No Man’s Sky NEW Update: Patch 5.74 Notes (March 2026 Guide)
Hello, fellow explorers! If you’ve been waiting for the latest No Man’s Sky patch notes, I’ve got some exciting news to share. July 2026 has brought us not one, but TWO major patches that are making the vast universe of No Man’s Sky run smoother than ever before. Let me dive into everything you need to know about patches 5.73 and 5.74, including all the fixes, improvements, and that cool new Starship Fabricator everyone’s talking about!
No Man’s Sky: What’s New in July 2026
| Patch Version | Release Date | Main Focus | Platform Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.73 | July 1, 2026 | Settlement fixes, Mission bugs | Switch 2 improvements |
| 5.74 | July 15, 2026 | Technical issues, Cross-save | PC & Multi-platform |
| Key Addition | Starship Fabricator | S-class settlements | All platforms |
No Man’s Sky July 2026 Update
The July 2026 updates for No Man’s Sky continue Hello Games’ incredible commitment to perfecting their space exploration masterpiece. Nearly a decade after launch, these patches show that the development team isn’t just maintaining the game – they’re actively improving it with every update. Whether you’re building settlements, exploring new worlds, or battling pirates in deep space, these patches ensure your experience is as smooth as possible.
Patch 5.73: The Settlement Revolution (July 1, 2026)
Major New Feature: Starship Fabricator
The biggest addition in patch 5.73 is the Starship Fabricator utility, now available at S-class landing pads in settlements. This game-changing feature means I can now craft and modify ships right at my settlement instead of making those long trips back to space stations. It’s a massive quality-of-life improvement that settlement managers have been requesting for ages!
Settlement System Overhaul
Following June’s massive Beacon update, which introduced multiple settlement management and the mysterious Autophage settlements, patch 5.73 addresses numerous issues that were frustrating players:
Settlement Data Fixes:
- Settlement data now initializes correctly, preventing those annoying blank screens
- Downloaded settlement data no longer corrupts local saves
- Unowned settlements display proper information in overview pages
- Settlement happiness, production, and maintenance stats update correctly
Autophage Settlement Improvements:
- Fixed Sentinel spawning during Autophage settlement attacks
- Autophage settlement visitors no longer affect standing with other alien races
- Proper cloaking scans now work as intended
- Building visibility issues resolved
Mission Progression Fixes
Several critical mission bugs that were blocking player progress have been resolved:
A Trace of Metal:
- Mission now starts properly without requiring workarounds
- Progress tracking functions correctly with multiple settlements
In Stellar Multitudes:
- Specialist Polo correctly offers Reality Anchor blueprint
- Collected Knowledge page populates properly
- Purple star system generation fixed (no more systems outside universe boundaries!)
Ghosts in the Machine:
- Korvax facility markers remain visible in multiplayer
- Mission progression no longer stalls after finding hotspots
Nintendo Switch 2 Specific Fixes
The Switch 2 version received significant attention in this patch:
- Warp tunnel now renders at proper high resolution
- Screenshot functionality restored via base computer
- Torch textures display correctly
- UI overlap and clipping issues resolved
- Squadron pilot UI closes properly
Platform-Wide Improvements
Crash Fixes:
- Warping from systems with player-owned settlements
- Browsing the Wonders Catalogue
- Sentinel drone battles
- Modded save compatibility
Quality of Life:
- Vile Spawn now properly drops Wormskin Folios 2-5 and Writhing Manuscript
- HUD markers remain visible when system clock is altered
- Exo-Skiff storage capacity fixed on older saves
- Signal Booster works correctly in Abandoned Mode
Patch 5.74: Technical Excellence (July 15, 2026)
Cross-Platform Improvements
Patch 5.74 focuses heavily on cross-platform functionality, addressing several critical issues:
Cross-Save Fixes:
- Owned settlements now appear correctly across all platforms
- Settlement progress syncs properly between devices
- Save data integrity improved
PC-Specific Enhancements
PC players received several important fixes:
- Base part textures now render at full resolution
- AMD and Intel GPU flickering issues resolved
- Memory management improvements
- Better performance in settlement-heavy systems
Nintendo Switch Improvements
Building on 5.73’s fixes, patch 5.74 continues improving the Switch experience:
- Audio dropout with headphones fixed
- Freighter base rooms render correctly
- UI element positioning corrected
- Text clipping in refiner UI resolved
- NPC parts no longer disappear during interactions
Settlement System Refinements
Mission Flow:
- Settlement tutorial progresses correctly with multiple settlements
- “Trace of Metal” mission works properly in multi-settlement systems
- “Nothing Found” error messages eliminated
Combat and Defense:
- Settlement defense celebrations (fireworks!) restored
- Sentinel Quads now attack properly instead of idling
- Multi-tool spawning at Harmonic Camps fixed
Gameplay Enhancements
Recovery Systems:
- New recovery mechanism for players stranded in distant purple systems
- Improved teleporter destination suggestions
Visual Fixes:
- Horrific Flesh-Helmet eyeball renders correctly
- Pre-Beacon base parts display proper materials
- Mission markers no longer hide prematurely
How These Updates Impact Your Gameplay
For Settlement Managers
If you’re managing multiple settlements since the Beacon update, these patches are game-changers. The Starship Fabricator alone saves me countless trips to space stations, while the fixed settlement data means I can actually see what’s happening in all my colonies without frustrating glitches.
