Hello Games has launched an experimental branch for No Man’s Sky on Steam to test fixes for multiplayer and performance issues. The update allows players to experience alterations designed to enhance gameplay. Users are encouraged to back up saved files before participating to mitigate potential data loss.
The experimental branch was introduced on November 28. It allows players to address specific bugs affecting multiplayer connections on PS4, crashes on PS5 running the PS4 version, and performance issues on Mac. Other improvements focus on optimizing wind calculations to create more realistic environments and resolving a rare issue where ship inventories would merge.
What makes No Man’s Sky’s latest experimental update a must-try?
The game’s notable redemption arc began with its problematic launch in 2016. Initially met with widespread criticism due to missing features and technical bugs, No Man’s Sky’s reputation has been steadily rehabilitated through consistent updates from Hello Games. The developer has continually released new content, such as the recent “Worlds Part 1” update, revamped environmental factors across planets, introducing volumetric clouds, better water effects, and new fauna and planet types.
According to the developers, player numbers on Steam remain robust, with 2024 in progress, indicating the game’s enduring appeal. Recent analysis shows that No Man’s Sky has attained a “Very Positive” rating on Steam, in contrast to its initial “Overwhelmingly Negative” score at launch. Hello Games’ commitment to the game has made it one of the most significant success stories in modern gaming.
Moving forward, players interested in accessing this experimental branch must follow several steps within the Steam client: right-click the game from their library, select “Properties,” navigate to the “Betas” tab, enter “3xperimental” as the access code, and select the experimental branch from available options. The developer has suggested that players refrain from using an experimental save in the main branch if they opt out of testing.
Despite its troubled inception, recent engine improvements and performance fixes demonstrate Hello Games’ ongoing dedication to No Man’s Sky. The developer acknowledges the importance of backing up saved files due to possible unforeseen issues during testing. Players can create a backup by copying the st_[userid] folder from their local directories on PC or Mac.
Holy shit you guys – it happened 🥳
ALL REVIEWS: Very Positive 😍
Thank you Thank you Thank you❤️
You have no idea what this means to us 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Go0uyZHZA6
— Sean Murray (@NoMansSky) November 27, 2024
No Man’s Sky’s journey from its release until now serves as a case study in recovery within the gaming industry. The ongoing updates have drawn back disenchanted players and garnered positive feedback from Steam’s user ratings. The studio’s CEO, Sean Murray, expressed gratitude towards the community via social media after achieving the “Very Positive” rating milestone.
Signs of ongoing interest in the game are bolstered by Hello Games’ recent announcement regarding holiday content planned for 2024, including five expeditions scheduled for re-runs in the coming weeks. Players have already enjoyed several substantial updates this year, underscoring the developer’s long-term commitment to expanding and improving the game experience.
Key features of the November 28 experimental branch
- Fixed rare ship inventory merging issue.
- Optimized wind calculations for improved immersion.
- Resolved multiplayer connection failures on PS4.
- Addressed PS5 crashes when using the PS4 version.
- Fixed application focus loss issues on Mac, enhancing performance.
As public sentiment remains positive, the intricacies of past failures and current successes highlight the importance of developer transparency and player engagement. Investigations regarding the initial launch discrepancies remain a focal point within the gaming community, illuminating broader discussions on game development processes and expectations.
Images credit: No Man’s Sky
