With their much-improved space exploration game No Man’s Sky under their belt, developer Hello Games has set its sights on a new ambitious project – the expansive multiplayer survival RPG Light No Fire.
Set on a procedurally-generated fantasy planet sized 1:1 to Earth, it presents endless possibilities for adventure and creation. However, after the rocky launch of No Man’s Sky, skepticism remains on whether the small studio can deliver on such an epic vision.
Who’s Making Light No Fire?
Leading Light No Fire’s development is Hello Games, the ambitious indie studio behind No Man’s Sky. Originally composed of just 4 people, the team has since expanded after the runaway success of No Man’s Sky – despite its infamously troubled release.
After years of expansive updates, they’ve taken the game from flop to masterpiece, redeeming themselves in fans’ eyes. Still, the grand scope of Light No Fire evokes some wariness; can Hello Games fulfill their promises this time?
Check out the announcement trailer for Light No Fire below.
Just as an aside, what a fantastic use of “Hunger Of The Pine” by alt-J in the Light No Fire trailer – definitely gives the game a certain quirky atmosphere.
Surviving a Fantastical Planet
Light No Fire gameplay intends to blend survival, crafting, and RPG features as players traverse its sprawling world.
Resources must be collected to craft weapons, structures, and more while battling AI enemies and environmental hazards.
An RPG progression system allows abilities and attributes to be customized as well. Most compelling is the ability to freely manipulate the planet itself – altering weather patterns, terraforming land, seeding flora and fauna. Everything combines for an experience beholden entirely to player agency.
Light No Fire Expansive Features
Some key features that showcase the game’s impressive scale:
A Planet-Sized Open World
The chief selling point of Light No Fire is its re-creation of Earth at a 1:1 scale – oceans, biomes and all. It promises endless frontiers to explore and build upon.
Persistent Online Play
A shared, persistent world allows players to form permanent civilizations with others globally. Structures, environments and creations exist in one unifying universe.
Survive Together…and Against Each Other
Band together against environmental threats or wage war on opposing player factions. The world can be shaped through cooperation or conquest.
Diverse Fantasy Wildlife
From rideable dragons to mystical sea creatures, unique fantasy beasts populate the world offering aid, danger or transport.
Light No Fire Release Date
While Hello Games continues development, estimates peg a release window from late 2024 to 2025. As one of gaming’s most ambitious undertakings, fans likely won’t mind waiting to see this grand vision fully realized.
Coming to PC…For Now
A Steam release on PC has been confirmed so far. But with the scope and hype behind it, console releases seem imminent. Leading candidates include PS5, Xbox Series X/S and possibly even the rumored Nintendo Switch 2.
If Hello Games can deliver on the proposed features, Light No Fire could become a legendary evolution of sandbox and survival genres. But the studio isn’t free of its past overpromising. As audacious as the concept sounds, retaining a degree of skepticism may be wise until launch day reviews confirm all is as advertised. Still, such unbridled ambition deserves a chance to ignite stunning new virtual frontiers.
