Summary
No Man’s Sky has never been short on adventure, but its latest Relic update 5.6 takes planetary exploration to a whole new level. Hello Games has introduced a full-fledged archaeological system, turning you into an intergalactic treasure hunter.
Think Indiana Jones, but with a jetpack, a scanner, and an entire galaxy of lost civilizations to uncover.
Announced by Hello Games founder Sean Murray, the now-available Relic update expands on the game’s excavation mechanics in a massive way. For years, players have been digging up buried technology and resources, but now you’ll be unearthing the remains of ancient alien creatures.
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No Man’s Sky Universe of Hidden and Risky Relics
You can reassemble fossils into full skeletons and display them in your bases, effectively turning your outposts into personal alien museums. Some relics, however, are far rarer than others, making the hunt for the most valuable discoveries all the more rewarding.
These ultra-rare artifacts can be traded for a hefty sum at space stations, giving you a lucrative reason to channel your inner archaeologist.
Players are already showcasing intricate museums filled with reconstructed fossils, with some comparing the experience to real-world paleontology. As one fan put it:
“I spent hours just hunting for bones—it’s like an intergalactic Indiana Jones adventure!”
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In true Indiana Jones fashion, not every excavation goes smoothly. Alongside the excitement of unearthing ancient remains, you will need to contend with new threats lurking beneath the surface.
Much like Indy dodging poison darts and rolling boulders, No Man’s Sky’s latest update introduces formidable Artifact Guardians. These encounters aren’t just aesthetic additions; they add a thrilling risk-reward dynamic to exploration.
And that’s not all. Titan Worms are now even more present, adding an ever-looming sense of danger to excavation sites. It’s the kind of grand mystery that would have even Dr. Jones reaching for his whip.
“Players should be wary where they choose to excavate, though. Dangerous creatures guard the greatest treasure and may be awoken from their slumber, including Stone Ghosts and the colossal Stone Golem,” Hello Games warned.
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If you’re aiming to complete full skeleton collections, space stations now feature specialist NPCs who facilitate fossil trading. They allow you to swap duplicate bones for missing pieces, enhancing the sense of progression and encouraging collaboration as you seek out the rarest and most elusive remains.
Much like a real-world archaeologist, or, say, a rogue adventurer bartering for ancient relics in a shady backroom, you will need to track down specific fossils to complete your collections. And with some relics fetching sky-high prices, there’s a booming new economy emerging in No Man’s Sky’s intergalactic black market.
Following the massive Worlds Part II update earlier this year, Relic is yet another example of how the studio continues to inject fresh, engaging mechanics into its ever-expanding universe.
Late last year, Hello Games hailed No Man’s Sky, hitting a ‘very positive’ Steam user review rating for the first time, eight years after players initially slammed the game’s controversial launch.
Relic Update 5.6 is out now across PC, console, and VR for free.
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Released August 9, 2016
ESRB T for Teen: Fantasy Violence, Animated Blood
