On October 28, Hello Games announced “FORSAKEN,” a major Halloween-themed update for the space exploration sci-fi survival game *No Man’s Sky*, for all platforms. The update will also be included in the iOS (iPhone/iPad) version, which is set to be released on October 29.
A Vast Universe in Your Pocket, Taking Up Less Than 4GB
*No Man’s Sky* is a space sandbox game released in 2016, and as the title celebrates its 10th anniversary, it is now making its debut on mobile devices.The newly released “FORSAKEN” is the fifth major update of 2026, following “REMNANT,” “XENO ARENA,” “THE SWARM,” and September’s 10th-anniversary update, “COSMOS.”
This debut iOS version is not a scaled-down “Lite” edition; it includes all 40+ updates released to date—including “COSMOS” and the 2025 large-scale spaceship construction features—and is compatible with “FORSAKEN,” released today, October 28, from day one.Compatible devices include iPhone 11 and later, as well as the 3rd-generation iPad Air and later. A trial version is available on the App Store, allowing players to experience the opening portion for free (unlocking the full game costs 3,000 yen).
Technically, the game employs a system that renders every on-screen environment in real time on the device itself. It leverages Apple’s MetalFX and the performance of M-class CPUs while implementing optimizations that take battery consumption and thermal design (thermodynamics) into account. Despite its scale, the download size is kept to a mere 4GB.
In terms of controls, everything—from moving on the ground and piloting spaceships to first- and third-person perspectives, exocraft (vehicles), and even inventory management and crafting—has been rebuilt from the ground up for mobile touch controls.In addition to touch controls, the game supports game controllers, mouse and keyboard, seamless progression from iPhone to iPad, and casting to a TV.
However, as was the case at the launch of the original Nintendo Switch version, some features are limited; the iOS version does not support multiplayer (single-player only). Additionally, the “Planet Outpost” feature is supported only on iPhone 15 Pro and later models.
Hello Games has indicated that it will continue to provide support in the future based on player feedback and the player base.
The “FORSAKEN” Update: Explore the Dark Side of Space—Seamless Warping and Delivery Missions Now Available
The major “FORSAKEN” update, released simultaneously across all platforms, is themed around exploring the “dark side of space”—a fitting theme for the Halloween season.
Players will venture into eerie locations—such as the wreckage of massive abandoned ships, derelict cargo vessels, planetary excavation sites, and contaminated outposts—in search of rare, cursed technology and “Biological Horrors.”
By recovering strange artifacts (mementos) from these dangerous ruins, players can trade with mysterious collectors (merchants) gathered from across the cosmos.
As a reward, you’ll gain access to new “biomechanical” corvette ship modules, allowing you to build unique vessels that combine streamlined sci-fi spacecraft with eerie, organic exteriors. Additionally, a variety of new cockpits for shipbuilding and new interior sets inspired by distant galaxies have been added.
The rewards available through trading aren’t limited to spaceship parts—new weapons and spacesuit styles are also available.Scavengers who persistently explore can acquire the grotesque new “Larva Tank Helmet” and the writhing “Grub Cannon” multitool, which can be exchanged for a sufficient number of preserved larvae.
In addition, the following elements have been implemented as new content and QoL (Quality of Life) improvements.
Galactic Mail Delivery Missions
: New missions where players become delivery drivers traveling across the galaxy to deliver mail and supplies
Seamless Warp to Nearby Stars: A new feature that allows players to directly lock onto the brightest stars in space and navigate seamlessly without opening the Galaxy MapUI and Accessibility Improvements
: The long-requested radial menu for weapon selection and a “Minimal HUD Mode” that reduces on-screen clutter have been implemented. Furthermore, as part of iOS support, dozens of accessibility adjustments have been made that benefit all platforms
In conjunction with this announcement, Sean Murray, founder of Hello Games, reflected on an eventful 10th anniversary year and shared his outlook for the future, stating, “We’re already deep into planning what crazy things we can do in 2027.”
*No Man’s Sky* is currently available on PC (Microsoft Store/Steam), PS5/PS4, XBOX Series X|S/XBOX One, XBOX One, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. The iOS(iPhone 11 and later / 3rd-generation iPad Air and later) is scheduled for release on October 29. Players can try it as a free trial, but unlocking the full game requires a 3,000 yen purchase.
