No Man's Sky Coming to iPhone and iPad This Month
Hello Games is bringing its sprawling sci-fi exploration game to Apple's mobile platforms, supported by a slate of other indie titles debuting on iOS.
Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer
No Man's Sky Arrives on iOS
Apple has kicked off a major event on the App Store to celebrate Indie Games Week, bringing several notable titles to iPhones and iPads. Among the biggest announcements is the upcoming arrival of Hello Games' expansive space exploration and survival adventure, which is available for pre-order starting today.
According to studio co-founder Sean Murray, the mobile release is a fully featured version rather than a stripped-down edition. The port includes all the updates introduced since the game initially launched a decade ago, though it shares initial platform restrictions similar to past console rollouts.
Performance and Compatibility
The development team managed to pack the massive universe into a download size of less than 5GB. Hello Games optimized the title to run on hardware dating back to the iPhone 11 and the third-generation iPad Air, ensuring a wide reach among mobile users.
Players can experience the game using newly rebuilt touch controls, TV casting, or traditional controller inputs. iPad users also gain full support for mouse and keyboard peripherals. Hello Games previously expanded its reach across hardware ecosystems when it brought No Man's Sky to Mac, and the studio plans to monitor player feedback and adoption numbers on mobile moving forward.
Launch Details and Limitations
When No Man's Sky launches on iPhone and iPad on October 28, it will be free to try. Much like the original Nintendo Switch port, certain features will be omitted at the outset, specifically multiplayer functionality and planetary settlements.
Hello Games noted that these features were eventually integrated into other platforms over time, such as the later Nintendo Switch port updates, indicating that mobile support will evolve based on community response.
App Store Indie Games Week Lineup
Alongside No Man's Sky, Apple is highlighting several other acclaimed independent games making their way to iOS devices. Sloclap's challenging revenge action game Sifu is among the prominent releases, featuring a reworked camera system and customized touch controls designed for fast-paced combat.
Other titles heading to the platform include Vampire Crawlers, a strategic card-based take on survival mechanics, and Dome Keeper, a roguelite blending mining operations with tower defense elements. Additional highlights curated for Indie Games Week feature Yes, Your Grace 2: Snowfall, 9 Kings, and Little Kitty, Big City.
Apple Celebrates Creative Risks
Carson Oliver, Apple's head of App Store Worldwide, praised the developers participating in the showcase for pushing the boundaries of interactive design. Apple's promotion underscores the platform's commitment to providing a global stage for both solo creators and independent studios.
Sources
- EngadgetNo Man's Sky is coming to iPhone and iPad as the App Store celebrates Indie Games Week
- The VergeNo Man’s Sky is coming to the iPhone and iPad
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