No Man’s Sky Aquarius Update adds a deep fishing system to the game at last

Developer Hello Games has finally added fishing to No Man’s Sky in its Aquarius Update. The update was, as is tradition, launched after a couple of days of emoji teasers on September 4, 2024. This is a feature fans have longed for in the game for years, and we’re all so incredibly happy it’s here at last.

The No Man’s Sky Aquarius Update adds a complex fishing system that’s linked to every other mechanic in the game. While you could just kick back and relax on a random world and fish, provided there’s some water there, you can also engage with a few new systems to make it even more enjoyable. As listed in the update’s patch notes, there are new structures to craft, a fishing log to fill, and even an entire fishing Expedition. It’s the last one that I’m most excited about.

Fish around the galaxy

The Aquarius Update for No Man’s Sky takes everything you need for a good fishing game and adds it in. There’s a wide range of fish to catch, just like in Dredge or Warframe. You’ll nab them with a rod and bait, though you might need something quite enticing for the rarer alien aquatics.

The Exo Skiff is a new Exocraft that lets you get out onto the water and have a place to relax while you wait for something to bite. Every catch adds to your records, which you can work to complete over time. The patch notes insist there are tiny fish but also massive ones to catch. Given what big aliens are in No Man’s Sky, I think you’ll need a fairly decent Exo Skiff to hold them.

Once you’ve caught fish, you can use them for new recipes to cook up something tasty. Of course, what will likely be the highlight of this update is Expedition 15. It lasts for six weeks, is centered around fishing, and allows you to earn some fishy-looking posters and a jetpack that wouldn’t look out of place in Atlantis.

The last update for No Man’s Sky, Worlds Part 1, was a huge overhaul to building systems and many other aspects of the game. Aquarius is much more focused on adding new activities to participate in. The great thing about fishing is that it’s relaxing. At least, I think it is.

Fishing fits No Man’s Sky‘s vibe really well. Players can pick their own endgame, whether that’s building a huge base, completing quests, or just exploring. Fishing is a new pursuit that it’s possible to complete thanks to the new log, and I hope Hello Games continues to nurture it over time.