Hello Games brings full No Man’s Sky to iOS devices on October 28

Key points

• No Man’s Sky launches on iOS and iPadOS on October 28, 2026, with preorders available starting October 12.
• The mobile version is a full port of the game, including the recent Cosmos update and 2025’s Voyagers expansion, rather than a stripped-down 'lite' version.
• Multiplayer and planetary settlements are excluded at launch, mirroring the initial Nintendo Switch release, though Hello Games plans to add them later based on player feedback.
• The game requires only 5GB of storage and is compatible with the iPhone 11 and third-generation iPad Air or newer.
• The full game costs $19.99, though it is available to try for free at launch; the port features new touch controls, controller support, and screen casting capabilities.

Background

No Man’s Sky has been a long-running title since its 2016 debut, expanding to Mac in 2023 and various consoles. Hello Games previously discussed the potential for mobile support during the 2023 Mac launch, noting the technical challenges of adapting the game for smaller screens and battery life. This release coincides with Apple’s App Store Indie Games Week, which also highlights other titles like Sifu and Vampire Crawlers.

How outlets are covering it

The Verge emphasizes the technical achievement of fitting the full game into a 5GB download and the studio’s focus on battery life and thermodynamics. AppleInsider highlights the development journey, noting that the move to Apple’s Metal API and Vulkan enabled the port, and confirms the $19.99 price tag. Engadget frames the release within the broader context of Apple’s Indie Games Week, comparing the No Man’s Sky port to other indie titles like Sifu and Dome Keeper that are also launching or highlighted during the event.

Why it matters

This release marks a significant milestone for mobile gaming, demonstrating that complex, procedurally generated open-world games can run on mobile hardware without being significantly cut down. It also highlights Hello Games’ commitment to long-term support for No Man’s Sky, a decade after its initial launch, and expands the game’s reach to a massive new audience.

What to watch

Hello Games plans to monitor player feedback and numbers to determine when to add multiplayer and planetary settlements to the iOS version, similar to the roadmap for the Nintendo Switch 2. The game is available to try for free at launch, with the full version priced at $19.99.