No Man's Sky takes you across the universe on a journey that is as incredible as it is daunting. There are many uncharted worlds to be discovered using the massive galactic map, each bringing its own sense of wonder and dread. However, not all planets feature the right conditions to make a home base, with some lacking the basic resources or even gravity required to accomplish such a task.
Generally, exploring planets in No Man's Sky is like searching through a mixed bag, with many planets rife with minerals and plant life but also containing deadly storms and harsh conditions. Overall, when it comes to finding a home planet among the endless sea of stars, the choices range from livable to downright deadly.
Updated April 20, 2023, by John Wildermuth: With a constant stream of free development updates, Hello Games has treated players to fresh content since the original release of No Man's Sky. These content updates include new planet types and unique resources and spaceships for you to collect. While every planet in No Man's Sky's vast universe is completely different, specific planet types are still more suitable for base building and inhabitation.
10 Dissident
Dissident Planets are quite unique in the Universe of No Man's Sky, as they are corrupted versions of already existing planet types you can find across the universe. On these worlds, the mechanical sentinel forces have been corrupted by a strange virus, turning them a deep purple and sprouting strange crystals across the planet.
If you are interested in searching for crashed Sentinel Interceptors, building a quick base on one of these worlds will ensure you obtain these robotic upgrades. Furthermore, since the sentinel forces on the planet are corrupted, they will generally leave you alone whenever you come in contact.
9 Volcanic
Volcanic Planets are fiery monstrosities, typically covered in the dark ashes that spew out of the various volcanoes found on the surface of these worlds. Unlike the volcanic activity we are familiar with on Earth, these planets are filled with constant eruptions, meaning you seriously need to watch your step while exploring.
While raining magma may be quite a large hazard, the bleak atmosphere can inspire some seriously bewitching bases. If you are looking for a planet to construct an evil outpost or futuristic castle, then keep on the lookout for these lava-filled planets.
8 Marsh
Unlike the inhospitable toxic environments found throughout the game, the Marsh Planet offers similar flora and fauna without consistent toxic damage. Typically, toxic landscapes offer valuable resources like uranium but constantly damage your hazard suit until you succumb to the harsh weather.
Luckily, finding a Marsh Planet means you can enjoy the psychedelic landscapes of these worlds without suffering any negative consequences from the environment. Furthermore, building a base during the night on these worlds means that some of the flora will light up with beautiful bioluminescence, adding decoration to any of your bases.
7 Frozen
For those wanting to live in a winter wonderland, Frozen Planets have plenty of snow, ice, and freezing weather to go around. The extreme temperatures of these planets can be strenuous on hazard suits, making these planets potentially dangerous if you do not have the materials to survive. Crucially, though, unlike some other hazardous planets that are toxic on arrival, Frozen planets aren’t nearly as inherently deadly.
Those well-equipped to endure the cold can find their fortune in harvesting valuable Storm Crystals in the aftermath of intense snowstorms. During the calm, you can search for other valuable resources and plant life to scan. While Frozen planets aren’t the safest ones to inhabit, they offer scenic vistas that complement your bases.
6 Barren
Barren worlds may not look like the best places to call home, but they can be one of the safer variety of planets to put down roots on. As is always the case with deserts in video games, they tend to run very hot indeed, so players will need to be mindful of their hazard suits during intense heat storms. These Barren Planets are also home to valuable resources like Cactus Flesh and Sticky Honey.
While these worlds are hospitable, the landscape isn’t as appealing, and flora and fauna found here can leave much to be desired. For those looking for something that brings out the natural beauty of the game's presentation and aren't afraid to take a bit of a risk, a trip to one of the Barren worlds might be in order.
5 Water World
At first glance, you may think that an entire world made up of an ocean may be the worst place to build your home base. Luckily, similar to games like Subnautica, No Man's Sky offers the ability to build an underwater fortress.
Typically, these Water Worlds have very small islands where you can land your ship, allowing you to freely exit and begin constructing anything you would like. Furthermore, building the Nautilon exocraft will allow you to traverse the bottom of the ocean with ease, so you can scout out the perfect place to construct your base under the sea.
4 Dead Planet
While a Dead Planet may not seem like the most hospitable place to call home, some of these void-like landscapes can be drop-dead gorgeous. Since a Dead Planet has no atmosphere, there will be no flora or fauna spawning on these planets and no hazardous storms to fight off.
Interestingly, some Dead Planets have unique filters that change how the game presents itself, shifting the colors of your spaceship, multitool, and freighter. Ultimately, a Dead Planet is such a great place to build your home base since it offers no hostile threats or sentinels, allowing you to freely live and explore in comfortable solace.
3 Exotic
Exotic planets can be among the most varied in No Man’s Sky, and because they are not hazardous to roam compared to other planets, these curious places are a great choice for a home base. These planets are defined by their unpredictability, with their weather, resources, and wildlife being unique from case to case. If you believe that variety truly is the spice of life, then these planets are ideal for the intrepid explorer inside you.
An abundance of gold can be found on these unique-looking planets, and some of them boast unusual terrain and creatures that won’t be seen elsewhere. Despite the seemingly random nature of Exotic planets, they are habitable and can make for some interesting experiences while exploring.
2 Lush
Of all the planet types to live on in No Man’s Sky, a Lush Planet is arguably one of the most sought-after places to build a base. Lush planets possess no environmental hazards or need special equipment, and they often have a reliable amount of resources such as Nitrogen, Paraffinium, Star Bulbs, and plenty of water.
With their Earth-like features spawning plenty of animals across their surfaces, not to mention these planets typically lack environmental hazards found on other planets, Lush planets are easily among the overall best ones in the game to call home. As evident from their name, these planets can also have some legitimately beautiful landscapes worth a screenshot. In addition, they serve as the perfect backdrop for a meet-up with other players.
1 Paradise Planet
As an offshoot of the Lush Planet, Paradise Planets are incredibly similar to Lush worlds but offer conditions that are always perfect. While some Lush Planets may contain the occasional super-heated rainstorm or hazardous winds, Paradise Planets will never spawn dangerous weather, ensuring that you will never have to worry about the condition of your hazard suit.
Furthermore, since these planets are incredibly similar to Earth, many players chose to build their bases across these scenic vistas. If you are looking for companionship across this ever-expanding universe, settle down on a Paradise Planet with other players to form the perfect sense of community.