The next No Man’s Sky update makes the game lonelier — and more dangerous

Things are about to get a little quieter in the No Man’s Sky universe. Developer Hello Games just released the sci-fi adventure’s latest update — it’s called “Adrift,” and it introduces an alternative universe that’s completely devoid of other characters. That means no NPCs to chat or trade with. The studio calls it “the first time players can be truly alone in No Man’s Sky.”

In addition to making the game lonelier and heightening the sense of isolation that was very present in the early days of the game, “Adrift” will also make the experience more challenging. Here’s how the studio explains it:

This alternative universe is more dangerous too, with sandworms now roaming free and fiend eggs spreading across planets. Buildings are broken and rusted, the few remaining landmarks the graves of lost Travellers. In space, a new ghostly frigate beckons, allowing players to recruit a piece of this lonely universe.

Additionally, the update will also introduce a new ship type, a huge starship called the Iron Vulture that the studio says should at least provide some sanctuary in the harshness of space. The new features come not long after Hello launched the game’s 27th major update, called “Orbital,” which, among other things, finally introduced a ship editor into the long-running game.