in No Man's Sky (Image via Hello Games)

Multiplayer in No Man’s Sky has come a long way. With crossplay support and cross-save support, you can team up with friends on any platform to build bases, hunt resources, and explore together. Moreover, your progress is saved across platforms.

Social hubs like the Space Anomaly, which was introduced in the Beyond update, serve as meeting grounds for players, where you can pick up missions, trade upgrades, and connect with the community at the Nexus.

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Free updates and new features

Hello Games hasn’t slowed down on updates, with 2024 delivering five significant additions to No Man’s Sky. The September 2024 Aquarius update introduced galaxy-spanning fishing quests, adding a fresh layer of exploration.

Additionally, the "Cursed" expedition of November 2024 offers enticing rewards — custom posters, decals, unique titles, a glowing jetpack trail, a bioluminescent companion, the Cursed Helmet customization, and the exclusive Boundary Herald starship.

The fact that these updates remain free, even nearly a decade post-launch, shows the developers’ commitment to their player base.

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The downsides

No Man's Sky also won 'Still playing award' at the Golden Joystick Award in 2023 (Image via Hello Games)

While No Man’s Sky excels in exploration and base-building, some elements feel underwhelming.

1) Combat

The combat system, while functional, lacks depth. Weapon handling feels clunky, and fights can grow repetitive. That said, updates have brought larger, more diverse enemies, including boss-like mechs (Atlas mech) and organic creatures. Space combat fares much better, with dynamic dogfights against Sentinels and pirates.

One cool addition after the Outlaws update in No Man's Sky is the ability to recruit wingmen — NPC pilots who fight alongside you, adding a tactical layer to battles. While it’s not Star Wars: Squadrons, it’s still a step in the right direction.

2) Burnout

With so much to do, it’s easy to sink hundreds of hours into No Man’s Sky. But for some players, the gameplay loop of gathering resources and upgrading can feel repetitive over time.

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Conclusion

In 2025, No Man’s Sky stands as a prime example of a game that has evolved significantly since its rocky beginnings. For those who enjoy space-themed adventures and the thrill of discovery, this sandbox title delivers a unique and rewarding experience that grows with each update.

Also check out: Star Wars Outlaws vs No Man's Sky: Similarities and differences explained