No Man’s Sky Xeno Arena update adds creature collecting and battles similar to Pokémon

No Man’s Sky introduces creature collecting, training and battles in upcoming Xeno Arena update

No Man’s Sky is set to introduce a new gameplay system centred on creature collection, training and battles, as part of its upcoming Xeno Arena update.

Developed by Hello Games, the update expands the game’s existing universe by allowing players to adopt creatures found across different planets. These lifeforms can then be assembled into teams and used in turn-based battles against other players.

According to the official announcement, each creature will feature a unique set of abilities influenced by its species and the environment it originates from.

For example, creatures discovered on hotter planets may possess heat-based attacks. The system is designed to include hundreds of possible abilities, creating variation in team composition and strategy.

Players will also be able to train their creatures over time, improving their performance through battles and unlocking genetic mutations that enhance their capabilities.

The update will include non-player opponents referred to as “alien trainers”, alongside rewards such as medals for progression.

The new features have drawn comparisons from players to Pokémon, due to similarities in collecting and battling mechanics. 

The official account for Palworld also responded to the announcement, posting, “Hear me out a sec…”, which led to speculation among players about a possible collaboration, although no such plans have been confirmed.

The Xeno Arena update does not currently have a confirmed release date. As with previous updates, it is expected to be made available free of charge to existing players.