No Man’s Sky Releases New Experimental Branch Steam Update

Key Highlights:

• Hello Games launched a new experimental branch for No Man’s Sky on November 28, targeting bug fixes and performance improvements.
• Steam players can join the branch to test updates like wind optimisation and multiplayer fixes.
• The developer shared detailed patch notes and safety recommendations for using experimental builds.

No Man’s Sky: New Experimental Branch Launches on Steam

Hello Games has once again demonstrated its commitment to No Man’s Sky with the release of a new experimental branch for Steam users.

This update, available from November 28th, tests several key fixes for performance issues, platform-specific crashes, and gameplay optimisations.

New experimental build pushed to PC 🙏https://t.co/wdMYH2XA5Q

— Sean Murray (@NoMansSky) November 28, 2024

Despite being over eight years old, No Man’s Sky continues to receive updates, reinforcing its reputation as one of gaming’s most successful redemption arcs.

The latest experimental branch reflects the studio’s drive to enhance player experience, fine-tuning various elements in preparation for broader release across all platforms.

What’s New in the Experimental Branch?

The patch focuses on addressing specific issues reported by the community while introducing optimisations to improve immersion:

• Ship Inventory Fix: Resolved a rare bug causing ship inventories to merge improperly.
• Optimised Wind Calculations: Improved performance of wind mechanics to create more realistic planetary environments.
• PS4 Multiplayer Connection Issues: Fixed an issue affecting online connectivity on the PlayStation 4.
• PS5 Crashes: Addressed crashes occurring when running the PS4 version on the PS5.
• Mac Performance: Fixed focus-related performance problems specific to macOS systems.

These fixes aim to ensure a smoother experience for players across platforms once they pass community testing.

How to Access the Experimental Branch

Interested in exploring the latest updates early? Here’s how Steam users can opt into the experimental branch:

1. Open your Steam Library and locate No Man’s Sky.
2. Right-click the game and select Properties.
3. Navigate to the Betas tab.
4. Enter the code “3xperimental” in the provided textbox and click Check Code.
5. From the dropdown menu, select the experimental branch to begin the update.

Backup Saves: Before diving in, Hello Games advises players to back up their save files to avoid potential data loss. Players should create a local copy of the st_[userid] folder, found at:

• Windows: %appdata%\HelloGames\NMS\
• Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/HelloGames/NMS/

This approach ensures players can safely explore experimental builds while minimising risks, a standard adopted by other developers like Bethesda with early-access mods and updates in Skyrim.

A Look at No Man’s Sky’s Ongoing Evolution

No Man’s Sky has come a long way since its rocky launch in 2016, with Hello Games transforming it into a fan-favourite through a steady stream of free updates.

Earlier in September 2024, the Aquarius update introduced breathtaking environmental improvements, including new species and upgraded water effects.

The experimental branch is just one aspect of the game’s ongoing evolution. Over the upcoming holiday season, players can look forward to re-runs of five expeditions, starting with the Omega expedition already underway.

The developer’s latest experimental branch highlights its commitment to refining this iconic sci-fi title.

By addressing community-reported issues and continuously optimising performance, the studio ensures its cosmic exploration game remains relevant and engaging for both newcomers and long-time fans.

As of now, No Man’s Sky is one of the rare few games to have completely turned around public perception, serving as a case study for crisis management and community-first development in the gaming industry.

Stay tuned for these changes as they make their way to all platforms. Until then, adventurers on Steam can test the waters and provide feedback to shape the game’s future.