Hello Games has released No Man’s Sky Fractal, the latest big update for their vast procedurally generated space exploration game. It’s the big one for PSVR 2 buyers as it adds support for the new generation virtual reality headset, but there’s plenty of other little tidbits for players on other platforms as well.
As always the change list for a big season-like update for No Man’s Sky is vast. We’ll get the non-VR stuff out of the way first, with the main headline features being that HDR tone-mapping has been overhauled, there’s a new Utopia Speeder starship (which looks pretty Star Wars-y, doesn’t it?), clearer menu layout, and a new Expedition to take on:
The once-affluent system of Bakkin has fallen into decay: trade routes halted, the Space Station abandoned and rotting, intelligent lifeforms departed. Anomalous solar activity prevents the crafting of items beyond the shelter of a planetary base.
Thankfully, for the good of all, the generous Utopia Foundation is coordinating a grand reconstruction project. Join the communal habitation team, settler, and help make Bakkin beautiful and productive once more!
Switch players also get to take part in Nexus Missions for the first time.
All the really juicy stuff is for VR, though. There’s support for PSVR 2 with up to 4K resolution while playing, which has been further enhanced by the use of higher quality textures, better draw distances, particle rendering and more. Some of that is thanks to the use of FidelityFX Super Resolution 2.0 on PlayStation, and better dynamic resolution scaling that should improve the experience on regular PS5 as well.
Then there’s PSVR 2 unique features like Sense controller haptics and the rumble in the headset.
However, VR on other systems have been improved with revisions across the board. When playing with hand controllers, the Personal Forcefield can be attached to your non-dominant hand, for example, and there’s better marking for missions and power hotspots through the Analysis Visor.
VR base building has been overhauled, and you can now recolour base parts, and the VR galaxy map has been redone as well.
Head over the the NMS website for the full details and patch notes.
MrYd
It looks just as good with PS VR2 as it does in flat mode on the PS5. And the Sense controllers work well for it. Except once you’re in a ship or vehicle, then it’s just a terrible way to control it. With the PS4 version, you could use either the Moves or the DS4. Haven’t tried it with the DualSense instead of the VR controllers, but there are people saying you can’t do that. Which is a shame.
I suspect that’s going to be the one issue with PS VR2. Bundling the controllers with it means being forced to use them when other, perfectly fine options are already available. RE Village seems to insist on them, when it was already built to use the DualSense.