To coincide with the launch of PlayStation VR2, we’re releasing No Man’s Sky’s first major update of 2023. We’re calling it Fractal (version 4.1). From the moment PlayStation told us about its new headset, we knew we’d want to support it from day one, and Fractal is bringing full PS VR2 support with immersive new controls and next-gen visuals.
Our small team has always been incredibly passionate about virtual reality. No Man’s Sky is all about exploration and there’s nothing quite like exploring the infinite universe in virtual reality. Our game has changed tremendously since our small team introduced VR support in 2019, and we were so excited to review and revise all VR for all players. The release of PS VR2 was the perfect time to do so.
Here is a brief list of some of the features old and new gamers can expect when donning a headset:
- Play the entirety of No Man’s Sky in virtual reality without compromise, with new levels of immersion.
- Using the power of the PlayStation 5, PS VR2 delivers a true next-gen virtual reality experience, with reflections, terrain tessellation, increased draw distance, denser foliage, ultra-quality textures and refraction.
- Features specific to PlayStation VR2 include headset vibration, 3D audio technology and intelligent tracking, haptic feedback and adaptive PS VR2 Sense controller triggers and more.
- Switch between virtual reality and standard gameplay. Continue from an existing save to revisit your favorite planets, bases and creatures in full virtual reality.
- The HUD and UI have been completely redesigned for VR, ensuring that every interaction available in-game feels natural and purpose-built. Including control of multi-tool options via an in-world multi-tool menu; and browse the quick menu and inventory via a personal wrist-mounted display.
- Raise the cockpit of your spaceship, then reach out and grab the controls to take flight. Turn around for a full 360° view of the ship and vehicle cockpits, with incredible detail seen only in VR.
- Many interactions have received special VR-only options, including: grabbing plants and other collectibles with your hands, physically opening ship and exocraft cockpits, piloting starships directly with a stick/accelerator VR and hitting objects to cause damage.
- With full head and hand tracking, VR interactions make No Man’s Sky more intuitive, tactile and immersive than ever. Physically draw your Multi-Tool from your shoulder. Aim and shoot targets intuitively, or put it away to engage in combat with your fists. Press a button on your headset to toggle the scan visor, then point at flora, fauna, and minerals to scan and discover them.
However, even if you don’t have a PS VR2 headset, the Fractal update brings new experiences and huge improvements for all players!
Fractal introduces a stunning new ship, the Utopia Speeder, which allows travelers to fly over planet surfaces at high speed. We’re also launching a new expedition – “Utopia” – which challenges players to work together and rebuild an abandoned solar system for the mysterious Utopia Foundation. Other Expedition rewards include an exclusive new helmet (the Fearsome Visor), a robotic drone companion, and more.
PlayStation gamers can now take advantage of motion controls on DualSense and DualShock 4 controllers, making exploring and scanning for new discoveries more comfortable and precise than ever.
Speaking of which, the Catalog of Wonders showcases your most incredible discoveries, from the tallest mountain to the strangest creature, giving explorers a detailed account of their journey and allowing players to compare their records with others. travellers.
We’ve also revamped the game’s option systems, introducing a host of new accessibility features and giving players even more control over how they play and experience the game.
2022 has been a busy year for No Man’s Sky with major free updates like Sentinel, Outlaws, Leviathan, Endurance, and Waypoint, plus a bunch more of our popular Expeditions. We’ve got an even bigger year planned for 2023, with Fractal and PS VR2 support just marking the start.
Thank you again so much for your continued support. It means a lot to us. Our journey continues.