No Man’s Sky launches Frontiers update adding settlements and more

No Man’s Sky launches Frontiers update adding settlements and more
Ben Borthwick Updated on by

Video Gamer is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more

The new No Man’s Sky Frontiers update has been launched, bringing with it a vast array of new features thanks to developer Hello Games.

The major addition this time around is that of alien settlements. As of the 5th anniversary update, you’ll be able to stumble across procedurally generated settlements inhabited by alien species. You’ll also have the opportunity to build your own, and become overseer of a settlement. You’ll have to name the town, choose what to build, repel attacks and even resolve arguments of the population.

To help with this, building menus and interfaces have had a major overhaul too. It’ll be much faster and easier to navigate, the studio says, which will be especially handy for the haul of new base parts also added. When building your settlement, you’ll have to provide resources to aid construction. You’ll also be able to choose whether your towns focus on productivity or comfort. Building farms and factories will help the former, while leisure facilities will steer your town towards the latter.

However, as your town prospers, it also attracts Sentinel attention. You can either research defensive buildings to keep the alert level low, or you’ll have to get your hands dirty and engage the attack drones. Choosing the latter will also let you see the game’s new combat effects which have also had a visual upgrade in No Man’s Sky Frontiers.

Elsewhere, there’s more saved discoveries, enhanced environment and new multi-tool effects. On a technical level, you’ll also enjoy enhanced nebulas, more save slots and an enhanced Cloud Saving system too. You can check out the full extensive patch notes over on the No Man’s Sky website.

Check out a trailer for the update below. It’s available now on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC.