To coincide with the PlayStation VR2 launch, we’re releasing the first major No Man’s Sky update in 2023. We call it Fractal (version 4.1). From the moment PlayStation told us about their new headset, we knew we wanted to support it from day one, and Fractal brings full support to PS VR2 with new immersive controls. and next-generation imaging.
Our small team has always been extremely passionate about VR. No Man’s Sky is about exploration, and there’s nothing like exploring the infinite universe in virtual reality. Our game has changed a lot since our small team introduced VR support in 2019, and we’re excited to revisit and overhaul virtual reality for all players. The release of PS VR2 is the perfect time to do that.
Here is a brief list of some of the features old and new players can look forward to when wearing the headset:
- Play the entirety of No Man’s Sky in virtual reality without compromise, with a new level of immersion.
- Using the power of PlayStation 5, PS VR2 delivers a true next-generation virtual reality experience, featuring reflections, terrain alignments, increased draw distances, denser foliage, textures, and curves. Extremely high quality radiation.
- PlayStation VR2-specific functionality includes headset vibration, 3D audio technology and smart tracking, haptic feedback and adaptive triggering from the PS VR2 Sense controller, etc.
- Switch between VR and standard gameplay. Continue from an existing save to revisit your favorite planets, bases, and creatures in full virtual reality.
- The HUD and user interface have been completely reworked for virtual reality, ensuring that every interaction available in the game feels natural and purpose-built. Includes control of Multi-Tool options through the menu embedded on the Multi-Tool in the world; and browse quick menus and inventory via wrist-mounted personal displays.
- Lift the cockpit of your spacecraft, then reach out and grab the controls to take off. Return for a full 360° view of the spacecraft and vehicle cockpit, with incredible details that can only be seen in VR.
- Many interactions have been given special VR-only options, including: grab trees and other collectibles with your hands, open the cockpit of ships and exocrafts, control the spaceship directly with the stick /ga VR and punch the object to deal damage.
- With complete head and hand tracking, virtual reality interactions make No Man’s Sky more intuitive, tactile, and immersive than ever before. Open the Multi-Tool box off the shoulder. Aim and shoot at the target intuitively, or put it away to engage in combat with your fists. Press a button on your headset to turn the Analytic Visor on/off, then point towards animals, plants and minerals to scan and explore them.
However, even if you don’t have a PS VR2 headset, the Fractal update brings a new experience and huge improvements to all players!
Fractal introduces a stunning new spaceship, the Utopia Speeder, that allows visitors to glide across planetary surfaces at high speed. We’re also launching a new Expedition – “Utopia” – that challenges players to team up and rebuild an abandoned solar system for the mysterious Utopia Foundation. Other explorer bonuses include an exclusive new helmet (Scary visor), a drone companion, etc.
PlayStation players can now take advantage of the motion controls on the DualSense and DualShock 4 controllers, making discovering and scanning new discoveries more comfortable and precise than ever before.
Speaking of which, the Wonders Catalog showcases your most astonishing discoveries, from the tallest mountain to the strangest creature, giving explorers a detailed record of their journey and allows players to compare their records with those of their companions.
We’ve also overhauled the game’s preferences systems, introducing a host of new accessibility features and giving players more control over how they play and experience the game.
2022 has been a pretty busy year for No Man’s Sky with major free updates like Sentinel, Outlaws, Leviathan, Endurance and Waypoint, along with many of our other popular explorations. We’ve got an even bigger year planned for 2023, with Fractal and PS VR2 support just the starting point.
Thanks again very much for your continued support. It means a lot to us. Our journey continues.
