As a space exploration game, No Man’s Sky offers endless opportunities for players to discover and claim new planets and resources. But with so many options available, it can be challenging to figure out how to make enough money to fund your expeditions. Here are some of the best ways to make money in No Man’s Sky in 2018.

1. Trading

Trading is one of the most straightforward ways to earn money in No Man’s Sky. It can take a bit of time and investment to start, but if done correctly, it can be very lucrative. The idea behind trading is simple: buy low, sell high. You need to identify which products are in demand in a particular system and then go to another system where that product is sold for a lower price. You can then purchase that product and return to the first system to sell it at a higher price. Keep an eye on the market reports to make informed decisions when trading.

2. Finding and selling valuable resources

No Man’s Sky is home to an array of valuable resources, such as gold, emeril, and iridium. You can mine these resources using your multi-tool, and then sell them at space stations or trading posts. The key here is to find the most valuable resources, which will vary depending on the planet you’re on. Don’t overlook seemingly insignificant resources like copper or nickel; they can also be quite profitable.

3. Completing missions

Completing missions is another way to earn money in No Man’s Sky. Missions can be acquired from mission boards in space stations or by interacting with NPCs. There are various types of missions, ranging from simple courier tasks to more complex combat missions. Completing missions not only provides you with money but also reputation points, which can open up new and more lucrative missions in the future.

4. Farming

Farming is an excellent way to generate consistent income, but it requires a bit of setup. You’ll need to acquire a base and craft a biodome or hydroponic tray to grow crops. There are many guides online that can help you understand how to set up a profitable farm. Once set up, you can harvest your crops and sell them for money. Some of the most profitable crops include Frostwort, Echinocactus, and Mordite Root.

5. Salvaging

Salvaging is another way to make money in No Man’s Sky. It involves locating crashed ships, abandoned buildings, or freighters and scrapping them for parts. The items you salvage can be sold for a decent amount of money, but it’s important to note that once you scrap a ship, you won’t be able to get it back. Salvaging also carries a risk; you may encounter hostile creatures or sentinels while exploring abandoned structures.

6. Hunting pirates

If you’re looking for a bit of excitement and action, hunting pirates can be an excellent way to earn money in No Man’s Sky. When engaged in space combat, some NPCs may drop valuable items that can be sold for a decent amount of money. Additionally, taking down wanted ships can net you a nice bounty payment. Keep in mind that hunting pirates can be dangerous, and you’ll need to have a well-equipped ship to take on tougher foes.

7. Trading with other players

Finally, trading with other players can be a great way to make money in No Man’s Sky. This approach generally requires a bit of networking, but by selling rare resources or valuable ships to other players, you can make a significant profit.

In conclusion, there are various ways to earn money in No Man’s Sky, each with its own pros and cons. Finding the right approach for you may take some experimentation, but by being persistent and strategic, you can easily generate enough income to fund your space exploration dreams.