The latest 3.85 patch codenamed Outlaws introduces the ability for players to create a No Man’s Sky squadron. The update also brings space pirates into the fold, along with outlaw stations, solar starships, smuggling, and improved space combat. With the added threats to space exploration, it will be important to create your own squadron from scratch so that your ship doesn’t become a heap of scrap metal.
Where to Start Building and Managing Your No Man’s Sky Squadron
To create your squadron, you need to first board your capital ship (likely a freighter) and head to the main central console in the bridge room. In the same module where you can manage your fleet, a new option to manage your squadron can be selected.
Once you do, you’ll find that you have four slots for squadron pilots that are locked. Luckily, unlocking each slot just costs a number of nanites which increases as you continue to unlock slots. The first squadron slot costs 800 nanites, the second 3,500 nanites, the third 7,500 nanites, and the last 10,000 nanites. But you only need one to start off in case you’re running low on nanites.
From there, you’ll need to head to any area that has pilots. That can be another freighter, a pirate ship, a space station, or a trading post. Speaking with a ship’s pilot will show a new option to request the lifeform to be added to your squadron.
Not every pilot is worth their salt, though, so before bringing a new wingman to your squadron, take care to look at the pilot’s stats (example above) which include but are not limited to Marksmanship, Leadership Potential, Spatial Awareness, Subtlety, Reliability, Swashbuckling, Anticipation, Acrobatics, Teamwork, and Timekeeping.
In general, try to get every stat to be at least in the green at “Above Average” or better, and the pilot’s ship itself should be as high class as possible. It may not matter what class the ship so long as the pilot’s skill is high, but ideally, you should choose pilots with S-class ships and at least Excellent (better yet, Outstanding) in two or more stat categories. A high amount of confirmed kills also helps, though it’s unclear if this stat matters in terms of overall skill.
During space combat, you can have your squadron assist you in battle. As combat can get hectic with a team of four friendly pilots, you can distinguish your wingmen from enemies by their yellow-orange trails. Outside of combat, you and your wingmen can perform aerial tricks and maneuvers together.
For more No Man’s Sky guides, check out how to start and complete Expedition 3. In other news, Cyberpunk 2077’s first expansion has received a release date window, and Bandai Namco has sparked rumors of an HD remaster for Kid Icarus or Star Fox.
