When No Man’s Sky first launched in 2016, it was known more for its ambition than its polish. Over time, however, the game has undergone one of the most remarkable transformations in modern gaming history. With a steady flow of free updates from Hello Games, it has evolved into a rich, expansive universe where exploration, survival, trading, and combat are seamlessly blended together.But one of the most frequently asked questions from both new and returning players is: Is No Man’s Sky crossplay? The answer is yes — and it’s an important feature that has helped unify the community across platforms. Let’s dive deep into how crossplay works in No Man’s Sky, what platforms it supports, how to connect with friends, and what limitations you should be aware of.
What is Crossplay?
Crossplay is the ability for players on different gaming platforms to play together in the same online environment. Without crossplay, multiplayer gaming is usually restricted to players on the same console or PC ecosystem. In modern online titles, crossplay has become a highly requested feature, as it allows for a larger, more unified player base, easier ways to play with friends regardless of their system, and longer game longevity through community integration.
So when people ask is No Man’s Sky crossplay, they are really asking whether the boundaries between platforms have been removed — and the answer is a definitive yes.
When Did No Man’s Sky Add Crossplay?
Crossplay was officially introduced in June 2020 during the “Crossplay Update.” Before this update, players could only play with others on the same platform. The 2020 update was a major step forward, allowing Xbox, PlayStation, and PC users to finally share the same galactic playground.
This was especially important for No Man’s Sky, since it thrives on exploration, trading, and building within a shared galaxy. The update essentially erased the walls between communities and allowed friends on different devices to collaborate and explore the stars together.
Which Platforms Support Crossplay?
Currently, No Man’s Sky supports crossplay across the following systems:
- PlayStation (PS4, PS5)
- Xbox (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)
- PC (Steam, Microsoft Store, Game Pass)
- Nintendo Switch
- VR platforms (PlayStation VR, PC VR, and others)
This wide range of compatibility means that no matter what device your friends are using, you can connect and explore the galaxy together.
How Does Crossplay Work in No Man’s Sky?
Enabling and using crossplay in No Man’s Sky is simple. Hello Games implemented a universal friend system that works across platforms. Is No Man’s sky crossplay?
Each player is given a unique friend code. Sharing this code allows you to add friends across different platforms. Once connected, players can invite each other to multiplayer sessions, join each other’s games, or meet up at the Nexus, the multiplayer hub. Cross-platform communication is supported through voice chat and a basic text chat system. Players can also visit each other’s bases, share resources, and embark on missions together.
The experience is seamless, with little difference between playing with someone on your own platform versus a different one.
Limitations of Crossplay in No Man’s Sky
While crossplay is robust in No Man’s Sky, there are a few small limitations and considerations to keep in mind.
Performance differences can be noticeable, as players on more powerful systems may have smoother experiences, especially when exploring large player-built bases. Voice chat occasionally has bugs across platforms, though workarounds exist. PC players using mods may face compatibility issues with crossplay, since console players cannot use mods. The Nintendo Switch version supports crossplay but has some graphical and performance compromises compared to other platforms.
Despite these minor differences, the ability to explore together remains intact and enjoyable.
Why Crossplay Matters for No Man’s Sky
The inclusion of crossplay has been a game-changer for No Man’s Sky for several reasons. It allows for community growth, with all platforms connected, making the game feel more alive in hubs like the Nexus. It removes friendship barriers, since players no longer need to worry about what console or system their friends own. It also ensures the longevity of the game, keeping the player base unified years after release.
Crossplay has made the universe feel bigger and more accessible while also fostering a stronger sense of belonging among players.
Crossplay vs. Cross-Progression
A common follow-up question to is No Man’s Sky crossplay is whether the game also supports cross-progression — meaning, can your saves transfer between platforms?
As of now, crossplay is fully supported, but cross-progression is not officially supported. This means that while you can play with friends across platforms, your save data will remain locked to the system where you started. For example, if you built a massive base on PlayStation, you cannot carry it over to PC. Some unofficial workarounds exist for PC players, but console-to-console progression remains limited.
Future of Crossplay in No Man’s Sky
Hello Games has consistently surprised players with major free updates that expand the game’s possibilities. While crossplay is already implemented, many players are hoping for more features such as cross-progression support for shared saves across platforms, improved in-game communication tools for better coordination during missions, and expanded multiplayer missions that further utilize the crossplay environment.
Given Hello Games’ track record, it’s not unreasonable to expect even more enhancements in the future.
Final Verdict: Is No Man’s Sky Crossplay?
Yes, No Man’s Sky is fully crossplay, uniting players across PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Nintendo Switch, and VR. The feature has made the universe more inclusive, keeping the game thriving nearly a decade after its release.
Whether you’re just beginning your interstellar journey or returning to see what’s new, the ability to join friends on any platform ensures that no player has to explore alone. If you’ve been asking is No Man’s Sky crossplay, the answer is a clear yes — and it’s one of the reasons the game continues to stand out as one of the most community-driven and enduring titles in gaming today.
