Quick Links

Since update 3.3, Expeditions have been a huge part of No Man's Sky's core gameplay. The game mode, which sees you traveling from a fixed point in the universe on a journey across space, is not only great fun but also a fantastic way to get new items and explore new landscapes.

Related
No Man's Sky: How To Find Crashed Ships
Scattered across No Man's Sky's vast universe are Crashed Ships that are just waiting to be discovered. Here is how to find them.

Despite this, they can often be quite tricky to keep track of, even more so when with a group of friends. Learning the specifics of Expedition travel and knowing which ones are currently available can help your travels improve.

Updated October 23, 2023, by Sean Murray: We've updated this guide with the latest Expeditions and more links to other helpful No Man's Sky topics.

What Are Expeditions?

No Man's Sky Explorers Standing In A Lush Green Field

Simply put - Expeditions are timed events in which you embark on galactic trips from one specific point in the galaxy to another. They encompass several challenges and achievements exclusive to each named Expedition.

The journeys can range quite dramatically in length, with some stretching across systems, whilst others are restricted to a single planet.

Each Expedition has a unique starship that you must use to complete the event. Once completed, there is a multitude of items and rewards waiting for you. Keep in mind that Expeditions are timed events, so get them done while you still can!

The event will also restrict certain mechanics for gameplay purposes. For instance, blueprints are restricted to a selected few depending on which Expedition you're participating in. This is to make sure that higher levels don't have express advantages to others.

List of Expeditions

No Man's Sky Titan Worm Spitting At Player

To get a good idea of how Expeditions vary, it's pertinent to look at past events. So far, there have been nine expeditions that have taken place since 2021. Each with its unique challenges, trials, and rewards for you to complete.

Expedition

Start Date

End Date

Journey

Description

The Pioneers

31 March 2021

16 May 2021

Sissica - Ippen Omega

The first Expedition. Involved traveling to various lost systems and completing tasks in four phases

Beachhead

17 May 2021

31 May 2021

Tibertant Alpha - Puhene VI

A crossover with Mass Effect. Must complete challenges over five phases with the SSV Normandy SR1 as a reward.

Cartographers

08 September 2021

17 October 2021

Single Planet - Gisto Major

Expeditioners must traverse the toxic world of Gisto Major where they must complete several challenges to repair their starship.

Emergence

20 October 2021

22 November 2021

Single Planet - Wasan

Focused on players completing tasks around Titan Worms and dust storms.

Exobiology

24 February 2022

04 April 2022

Ecorald - Beinus XVII

This Expedition sends Travelers across the galaxy to discover and breed new species of alien life.

The Blighted

14 April 2022

22 May 2022

Issh 77/R6 - Alph XI

In keeping with the piratical theme of The Outlaws update, Travelers follow a pirate faction called The Blight and search for its mysterious treasure.

Leviathan

25 May 2022

05 July 2022

Christole Oich - Kaok 84/O4

Trapped in a time loop, Leviathan is No Man's Sky's first roguelike Expedition. Every death resets the loop but provides Travelers with stronger upgrades.

Polestar

27 July 2022

11 September 2022

Freighter - Black hole

Take part in an interstellar cruise on Polestar by unlocking your freighter's unique technology.

Utopia

22 February 2023

04 April 2023

New Kehille - Endil D2

Rebuild an abandoned system for the Utopia Foundation with the help of other Travelers.

Singularity

8 June 2023

12 July 2023

Ahei XV - Usaling

Rebuild an artificial intelligence, discover the secrets of Harmonic Camps, and dive into the meaning of life as you complete several pilgrimages for the Autophage.

Voyagers

31 August 2023

16 October 2023

Freighter - Variable

Voyagers returns to No Man's Sky's exploration roots. You'll be tasked with discovering new creatures, landing on new planets, and determining the extremes of what life can endure in this cozy romp across the stars.

3:37
Related
No Man's Sky: Squadron Guide
Here's everything you can learn to play as part of a squadron in No Man's Sky.

Top Tips

A Player In No Man's Sky Running Into A City

Despite each Expedition being considerably different from one another, there are still some top tips to keep in mind. Most of these tips are typical gameplay decisions you would take in No Man's Sky's early game since the events begin in a very similar fashion.

However, not all are applicable, so keep your wits about yourself and everything should be fine.

The biggest help is that the events are online and thus players will leave behind bases and other notable marks to show you where to go. Take note of which bases are built where, and it will help you dictate where to go in the long run.

As well as this, always make sure you collect any rewards sent your way, no matter how minuscule. You'll often be given items, resources, blueprints, or upgrade modules as rewards for completing milestones, so always cash in each milestone as it is completed.

It's also worth buying the hyperdrive upgrade as soon as possible as most Expeditions will require some traveling. Most systems you travel to will come with a space station nearby, so keep an eye out. While you're there, be sure to grab any side missions available to buff your stats in preparation for the phases ahead.

How To Find The Current Expedition

No Man's Sky Leviathan Expedition

Expeditions are limited-time game modes. They're typically only available for six weeks, with the Expedition no longer being available after that. For this reason, it's important to know when Expeditions become available.

Expeditions will be announced on the official No Man's Sky website as well as the No Man's Sky social media channels. You can also see what Expeditions are available in-game by selecting New Game. If an Expedition is available, it will be listed under "Community Expedition."

Shortened versions of each Expedition have returned at the end of the year in case you missed it the first time around.

Currently, there are no Expeditions available. No Man's Sky does not have a set schedule for when new Expeditions start, but they historically happen every few months.

Next: No Man's Sky: How To Find Portals