: It intercepts calls intended for official servers (like Steamworks or GOG Galaxy) and redirects them to third-party emulators or "spacewar" IDs.
The phrase typically refers to a specific pirated version of the game that includes a crack or "fix" to enable online multiplayer functionality on unofficial copies.
: Because No Man's Sky receives frequent updates (v3.85 being part of the Outlaws era), these fixes are highly version-specific. A mismatch between the fix and the game files usually results in immediate crashes. The Context of Version 3.85
: It tricks the game into believing it has a valid license, allowing the user to access the "Anomaly" and other multiplayer hubs.