No Man’s Sky Launches Innovative Experimental Branch

No Man’s Sky has launched a new experimental branch on Steam, focusing on testing fixes aimed at improving the game’s multiplayer and performance issues. While the updates are relatively small, they hold the potential to enhance gaming experiences for players enjoying No Man’s Sky in 2024.

Despite its initial release back in 2016, Hello Games continues to roll out updates that add new content and refine gameplay. Although the game received a mixed reception at the start, the consistent improvements and additions have transformed No Man’s Sky into one of the most celebrated redemption stories in the gaming world. For instance, 2024 has already seen several free updates, including the “Worlds Part 1” update. This particular update revamped planetary environments, bringing enhancements like volumetric clouds, improved water effects, and new planet types teeming with unexplored fauna.

As we draw closer to the end of 2024, Hello Games isn’t slowing down. On November 28, they released this experimental branch for Steam users to explore potential changes. Among the updates, there are fixes for multiplayer connection issues on the PS4, crash fixes for the PS5 when operating the PS4 version, and improvements to ship inventory management. There are also efforts to enhance Mac performance and optimize wind calculations, aiming to create even more immersive environments.

To try out the new experimental branch in No Man’s Sky, Steam users can follow these simple steps: Right-click on the game in your Steam Library and select ‘Properties.’ Then, head over to the ‘Betas’ tab, input the access code “3xperimental,” check the code, and choose the experimental branch from the options. When participating, it’s wise to back up your game saves. Hello Games suggests making a local copy of the save folder for extra precaution. This is important to prevent any issues from carrying over to the main branch if you opt-out later. Rest assured, the changes tested in the experimental branch will roll out to other platforms “as soon as possible.”

Hello Games’ dedication to refining No Man’s Sky continues to impress. The active player count reaffirms the game’s relevance today, with thousands logging in on Steam regularly. The game’s ratings on Steam have even shifted to “Very Positive,” highlighting the significant strides made since its debut.

In addition to this latest exploratory venture, Hello Games recently outlined a roadmap for the holiday season in No Man’s Sky. Excitingly, they plan to re-run five expeditions over two-week intervals, with the Omega expedition already in progress.

Here’s a roundup of the November 28 experimental branch patch notes: Fixes a rare bug where ship inventories could merge incorrectly, optimizes wind calculations, resolves PS4 multiplayer connection failures, addresses crashes when the PS4 version runs on PS5, and repairs performance issues caused by the application losing focus on Mac.

Dive into the vast sci-fi universe of No Man’s Sky with its procedural generation, offering endless exploration opportunities across galaxies teeming with life and mystery. From building fleets and establishing bases to discovering new planets and battling space pirates, your intergalactic journey awaits!