No Man’s Sky Removes All Traces Of Civilization In Adrift Update’s Alternative Universe

No Man’s Sky has come a long way from its disappointing launch nearly eight years ago. From a lackluster survival game that was missing multiplayer features, it has since evolved into a full-fledged survival MMO with plenty of things to see and do.

This week’s Adrift Update harkens back to those days, featuring an alternative universe devoid of all NPCs, shops, active starships, and any semblance of civilization on all systems except for the creatures inhabiting them. Multiplayer features and world events will still be available though so you don’t get too bored and lonely.

Hello Games founder Sean Murray says that it was originally meant to be a new expedition but quickly ballooned into its own update.

“[…] I have great memories of early unreleased versions of No Man’s Sky where there were no NPCs, no shops, no help… just you the player as a tiny dot lost in the infinite,” Murray said. “Removing other lifeforms means no shops, no trading, no shortcuts and no help, providing a very different survival experience.”

“This alternative universe is more dangerous too, with sandworms now roaming free and fiend eggs spreading across planets,” he added. “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.”