Elite Dangerous - Player COLONIZATION, Station Construction and New Ship

Summary

Elite Dangerous is set to introduce player colonization of star systems, allowing players to expand the galaxy by establishing starports and building infrastructure in unpopulated systems they discover. This major update offers players control over the economy and growth of these systems, as well as integration with Power Play 2 for expanding factions. Additionally, a new Cobra Mark 5 ship will be introduced, providing a versatile all-rounder for players. While many details are still to be revealed, this update marks a significant shift toward more player-driven content and a dynamic gameplay experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Player colonization of star systems is coming to *Elite Dangerous*, allowing for freeform expansion in the galaxy.
• 🛸 Players can colonize unpopulated systems they discover, with the potential to create their own starports and stations.
• 🚀 Once a starport is established, players can expand the system further, adding more starports, stations, and facilities.
• 🌌 Frontier has stated that players will be able to influence the economy of their colonized systems, shaping the local economy.
• ⚙️ The colonization system is described as ‘work in progress’, with more details coming in the next month.
• 🏗️ Players will be called ‘system architects’ and can design the layout of stations and facilities in their colonized systems.
• 💥 The new update could allow players to ‘daisy chain’ star systems together, creating extensive expansions or even a bridge of star systems.
• 🌍 Once a starport is built, players can decide whether to expand the existing system or claim additional systems for colonization.
• 🔍 The Cobra Mark 5 is a new medium-sized all-rounder ship, offering a new design, better visibility, and multi-crew positions.
• 💡 The update ties into the broader direction of *Elite Dangerous*, focusing on giving players more control over the galaxy’s narrative and economy.
• 🔄 There are possible interactions with Power Play 2, where players can colonize new systems and bring factions into them.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the upcoming update for *Elite Dangerous*?

The main focus is the introduction of player colonization of star systems, allowing players to expand into unpopulated systems, construct new starports, and influence the economy of these systems.

How will players begin the process of colonizing a star system?

Players will start by discovering a suitable, unpopulated star system. Once a system is selected, they can construct a starport, which will serve as the anchor and origin point for further expansion in the system.

What are the key features of the system colonization process?

Players will be able to place additional starports, facilities, settlements, and stations within the colonized system. They will also have control over the economy and services in these systems.

Will players be able to colonize multiple star systems at once?

Yes, players can expand into multiple systems, but they need to complete the primary starport in one system before they can begin colonizing another system. The process could involve linking systems together to form a larger network.

What is meant by 'daisy-chaining' star systems?

'Daisy-chaining' refers to the process of connecting multiple star systems together, potentially reaching vast distances across the galaxy, forming a bridge similar to the Colonia region.

Is there any distance restriction on colonization?

Yes, there are expected distance restrictions for colonizing systems outside the main bubble, but the exact limitations are not yet detailed. Frontier plans to clarify these details later.

How will the Power Play 2 update interact with the colonization system?

Power Play 2 will allow players to expand their faction's territory into newly colonized star systems. Players can push factions and powers into these systems once they have reached a certain level of development.

What does Frontier mean by 'value' in the context of colonized star systems?

The 'value' of a system refers to how it is developed and what influence players have over it. This could include its economic worth or its significance within the Power Play system, though more details will be provided later.

What is the Cobra Mark 5 and what makes it unique?

The Cobra Mark 5 is a new medium-sized ship in *Elite Dangerous*. It has a distinctive design compared to previous Cobra variants and features a new three-person cockpit, providing better visibility and multi-crew capabilities.

What type of gameplay is the Cobra Mark 5 designed for?

The Cobra Mark 5 is designed as an all-rounder ship, suitable for various types of gameplay. It is not specialized for any specific activity but is expected to perform well in many different scenarios, providing versatility.