How to Best Play No Man's Sky

In No Man's Sky, the entire universe is yours to discover. But how you experience it is entirely shaped by the game mode you choose. Do you want to fight against the environment, scavenging for resources while evading sentinel patrols?

Or would you rather travel freely among the stars with unlimited materials, constructing the ultimate sci-fi paradise? The two primary modes – Survival and Creative – provide completely different gameplay, but which one is truly more enjoyable?

We've partnered with our friends at Eneba to examine both options and help you choose the right one for your playstyle.

Survival Mode: The Ultimate Challenge

If you're drawn to demanding gameplay, Survival Mode delivers. Resources are limited, environmental threats are constant, and every error can prove fatal. Your hazard protection depletes quickly, oxygen supplies are finite, and simply leaving your starting planet may become an intense struggle.

Early on, you'll find yourself urgently hunting for sodium to maintain your hazard shields or desperately harvesting oxygen to avoid suffocation. You might land on a toxic world only to realize you lack the materials needed to construct a shelter or base. Every choice carries weight, and this ongoing sense of danger makes Survival Mode both exhilarating and unforgiving.

When you get a No Man's Sky key and launch into Survival Mode, prepare for tense moments. Upgrading your ship, establishing a functional base, and gathering enough resources to travel between galaxies all demonstrate your survival skills. That's why this mode appeals to many – it gives them the feeling of being genuine space pioneers, barely surviving on the brink of disaster.

But Survival Mode isn't for everyone, and it can feel exceptionally harsh. If you prefer a more relaxed gaming session, the heavy grinding required might become overwhelming. Some players end up stranded on dangerous planets with no clear escape, transforming their intended adventure into a source of frustration.

Creative Mode: Make the Universe Your Playground

If Survival Mode is a test of endurance, Creative Mode is pure freedom. There are no resource limits, no aggressive environments – just boundless exploration and construction.

Imagine it as an infinite Lego set. Feel like building a floating metropolis? Go ahead. Want to design a collection of exotic spacecraft? Nothing stands in your way. Creative Mode transforms No Man's Sky into a relaxed, sci-fi sandbox.

Traveling across galaxies is seamless. You can immediately build intricate bases, reshape planetary terrain, and establish your ideal space civilization – all without grinding for materials. It’s perfect for players who enjoy designing, discovering, and experimenting without the persistent demands of survival.

Still, this unrestricted freedom has a downside. Some players feel that without risk, the rewards feel diminished. The excitement of conquering challenges is absent in Creative Mode, and without real threats, part of the game's thrill may fade. It’s the ultimate laid-back experience, but if you're looking for suspense and adventure, you might lose interest faster.

But Which One Is More Fun?

The answer really depends on your playstyle. If you excel under pressure, Survival Mode keeps you invested with high-risk gameplay and deeply satisfying achievements. However, if your focus is on exploration, creation, and building without constraints, Creative Mode is your ideal choice.

Still unsure? The great news is that No Man's Sky allows you to switch between modes, so you can enjoy the best of both experiences. And if you're hoping to get the game at an excellent price, digital stores like Eneba offer fantastic discounts on No Man's Sky and other top titles.