I started playing both Star Citizen and No Man's Sky in 2016. In the 8 years since then, I only put a dozen hours into NMS and hundreds into SC. But with the new Planets update for NMS, the hours are increasing. Lots of QoL updates and better graphics along with new planet options. So, with my interests swinging, I wanted to compare and contrast the two games and get your feedback. There are a lot of similarities despite the more simplistic look and feel of NMS. Similarities: Both are Sci-Fi space sims that have a wide array of pilot controlled ships. Both are multiplayer. (NMS has singleplayer option.) Both allow players to land on planets for on foot gameplay and exploration. Both have multiple gameplay loops; combat (space & ground), exploration, trading, mining, salvaging and piracy. Both have reputation systems. Both have limited time items that can only be gained in-game. Both have procedural planet generation. (SC's landing areas are curated while NMS' are not.) Both have ground vehicles to aid in exploration and combat. There are probably more that I am missing. Differences: Star Citizen: Greater graphical fidelity. Greater range of ship sizes and specialized ships. Detailed ship interiors. City landing zones. Much more detailed/complex controls. FPS weapons and armor variations. Medical gameplay. Detailed flight model. Physicalized items and inventory. Crime and Punishment system. And many others that I am forgetting. Base game package is $45 USD. No Man's Sky: More accessible graphics. (Nintendo Switch can run it) Available on PC, Xbox, Playstation, and Switch with full cross-play. Huge number of systems and planets. Has a main storyline that doubles as the tutorial. Modular base building. Shared base inventories. Crafting. Teleporters for instant travel between all space stations and bases. Ship building/customization. Modular multi-tool does everything. Terrain manipulation. Has native VR support. And many others I'm forgetting. The price ranges from $30 to $60 USD depending on platform but does go on sale often. The goal of this post was to spark a discussion around both games. I don't see them in a competitive sense. I want SC to take inspiration from some some of the development in NMS and I would love to see some development ideas in SC in NMS. My question to you SC players who also play NMS; What systems in do you think could improve SC? Or do you think SC and NMS are incompatible and shouldn't be compared?