No Man’s Sky just got another massive update, and this one’s a game-changer literally. Hello Games has dropped the Beacon update (version 5.7), and it’s packed with fresh content for veterans and newcomers alike. From managing multiple settlements to encountering secretive robotic townships, there’s plenty to explore. Oh, and did we mention a full-blown Nintendo Switch 2 version is also launching? It’s all happening.
Multi-settlement management is here
Up until now, you could only oversee one settlement, but that changes with No Man’s Sky Beacon. You can now manage up to four planetary settlements. Each one comes with its citizens, challenges, and perks. You’re not just building bases anymore; you’re running full-on communities.
Want to specialise in trade? Focus on infrastructure? Or just have a chill fishing village by a pond? You can do all of that. Every settlement tracks your decisions, from how you handle disputes to how many sentinel attacks you repel. And yes, they’ll throw fireworks celebrations for big wins like new buildings or new citizens.
Autophage settlements and deeper customisation
One of the coolest new additions in No Man’s Sky Beacon is the mysterious Autophage settlements. These robotic towns are built from scrap and crystal, hidden under cloaks unless scanned with the right tech. Earn their trust, and you might even get invited to run one.
Your settlers now have unique personalities too, musicians, bakers, oddballs, each with their quirks. And the settlement decision system has been totally revamped. You’re no longer choosing from vague options. You get clear dilemmas and bigger outcomes that shape your town’s future.
New construction features and base parts
Visually, there’s a lot more you can do in No Man’s Sky Beacon update. You can now upgrade buildings to higher classes, changing how they look and boosting their usefulness. There’s a new weathered/rusted material set for those who like a rugged vibe, plus new Autophage-themed base parts to build with a sci-fi edge.
Snapping systems for floors and roofs have also been improved. That alone makes base-building smoother, especially for anyone who enjoys fine-tuning layouts.
Your settlements matter now
No Man’s Sky Beacon gives settlements a much bigger role in your journey. They’re now mini-cities where you can talk to guild envoys, run deep-space probes, buy Multi-Tools, even choose music in the saloon. Everything from trade to defence is integrated into gameplay.
Your squadron of pilots now helps defend against pirate attacks, while sentinel invasions come with new units like summoners and repair drones. And yeah, there’s something called the Vile Brood sniffing around settlements… giant insect queens? Check your perimeter.
Settlements can also influence the local economy, boosting trade across the entire solar system. With debt-cleared settlements, you can choose what resources to produce and export. It’s your empire, and now you’ve got the tools to actually shape it.
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: Fully loaded and upgraded
The new Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of No Man’s Sky launches on 5 June, and it’s not just a port. It supports:
- Full multiplayer
- High-res graphics and UI
- Gyro aiming
- Touch controls
- Increased planetary detail
- Higher framerates
- Cross-play and cross-save
If you already own the game on Switch, you get this version for free, ready to play day one when the console releases.
Extra polish across the board
There are new voice options for both the player and Exosuit, more immersive sound design, and even Intel XeSS support for PC players who want high-end upscaling.
From more rewarding citizen quests to the ability to retire as Overseer, everything in No Man’s Sky Beacon feels like it’s been rethought with long-term players in mind. It’s deeper, more personal, and more rewarding.
And if you’ve got old saves across platforms, now’s the time to connect your accounts and unlock the full power of cross-save. Your universe just got a whole lot bigger.
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