Developer Hello Games has just dropped a massive update to its space epic called No Man’s Sky Origins. And no, we're not using the word 'massive' liberally. New planets, weather systems that include lightning storms and detailed cloud systems, giant space worms, volcanic regions, new creatures, new fauna, binary and ternary stars, giant alien structures and buildings, and a revamped UI.

Yeah, massive.



"For the first time we are breathing new life and variety into that universe in a significant way, adding new worlds to explore, new planets never before seen, new life to discover," said Sean Murray, Hello Games co-founder as part of the announcement. "At No Man’s Sky’s core, beats the heart of an experience which has never really lost its main existential purpose: a voyage of discovery, of exploration. For all the updates, the universe we have all been exploring together has largely remained untouched. It is only fitting therefore that, for our major update of the year, and in the lineage of the larger annual updates of ATLAS RISES (2017), NEXT (2018) and BEYOND, we return to that core principle."

Since its debut No Man's Sky has seen a raft of impressive updates and additions that have brought things like multiplayer, creativity, and new challenges to the table. This definitely feels like the next major step for the game.

No Man’s Sky Origins is labelled Version 3.0, here's a breakdown of what's included.

NEW PLANETS
Existing solar systems have birthed new planets, creating millions of untouched new worlds to explore.

BINARY AND TERNARY STARS
Some rare systems are now home to multiple stars, creating stunning new patterns in the sky.

DRAMATIC LANDSCAPES
These new worlds have vast, sweeping terrain. Their mountains and vistas are on a colossal new scale, giving shape to more dramatic, awe-inspiring scenery than ever before. Whilst flora, fauna and atmospheric conditions have changed throughout the universe, existing worlds will retain their old character, allowing player bases to remain undisturbed.

USER INTERFACE REFRESH
Interface and menus have been totally overhauled with new colours and styles, for a fresh new aesthetic.

RICHER DIVERSITY
New life has been breathed into every planet in the universe. A huge range of never-before seen planetary flora and curiosities have been poured into the galaxy. Countless strange new combinations are out there, awaiting discovery…

ALIEN FAUNA
Discover strange new species of fauna. This alien wildlife can be encountered roaming the terrain, rolling along it, or even burrowing through it – and all may be harvested for edible produce.

CLOUD AND WEATHER VARIETY
Cloud rendering quality has been significantly improved, and the range of cloud cover has been expanded, creating more variety between clear skies and overcast planets. Cloud coverage and colour now varies over time, and the clouds seen from space now match the current atmospheric conditions of the planet below.

MARSHES
A number of fertile worlds have formed swamps and marshes, thick with mist and luminous fungal growths.

INCREASED COLOUR VARIETY
The palette of colours for planetary generation has been increased, creating more possible variations than ever before.

IMPROVED TELEPORTERS
The teleporter interface has been improved. The UI is now consistent with the Space Anomaly teleporter, and now offers more information available about the target planet or system prior to warp.

PHOTO MODE
Photo mode has been revamped, with new filters and increased control over clouds, fog, vignettes and depth of field.

COLOSSAL ARCHIVE BUILDINGS
Enormous buildings have risen on planetary horizons, creating new hubs of alien life. These huge vaults are repositories of data, treasure, and directions to long-forgotten ruins.

HISTORICAL STORIES
Visit the colossal archive buildings to uncover new cultural and literary histories, hidden away by ancient alien civilisations.

INFESTATIONS
A number of planets have become infested with anomalous lifeforms and vegetative growths. Take extreme caution while exploring such planets.

NEW LIGHTING CONDITIONS
The range of atmospheric illumination has been broadened, generating more unique combinations of lighting conditions on planets.

ANOMALOUS BUILDINGS
Abandoned and ancient settlements can be discovered on dead or anomalous planets, increasing the range of planets available for missions and exploration.

VOLCANOES
Tectonic disruption has stimulated the molten cores of some planets, giving rise to active volcanic mountains.

FIRESTORMS
Storms on extreme temperature worlds now sometimes ignite fire on the planet’s surface.

STORM GAMEPLAY EFFECTS
Advancements in Exosuit and Multi-Tool technology enable beneficial effects from storms. Blizzards allow you to mine for longer with a cooled Mining Beam; sprint further in toxic storms with assistance from Exosuit gas processing technology; benefit from increased jetpack efficiency in superheated atmospheres; and mine additional substances during times of high radioactivity.

NEW ITEMS AND CRAFTING
Crafting has been streamlined, with a number of rarely-used items trimmed to reduce inventory clutter. Other frequently used items have had their inventory stack size increased.

Impressive stuff -- head here for more detail. No Man’s Sky Origins is available now on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC (including VR).