No Man’s Sky Update “Relics” Turns You into a Space Paleontologist Collecting Alien Fossils

If your dream has ever been to dive into No Man’s Sky and live the life of a dinosaur enthusiast who somehow manages to date Jennifer Aniston, today, that dream’s a step closer. The dev team at Hello Games has just launched the Relics update, featuring a novel twist: you can now collect fascinating alien fossils.

Following the big update in January, which welcomed a staggering number of new stars and planets including massive gas giants and quirky flying squids, the game is now all set for a paleontological adventure. This previous update shook things up by introducing an abundance of cosmic wonders waiting to be explored.

In a recent blog post and accompanying video, Hello Games details the Relics update. The highlight? Space paleontology. Yes, the kind of thing Ross Geller from Friends dabbles in—minus the mopey demeanor and comedic mishaps involving sandwiches.

Players can now channel their inner David Schwimmer as they scout the galaxy in search of “hundreds of unique bones” to piece together in their virtual museums. Whether you decide to have a bit of fun with the anatomy and try to fashion a new backstory for these extinct beings is up to you. Although claiming they’re a race of odor-challenged Fartongueians might be a stretch, it does add some humor to the expedition.

Hold that thought, though. The update introduces Reanimated Guardians—formidable stone creatures that awaken near fossil sites to protect them from eager explorers. Contrary to my humorous assumption, these guardians seem more like impressive stone robots than creatures with misplaced anatomy. Joining them are Living Stone Sentries and Colossal Stone Effigies, ancient figures that stand sentinel over relic worlds.

While scouring for bones, you may also stumble across some lively fossils. Titanic Boneworms and “skeletal fauna” inhabit certain planets and purple star systems. Moreover, you can engage with Fossil Collectors at Space Stations, where you can sell your fossil finds or trade them for a variety of other curious bones. There’s even the option to whip up some culinary creations using these relics.

Moreover, the update invites you to participate in a new expedition, courtesy of the Galactic Paleontology Society. Embark on this adventure to earn a jetpack made from sentient rock and modify your character’s appearance to resemble that of a living stone. Plus, you could gain a skeletal animal companion.

Ever fantasized about being a space-faring Ross? We’d love to hear your thoughts and adventures in the comments below!