No Man's Sky launches on iOS and releases the horror-themed Forsaken update
Hello Games has expanded the reach of No Man's Sky by launching the title on iOS alongside the release of the Forsaken update. This dual release marks a significant milestone for the space exploration sandbox as it continues to evolve more than a decade after its initial launch.
The Darker Side of the Galaxy
The Forsaken update, designated as version 7.10, leans into a horror aesthetic to coincide with the Halloween season. Players are encouraged to explore the more sinister corners of the universe to hunt for biological horrors and rare haunted technology. This scavenging process requires venturing into dangerous environments, including infested outposts, abandoned freighters, planetary dig sites, and derelict hulks.
These recovered mementos can be traded with a group of enigmatic collectors who have appeared at the edges of deep-space outposts. In exchange for these curios, players can acquire biomechanical Corvette modules that allow for the creation of organic, "creepy" ship exteriors. This customization extends to new Corvette cockpits and a ship interior inspired by a distant galaxy. The trade system also offers new space suit styles and weapon variants, featuring grotesque additions such as a writhing Grub Cannon multi-tool and a Larva Tank helmet.
Beyond the horror-themed content, the update introduces several systemic changes to the gameplay loop. Interstellar travel is now more fluid, as players can seamlessly warp to nearby stars by locking onto constellations without needing to open the galactic map. The update also introduces package hauling missions, allowing players to act as intergalactic couriers, and provides a comprehensive overhaul of the creature-battling Holo Arena.
To further refine the user experience, Hello Games has implemented several quality-of-life improvements. These include a new radial weapon-selection menu, improved deep-space guidance, and a "Minimal HUD" mode that strips away non-essential markers, hazard protection bars, and mission notifications to provide a cleaner screen.
Expanding the Reach
These technical refinements coincide with the arrival of No Man's Sky on iOS, a port that includes all previous updates and the new Forsaken content. The mobile version is designed for a specific hardware baseline:
- iPhone 11 and newer
- Third-generation iPad Air and newer
The port features a single 4GB download and utilizes custom-made touch controls with specific optimizations for battery life and thermodynamics. To encourage new players, the opening portion of the game is available for free on iOS.
The release of Forsaken represents the fifth major update in the game's tenth anniversary year, following the Remnant, Xeno Arena, The Swarm, and Cosmos updates. This relentless pace of development suggests that Hello Games intends to support the title well into the future, with the studio already planning content for 2027. This ongoing commitment to No Man's Sky persists even as the developer continues work on its next project, Light No Fire.