For Switch 2 Players
The Switch 2 port has come a long way with these updates. The warp tunnel rendering at extremely low resolution was particularly jarring, but that’s now fixed. Combined with the audio improvements and UI fixes, the Switch 2 version finally feels on par with other platforms.
For Mission Completionists
Those stuck on story missions can finally progress! The fixes to A Trace of Metal, In Stellar Multitudes, and Ghosts in the Machine remove major roadblocks that were preventing players from experiencing crucial story content.
What This Means for No Man’s Sky’s Future
These July 2026 patches demonstrate Hello Games’ ongoing commitment to No Man’s Sky. Martin Griffiths stated that No Man’s Sky will see updates for years to come, with the space exploration title not “even close to being finished yet.” With the game recently achieving ‘Very Positive’ ratings on Steam and the successful Switch 2 launch, the future looks incredibly bright.
The Beacon Update Context
To understand why these patches are so important, it’s crucial to know about June’s Beacon update. This massive content drop introduced:
- Multiple settlement management
- Autophage settlements with robotic inhabitants
- New building types and management decisions
- Enhanced customization options
These July patches ensure that all this new content works flawlessly across all platforms.
Platform Availability and Performance
Current Platform Status
No Man’s Sky is currently available on:
- PC: Steam, Windows Store, GOG
- PlayStation: PS4, PS5 (with PS5 Pro enhancements)
- Xbox: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Nintendo: Switch, Switch 2
- Cloud Gaming: Xbox Game Pass
Cross-Platform Considerations
While No Man’s Sky supports extensive multiplayer features, these patches ensure that cross-save functionality works seamlessly, allowing you to continue your journey regardless of which platform you’re playing on.
Community Response and Developer Communication
Hello Games continues their excellent community engagement, with patches released quickly after player feedback. The developer acknowledges issues through Zendesk reports and console crash reporting, showing they’re actively listening to the community.
How to Report Issues
If you encounter any bugs:
- Use the in-game bug reporter
- Submit detailed reports via Zendesk
- Enable automatic crash reporting on consoles
Tips for Post-Patch Gameplay
Settlement Management Best Practices
- Utilize the Starship Fabricator: Place it strategically near your Overseer’s office
- Check All Settlements: With data fixes, review all your settlements for missed opportunities
- Defend Efficiently: With Sentinel Quads working properly, defense missions are more challenging
Mission Progression Tips
- Restart Stuck Missions: If you were blocked, try restarting affected missions
- Check Mission Markers: With visibility fixes, previously hidden objectives may appear
- Explore Purple Systems: The recovery system ensures you won’t get permanently lost
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
While Hello Games hasn’t announced the next major update, these stability patches typically precede larger content drops. With the 10th anniversary approaching in 2026, we might see something special on the horizon.
Potential Future Updates
Based on community feedback and developer hints:
- Enhanced multiplayer features
- New expedition content
- Expanded Autophage lore
- Additional settlement building types
Frequently Asked Questions
When were the July 2026 No Man’s Sky updates released?
Patch 5.73 was released on July 1, 2026, followed by patch 5.74 on July 15, 2026. Both updates are now live across all platforms.
What is the Starship Fabricator and how do I get it?
The Starship Fabricator is a new utility added to S-class landing pads at settlements in patch 5.73. It allows you to craft and modify starships directly at your settlement without traveling to a space station.
Are the Nintendo Switch 2 issues fixed?
Yes! Both July patches addressed numerous Switch 2 problems, including the low-resolution warp tunnel, audio dropouts, screenshot issues, and UI problems. The Switch 2 version now runs much more smoothly.
Do I need to restart my game after installing these patches?
No, you don’t need to restart. However, if you had missions that were stuck (like A Trace of Metal), you may need to reload a recent save or restart those specific missions to see the fixes take effect.
Will my cross-save settlements appear on other platforms now?
Yes, patch 5.74 specifically fixed the issue where owned settlements wouldn’t appear when using cross-save between platforms. Your settlements should now sync properly across all your devices.
Are Autophage settlements working correctly now?
Absolutely! Both patches included fixes for Autophage settlements, including proper Sentinel spawning during attacks, correct visitor interactions, and resolved building visibility issues.
What should I do if I’m still experiencing bugs?
Report any remaining issues through the official channels: use the in-game bug reporter or submit a detailed report via Zendesk. Hello Games actively monitors these reports for future patches.
Is No Man’s Sky getting more updates in 2026?
Yes! Hello Games has confirmed that No Man’s Sky will continue receiving updates for years to come. These July patches are just part of their ongoing commitment to improving and expanding the game.
Conclusion
The July 2026 updates for No Man’s Sky showcase Hello Games’ dedication to their cosmic masterpiece. From the game-changing Starship Fabricator to crucial bug fixes across all platforms, patches 5.73 and 5.74 make the infinite universe more accessible and enjoyable than ever.
Whether you’re a veteran explorer returning after a break or a new player jumping in on Switch 2, there’s never been a better time to explore the stars. With settlements running smoothly, missions progressing properly, and cross-platform features working as intended, the only limit is your imagination.
Keep your multi-tool charged and your ship fueled, explorers – the universe of No Man’s Sky continues to evolve, and these July patches ensure your journey through the stars is smoother than ever!