No Man’s Sky NEXT: How to Build a Base

Here’s How to Build a Base After the No Man’s Sky NEXT Update

Now that the NEXT update is live in No Man’s Sky, base building is as extravagant as it has ever been. For those that have been doing it since the Foundation update, the transition to the NEXT way of base building might come with ease. For those picking up the game for the first time, or those that haven’t played since launch, it can be extremely daunting. Fear not, though: we’ve got you covered.

Before you start building a base, the first thing you’re going to want to do is make a claim. To do so, you need to plop a Base Computer down on the piece of land you want to call home and, after interacting with it, select the option to claim. By doing so, you’ll prevent any would-be intruders from messing with what will soon be your home base.

Once you’ve done that, press up on the d-pad, or Z on your keyboard, to enter the Build Menu. In this menu, you’ll find loads of different items you have available to build right now. This menu might feel foreign at first so take some time to get a feel for it. You’ll soon discover it’s not so different from building menus found in most games that allow you to build.

It’s important to note that previously, building in No Man’s Sky consisted of selecting pre-made build layouts. Now, building is significantly more customizable. Players can choose which door, roof or anything else they want whereas before, they had to choose, say, a four-wall room that came with a door and roof.

Back to building. There’s a good chance that you’ll be short on materials needed to build something and that’s okay. That shiny new door and practical metal roof aren’t going anywhere; figure out what you need, collect those materials and then return to your base computer.

From there, what happens next is up to you. Do you want your base to constructed out of wooden walls or do you prefer metal? Do you want a chair here or do you want it there? These are decisions you’re going to have to make. Remember, though, that this is your base. Build it however you’d like.

We recommend starting with four walls, a door and a roof. If you can get that built, you’ve at least got yourself shelter. From there, if you deem a second story or an indoor garden necessary, go for it.

For more information about No Man’s Sky, be sure to check out our wiki.