No Man’s Sky’s New “Relics” Update Turns Players into Intergalactic Paleontologists

If you’ve ever fantasized about diving into No Man’s Sky and living out your dream as a dinosaur enthusiast who somehow wins the affection of Jennifer Aniston, then today is your moment. The latest update from Hello Games, known as the Relics update, has been launched. The highlight? You can now collect massive alien fossils.

This exciting addition builds on the Worlds update that was released back in January, which brought with it a universe filled with “billions of new stars and planets.” Among them are gigantic gas giants and quirky, psychedelic squid creatures that will give you a good slap should you decide to fish too aggressively.

The Relics update, as detailed in the game’s blog post and accompanying video, centers around space paleontology. If you’ve ever watched Friends, you’ll recall Ross Geller’s job. Now, imagine swapping his museum gig for a galactic adventure where you roam the universe, unearthing “hundreds of unique bones” to piece them together in your museum. Ever wanted to mix and match bones to prank NMS’ various alien species into thinking they’re descended from a bizarre, technologically advanced race known as the Fartongueians? It’s a quirky experiment worth trying.

But hold on, maybe think twice about that. This update also introduces Reanimated Guardians—these massive stone creatures slumber near planetary fossil beds, acting as protectors of these ancient relics against curious Travellers. They resemble cool stone robots more than elongated creatures with odd features, so perhaps my earlier theory needs rethinking. Additionally, keep an eye out for Living Stone Sentries and Colossal Stone Effigies, which stand as silent monuments from ancient alien civilizations that linger over relic worlds.

In your journey, you might stumble upon living fossils, including Titanic Boneworms and wandering “skeletal fauna” on planets rich in bones and in select purple star systems. You can even visit Fossil Collectors on Space Stations to trade your fossil exhibits, barter bones, or even use them for cooking.

For those truly invested in this archaeological adventure, the Galactic Palaeology Society welcomes you. The new expedition from Relics rewards you with a sentient rock jetpack, lets you morph your appearance into that of a sentient rock, and offers a skeletal companion to accompany you.

Have you been yearning to channel your inner space Ross? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!