Today, Hello Games released a new trailer for No Man's Sky's 'Next' update. A new multiplayer mode will be added to the game, coinciding with the launch on Xbox One. Apart from that, the game is receiving a significant visual overhaul and a third-person mode. This is by far the biggest upgrade No Man's Sky has received since it launched on PlayStation 4 and PC a few years ago.

The main features being added with Next are listed below. The free update also brings with it a number of bug fixes that aren't listed here but will be detailed in patch notes closer to launch.

  • Multiplayer

    • You can help friends to stay alive, or prey on others to survive.
    • You can build tiny shelters or complex colonies that are shared for all players.
    • Fight as a pirate or a wingman in space battles with friends.
    • Race exocraft across alien terrain by creating race tracks and trails to share online.

  • Visual Overhaul

    • Play in first or third-person mode, both on-foot and in your ship.
    • Improved space visuals that make the game even more beautiful.
    • Appearance personalization.
    • Improved terrain generation, ground textures, water, and clouds.
    • More detail added to ships, characters and buildings.

  • Base Building

    • Build bases anywhere on any planet.
    • Hundreds of new base parts have been added to No Man's Sky.
    • Increased base-building complexity and size limits.

  • Freighters

    • Assemble and upgrade a fleet of frigates and command them.
    • Send your fleet into the universe or deploy them to help you explore.
    • Better freighter base building.

These are by far the biggest additions to the game. Many gamers will be particularly excited about the third-person perspective and improved textures.

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No Man's Sky launches on Xbox One — with Xbox One X support — on July 24, 2018 in North America and July 27 in Europe. 505 Games will distribute the physical Xbox One version worldwide. Other platforms receive the update the same day.

For those unfamiliar with the game, No Man's Sky is a science fiction adventure set across an infinite universe, in which every star is the light of a distant sun, each orbited by planets filled with life, and you can go to any of them you choose. In this procedurally-generated universe, you'll discover places and creatures that no other player has seen before. However, a mystery lies at the center of the galaxy, an irresistible pulse that draws you on a voyage to discover the true nature of the universe.

According to the developer, your journey will be charged with danger, encountering hostile creatures and fierce pirates. In order to survive, you will need to prepare, upgrading your ship, suit and weapons. Whether you choose to fight, trade or explore has consequences, shaping your journey as you travel.

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