No Mans Sky vs Elite Dangerous

[dmlangston]

Hello I am interested in buying NMS, but I am wondering how much different is it compared to Elite Dangerous? Both of the games seem very similar in design and mechanics. How would you guys describe it?

Thanks!

[japp_02]

Get prepared that NMS is less realistic in the game mechanics compared to ED. The main focus of NMS is general exploration of systems and planets, you need to gather and build technology and ressources to get higher assets and survive in different environments. There are different game modes, also survival and Permadeath where getting these basic ressources is more demanding and difficult. There is a storyline and an extensive mission system, but you are not forced to follow it.
Other features: You can own up to 6 starships, Base building, space battles (but very limited compared to ED), underwater exploration and building, freighters (capital ships) you can own together with frigates, full upgrade system for all your assets.
This game with its mechanics is not for everyone, some have difficulties with the UI, some find the game story hard to digest, but it's a fun experience overall I would say and certainly a good balance to see something new compared to ED.

If you get the game, also get a look at the game wiki page, it will help you tremendously at some point.
https://nomanssky.gamepedia.com/No_Man%27s_Sky_Wiki

[Dirak2012]

They are nothing alike.

If you want a more serious space flight simulator, with greater emphasis on combat, get ED.

If you want a relaxed, exploration based sandbox, with an almost infinite universe get NMS.

[Martox29a]

The two games are actually VERY different. ED is more about the advanced flight model, ship outfitting and grinding for credits and reputation. NMS is all about exploration of planets and enjoing the journey, the grind is way softer and the ships basically fly themselves (the flight model is almost non-existant).

The two games can go well together because they occupy different niches.

[Mr. Bufferlow]

I have not played ED, but NMS is mostly played on the planet surfaces...you just get there using space ships. From what I have seen of ED, it is mostly played in space.

NMS is pretty unique in SciFi games in that there is very limited combat. It is mainly focused on exploring with the addition of a lot of mini-games like base building, frigate missions, farming, mining, etc that break things up for the player.

[Captain Baldy]

In ED the ships are amazing, and the scope of the game, its vastness and detail is breath-taking. In VR the game shines but there is a serious dark side you would do well to consider. In populated space the smart commanders are paranoid for good reason about gankers.

ED is a gankers paradise lol

https://youtu.be/UBiBYgX07ZU

[Corrupt-nz]

Question about elite dangerous. Can you go into 3rd person

[BlueLightning]

Just bought NMS, seems that NMS is originally offline singleplayer survival game that added multiplayer features including dogfights, but not intended to doing so.
ED is online only space simulator that focuses on combat from the start

[japp_02]

Originally posted by BlueLightning:

ED is online only space simulator that focuses on combat from the start

Not exactly, it's true that you need to be online all the time to play ED (contrary to NMS which can be played offline), but there is a game mode in ED which is a single player experience with AI ships only.
The MP play in NMS is very limited currently, the gameplay features are mainly focused on single player, it doesn't look like in ED by far.

Then about planets: NMS clearly beats ED regarding the variety of planet surfaces and biomes, in ED the landscapes are very realistic but limited to few barren planet types only (unless they did change that which I'm not aware).
ED has orbital systems and real suns, NMS has not.

[BlueLightning]

Originally posted by japp_02:

Originally posted by BlueLightning:

ED is online only space simulator that focuses on combat from the start

Not exactly, it's true that you need to be online all the time to play ED (contrary to NMS which can be played offline), but there is a game mode in ED which is a single player experience with AI ships only.
The MP play in NMS is very limited currently, the gameplay features are mainly focused on single player, it doesn't look like in ED by far.

Then about planets: NMS clearly beats ED regarding the variety of planet surfaces and biomes, in ED the landscapes are very realistic but limited to few barren planet types only (unless they did change that which I'm not aware).
ED has orbital systems and real suns, NMS has not.

I said online only, which 100% true here. I never say it has to be played in public with other players

[InvadeD]

ED is also a grindfest that gets boring, contemplating on this game as well.

[Mr. Bufferlow]

I was tempted to buy ED at $8 US...but sounds like there is a steep learning curve. From the reviews...it is probably not my cup of tea.

[Lazarus Long]

Well, to put it simply:

NMS FTW

[HaNgMaN]

NMS seems closer to Minecraft than ED

[Mondyrocks]

Both great games in their own right.

As someone who played the original Elite, on a 48k Spectrum, back in the mid 80's Elite Dangerous captures the immense feel of that game fantastically well.

If you like grindy games, working towards an ultimate goal (like me) then you'll love it.
You can mine, discover, trade, fight, do missions. The choice is yours.
It also looks fantastic.

NMS, on the other hand, has very pleasantly surprised me.
It's a ton of fun and it's easy to lose yourself for days if you're not careful.
That's not a bad thing though.
The crafting, mining and base building is really well done and you get an immense sense of achievement when you complete missions, build your base etc.

Both fantastic games but very different in their game mechanics :)

[Mein Schweg]

simple, nms pretty walking simulator, ED grindy shiny space simulator.