Hello Games brings No Man's Sky to iOS with October 28 release date
The sci-fi exploration game arrives on iPhone and iPad with full single-player content, excluding multiplayer and settlements at launch.
Key points
- Hello Games announced No Man's Sky for iOS, launching October 28 on iPhone and iPad.
- The mobile version includes all updates since launch but lacks multiplayer and settlements initially.
- The game requires iPhone 11 or newer and 3rd gen iPad Air or newer, with a 5GB download size.
Hello Games announced that its long-running sci-fi exploration title No Man's Sky will launch on iOS devices on October 28. The studio confirmed that versions for both iPhone and iPad will be available on that date, marking the game's arrival on Apple's mobile platform after a decade of updates.
The mobile release includes the full single-player experience with all updates released since the game's initial launch. According to Hello Games co-founder Sean Murray, the version is not a lite edition. It features content from major expansions like Voyagers, but it will initially exclude multiplayer functionality and planetary settlements.
Platform support and device requirements
The iOS port supports iPhone 11 and later models, as well as the 3rd generation iPad Air and newer devices. Hello Games stated that the download size is approximately 5GB, which is significantly smaller than many other ports. The game features newly designed touch controls and supports external controllers, screen casting, and mouse-and-keyboard input on iPad.
Murray noted that the team focused heavily on battery life and thermodynamics to ensure comfortable play sessions. He compared the initial iOS release to the original Nintendo Switch version, noting that features may be added later based on player feedback and numbers, similar to the expanded Switch 2 update.
Indie Games Week context
No Man's Sky is part of Apple's App Store Indie Games Week, which highlights several titles arriving on iOS. According to Engadget, other games in this promotion include Sifu, Vampire Crawlers, Dome Keeper, and Little Kitty, Big City. Some of these titles are already available for download, while No Man's Sky can be pre-ordered ahead of its October launch.
Sifu, developed by Sloclap, features a reworked camera system and touch controls for its iOS version. Engadget reported that the game ran smoothly on an iPhone 16. Other highlighted titles include Vampire Crawlers, a card-based strategy game, and Dome Keeper, a mining and tower defense roguelite.
What should you do?
Players interested in the mobile release can pre-order No Man's Sky starting today. The game will be free to try at launch, though the full purchase price has not been confirmed. Users should check their device specifications to ensure they meet the minimum requirements of iPhone 11 or 3rd gen iPad Air.
What to do and how to stay safe: No Man's Sky
- Verify that your iPhone is model 11 or newer, or your iPad is 3rd gen Air or newer, before attempting to download.
- Pre-order the game through the App Store if you wish to access the free trial immediately upon launch.
- Monitor Hello Games' official channels for updates on the addition of multiplayer and settlement features.
- Check available storage space, as the game requires approximately 5GB of free space on your device.
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Will No Man's Sky on iOS have multiplayer at launch?
No, the initial iOS release will not include multiplayer or planetary settlements, according to Hello Games.
What devices can play No Man's Sky on iOS?
The game is playable on iPhone 11 and later, and 3rd generation iPad Air and newer models.
How large is the No Man's Sky download for iOS?
The download size for the iOS version is approximately 5GB, as stated by the developer.
