No Man’s Sky is heading to iPhone and iPad on 28 October, bringing its enormous, continuously updated space adventure to Apple’s mobile hardware. Hello Games says the project has taken three years of technical work, with the aim of preserving the full game rather than creating a cut-down edition.
The mobile release includes the major content added over recent years, including the substantial Cosmos update released last month. That makes this far more than an early or stripped-back version of the 2016 space exploration game, which currently occupies around 32GB on PC.
The announcement follows Hello Games’ work on the Mac version. In an update from Sean Murray on Hello Games’ site, the studio explains that the iPhone concept began when a team member suggested the game could run on Apple’s phone. The idea was treated as an exceptionally difficult technical challenge, but one the team wanted to prove possible.
What to expect from No Man’s Sky on iOS
Hello Games is clear that this is not “No Man’s Sky Lite”. The iOS edition contains the core full game and its recent updates, although mobile hardware means some features and technical details differ from the PC and current-console versions.
- iPhone 11 and newer supported iPhones can run the game.
- Third-generation iPad Air models and newer supported devices can also play it.
- Planetary Settlements are available on iPhone 15 Pro and later models.
- Planetary Settlements are not supported on older compatible devices.
- Multiplayer is not supported in the iOS version.
The interface and controls have been redesigned for touchscreens, while controller support is also included. Players can additionally use a mouse and keyboard, giving the mobile release more flexibility than a typical touch-only game.
A full space adventure in under 4GB
One of the most striking technical claims is the installation size. Despite the game’s scale and content, Hello Games says the iOS version has been reduced to less than 4GB. The studio also says it has been designed for long, comfortable play sessions without immediately exhausting the device’s battery.
That combination of size, performance and content preservation could make the release especially interesting for players who enjoy large-scale exploration away from a traditional arcade machine. It also reflects the kind of optimisation required when a game built for computers and consoles is adapted for portable hardware.
Release date and pricing
No Man’s Sky for iOS is scheduled to launch on 28 October. It will use a “free to try” model, allowing players to test the experience before purchasing the complete game.
The final purchase price has not yet been announced. Hello Games says the payment will unlock the full release rather than relying on in-app purchases or selling the game in separate pieces.
There is no Android version announced in the supplied details, although the prospect of playing the same expansive adventure on an Android tablet will appeal to many mobile players. For broader arcade and gaming news, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog, or explore the Arcade Machine Buying Guide for advice on choosing dedicated home hardware.
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