Ever feel lost in the vast, procedurally generated universe of No Man’s Sky? You’re not alone! Many new players find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer scale and complexity of the game.
But fear not, intrepid explorer! This guide is packed with NMS tips to explore and thrive in No Man’s Sky, turning you from a bewildered space cadet into a seasoned galactic wanderer. Get ready to uncover the secrets of the cosmos and make the most of your interstellar journey.
Mastering the Early Game: NMS Tips for Beginners
The initial hours of No Man’s Sky can be the most challenging. These NMS tips will help you get a solid foothold in the universe.
Repairing Your Ship: The First Hurdle
Your first task is always the same: fix your ship.
Focus on gathering the necessary resources – usually ferrite dust and di-hydrogen. Follow the on-screen prompts closely.
Prioritize Life Support and Hazard Protection
Survival is key!
Keep an eye on your life support and hazard protection levels. Replenish them regularly using sodium and oxygen.
Scanning is Your Best Friend
The scanner is incredibly valuable.
Use it constantly to identify plants, minerals, and creatures. This will earn you nanites and help you discover new resources.
Claim Your First Base
Finding a habitable base is crucial.
Look for a planetary outpost with a base computer. Claiming it will unlock base-building missions and provide a safe haven.
Follow the Awakenings Mission
The Awakenings mission acts as a tutorial.
It guides you through the core mechanics of the game, providing valuable rewards and knowledge.
Resource Management: NMS Tips for Efficient Gathering

Efficient resource gathering is essential for survival and progression. These NMS tips will help you become a master of resource management.
Learn to Identify Key Resources
Knowing where to find specific resources saves time.
Di-hydrogen is often found in blue crystals, while ferrite dust is abundant in rocks. Learn to recognize these at a glance.
Upgrade Your Mining Tool
A better mining tool means faster resource gathering.
Invest in upgrades that increase mining speed and efficiency. The geology cannon is a great early-game option.
Utilize the Terrain Manipulator
The terrain manipulator can reshape the landscape.
Use it to create caves for shelter or to excavate large quantities of resources quickly.
Invest in Inventory Slots
More inventory space means fewer trips back to base.
Purchase exosuit, ship, and freighter inventory upgrades whenever possible.
Refine Resources for Greater Value
Refining raw materials can increase their value.
Ferrite dust can be refined into pure ferrite, while carbon can be refined into condensed carbon.
Exploration and Discovery: NMS Tips for Finding the Best Planets
No Man’s Sky is all about exploration. These NMS tips will help you discover the most interesting and rewarding planets.
Pay Attention to Planet Descriptions
Before landing, read the planet’s description.
It will tell you about the climate, resources, and potential hazards. Look for planets with “lush” or “paradise” descriptions.
Use the Analysis Visor to Find Points of Interest
The analysis visor highlights points of interest.
Use it to locate abandoned buildings, manufacturing facilities, and other valuable locations.
Look for Ancient Bones and Salvageable Scrap
These can be sold for a significant amount of units.
They are often found in buried caches, which can be located with the analysis visor.
Interact with Alien Structures
Alien structures often contain valuable technology.
Interact with monoliths, plaques, and other structures to learn new words and unlock blueprints.
Explore Underwater
Don’t neglect the oceans!
Many planets have underwater caves and ruins filled with valuable resources and technology.
Combat and Survival: NMS Tips for Staying Alive
The universe can be a dangerous place. These NMS tips will help you survive encounters with hostile creatures and sentinels.
Upgrade Your Multi-Tool for Combat
A powerful multi-tool is essential for defense.
Install weapon upgrades like the scatter blaster or the boltcaster.
Utilize Cover During Combat
Use terrain and structures for cover.
This will protect you from enemy fire and allow you to regenerate your shields.
Learn Sentinel Behavior
Sentinels are the robotic police of the universe.
Learn their patrol routes and avoid attracting their attention. If you do trigger them, be prepared to fight or flee.
Build a Base with Defenses
A well-defended base can provide a safe haven.
Install turrets and other defensive structures to protect yourself from attack.
Know When to Run
Sometimes, the best strategy is to run away.
Use your ship to escape from dangerous situations.
Trading and Economy: NMS Tips for Making Units
Units are the currency of No Man’s Sky. These NMS tips will help you build a profitable trading empire.
Learn the Galactic Trade Network
The galactic trade network fluctuates.
Buy low in one system and sell high in another. Use the galactic map to identify profitable trade routes.
Invest in a Freighter
Freighters provide mobile storage and trading capabilities.
They can also be used to transport large quantities of resources.
Establish a Farm
Farming can be a lucrative source of income.
Grow valuable crops like NipNip or Gravitino Balls and sell them at trading posts.
Complete Missions for Guilds
Guild missions offer a steady stream of units.
Accept missions from the various guilds at space stations.
Find Crashed Freighters
Crashed freighters contain valuable cargo.
Salvage the cargo and sell it at a trading post.
Base Building and Customization: NMS Tips for Creating Your Dream Home
Base building is a core element of No Man’s Sky. These NMS tips will help you create the perfect base.
Plan Your Base Layout
Before you start building, plan your base layout.
Consider the location, resources, and functionality of your base.
Experiment with Different Building Materials
No Man’s Sky offers a variety of building materials.
Experiment with different materials to create unique and visually appealing structures.
Utilize Decorations and Customization Options
Decorations can add personality to your base.
Use furniture, plants, and other decorations to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
Build a Teleporter
A teleporter allows you to travel quickly between bases.
Install a teleporter in your base to facilitate exploration and resource gathering.
Connect Your Base to the Power Grid
Power is essential for operating base functions.
Connect your base to a power source, such as solar panels or electromagnetic generators.
Conclusion
Navigating the vast expanse of No Man’s Sky can feel daunting at first, but with these NMS tips to explore and thrive in No Man’s Sky, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer the cosmos. Remember to prioritize survival, efficient resource management, and continuous exploration. Experiment, adapt, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.
What are your favorite NMS tips for new players? Share your experiences in the comments below!
FAQ
Q: What is the best way to make units early in the game?
A: Scanning flora and fauna, completing early missions, and selling salvaged data are great ways to earn units early on.
Q: How do I find better ships and multi-tools?
A: Visit space stations and trading posts. Ships and multi-tools will randomly spawn. You can also find crashed ships on planets.
Q: What should I prioritize upgrading first?
A: Focus on upgrading your exosuit inventory, hazard protection, and mining tool. This will improve your survival and resource gathering capabilities.