How to get out of "pulse engine" mode?

[CrazyBlend]

Hi, I'm new to NMS, still just exploring the game in sandbox mode. I was riding in my starship for the first time, and, following a prompt on the screen, I pressed the spacebar to enter "pulse engine" mode. As a result, I'm now flying through space at breakneck speed... and I can't figure out how to get out of that mode!

As a further complication, there is a message-entry box on the left side of the screen, and any text key I press enters text into that box, rather than performing its normal action. I can't get rid of that box, either!

(I know the game provides a list of controls and their actions, but AFAICT that's intended as just a quick reference, on the assumption that you already understand everything. In any case, I saw nothing in that list indicating "exit from pulse engine mode" or "dismiss message-entry box".)

Thanks for any help.

[Sixshots]

so usually by pressing "S" or "W" should stop the boost and pressing "Enter" should close the textbox

[Däguas]

‘S’ is the key I believe your looking for. ‘Enter’ key starts and stops in game chat box.

[CrazyBlend]

Thanks guys, that worked!

Now I have a follow-up question: After "boosting" for several minutes, and seemingly traveling a great distance (as indicated by all those stars zipping by), when I stop the boost I find I'm still next to the same planet I started on! What am I missing? Thanks.

[DarkEternal]

Your Pulse Engine only enables fast travel through a system.
Your Hyperdrive enables you to travel between systems.
I'd suggest playing Normal mode, as the game actually teaches you how to play it through a series of starter missions.

[CrazyBlend]

Originally posted by DarkEternal:

I'd suggest playing Normal mode, as the game actually teaches you how to play it through a series of starter missions.

Actually, that's the first thing I tried. However, the one-and-only piece of advice the game
gave me was to collect 75 units of ferrite dust to fix my scanner. So, I collected that resource, and then... nothing. There was no further information as to how I might apply that resource to fix my scanner.
So, I spent some further time exploring the planet, hoping for more advice or information about, well, anything. But, no. Then, after a while, I died.

[Dirak2012]

You mention "sandbox mode" are you playing in creative mode? If that's the case, then you will be completely aimless. You have to play normal mode to get the tutorials and such. Creative mode is just to mess around.

[Däguas]

If you aim at something say a planet or space station it should display the distance away from you. Aim, hold space bar until pulse engine engages, (don't press 'S' key) and wait til you get there. If you have the Pulse Engine properly engaged you shouldn't be able to navigate by mouse.

[NMSPlayer]

Have you considered watching a NMS tutorial on Youtube? GameMode has a great series.

[CrazyBlend]

Originally posted by Dirak2012:

You mention "sandbox mode" are you laying in creative mode?

Yes, that's what I meant. Sorry for the incorrect terminology.

Originally posted by Dirak2012:

You have to play normal mode to get the tutorials and such.

The intended point of my previous post is that the alleged tutorials are essentially nonexistent. After you complete the very first step of the very first task, there is no further guidance.

Originally posted by NMSPlayer:

Have you considered watching a NMS tutorial on Youtube?

Yes, I'll do that. Thanks for the tip. Though I think it's weird that a game that's been out for two years doesn't provide any explanation of how to play it.

[Dirak2012]

The tutorial in normal mode are focused on recharging your shields, fixing your scanners, find and repair your ship, then it tells you how to get your hypedrive and make fuel for it.
Since in creative mode you don't need to fix or recharge anything, there is no need for the tutorials.

[CrazyBlend]

Well, I guess the second time's the charm. I tried normal mode again, and, this time, the tutorial continued beyond the initial step of merely telling me to collect ferrite dust.

[DarkEternal]

If you can't remember or for some reason don't see the mission objectives when they pop up on your screen, you can press 'P' to open your mission screen and see the objectives at will or even change your active mission. Tutorial missions are listed in the same screen as regular missions.

[DarkEternal]

Also, this will help immensely:

https://nomanssky.gamepedia.com/No_Man%27s_Sky_Wiki

https://www.reddit.com/r/NoMansSkyTheGame/

Good luck out there, Traveller!

[CrazyBlend]

Thank you all for your assistance and encouragement! I suspect that, once I get past the learning curve, NMS will become my newest obsession. :)