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'''System Colonisation''' lets you claim and develop billions of [[Star system|star systems]] with free-form expansion in the [[galaxy]].<ref name=":1">[https://www.elitedangerous.com/en-US/news/system-colonisation-guide System Colonisation Guide] - Elite Dangerous News - 28 Feburary 2025</ref> You become the [[System Architect]] when the initial colonisation stages are complete. This allows you to manage colonial development. It's an open process that can be performed by a solo [[commander]], [[Squadrons|squadron]] or [[Player Minor Faction|faction]].<ref name=":18">[https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=960279442800789 System Colonisation] - Elite Dangerous, Facebook Page - 30 October 2024</ref>
'''System Colonisation''' lets you claim and develop billions of [[Star system|star systems]] with free-form expansion in the [[galaxy]].<ref name=":1">[https://www.elitedangerous.com/en-US/news/system-colonisation-guide System Colonisation Guide] - Elite Dangerous News - 28 Feburary 2025</ref> You become the [[System Architect]] when the initial colonisation stages are complete. This allows you to manage colonial development. It's an open process that can be performed by a solo [[commander]], [[Squadrons|squadron]] or [[Player Minor Faction|faction]].<ref name=":18">[https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=960279442800789 System Colonisation] - Elite Dangerous, Facebook Page - 30 October 2024</ref>


Colonisation has rapidly increased the number of [[human]] inhabited [[Star Systems|systems]] from the [[Core Systems|The Bubble]] across the [[Inner Orion Spur]].<ref name=":18" /> There is an ongoing effort to colonize the [[Colonia Region]]. The playable beta version launched on 26 February 2025,<ref name=":7" /> and exited beta to full release on 11 November 2025.<ref name=":14" /> By February 2026: 101,862 systems have been colonized, with 175,973 surface facilities, and 307,014 space facilities.<ref name=":17" />
Colonisation has rapidly increased the number of [[human]] inhabited [[Star Systems|systems]] from the [[Core Systems|The Bubble]] across the [[Inner Orion Spur]].<ref name=":18" /> There is an ongoing effort to colonize the [[Colonia Region]]. The playable beta version launched on 26 February 2025,<ref name=":7" /> and exited beta to full release on 11 November 2025.<ref name=":14">[https://www.elitedangerous.com/update-notes/4-2-2-0 Elite Dangerous: Dodec Update v4.2.2.0] - Elite: Dangerous website - 11 November 2025</ref> By February 2026: 101,862 systems have been colonized, with 175,973 surface facilities, and 307,014 space facilities.<ref name=":17">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf2wuh_09eo Elite Dangerous | Developer Log - 16 February 2026] - YouTube</ref>


== Colonisation history ==
== Colonisation history ==
[[File:System Colonisation Map Jan 2026 ED.jpg|thumb|System Colonisation Map Jan 2026 ED]]Technical lead of [[Frontier Developments|Frontier]] Roger Bennett said on 16 Feb 2026: [[Human|Humanity]] survived the devastating [[Second Thargoid War]] that struck the core of [[Core Systems|the Bubble]].<ref name=":17">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf2wuh_09eo Elite Dangerous | Developer Log - 16 February 2026] - YouTube</ref> The natural narrative consquence of that is that humanity stretches out into the stars and try to gain new footholds and territories to make humanity more robust than ever.<ref name=":17" />


[[Frontier Developments|Fdev]] puts the fate of the galaxy in the hands of the players.<ref name=":17" /> This is a non-authored, non scripted update.<ref name=":17" /> It's all about player agency, giving a certain selection of tools and players go out and make the galaxy their own.<ref name=":17" />
=== Precursor ===
Long before the player-led system colonization was the migration to [[Jaques Station]] in the [[Colonia Region]] in 3302 (2016). This set the precedent for distant hub-building. The [[Colonia Council]] was founded on 9 Sep 3302. It later ran expansion initiatives to settle surrounding systems and establish remote human hubs outside the [[Core Systems]].


After the uninhabited portion of the Bubble got filled in we saw expeditions head out towards the center of the galaxy and along the [[Orion-Cygnus Arm]] as people built galactic highways to their destinations of choice.<ref name=":17" /> The second part of that was small bubbles started to appear where people were building high density systems to create their own little inhabited bubble which is largely for production of resources so that they can continue their journey even further.<ref name=":17" /> On 16 Feb 2026 players made 101,862 colonised systems, 307,014 facilities built in space, and 175,973 facilities built on planet surfaces.<ref name=":17" /> This has changed the galaxy forever and made the galaxy their own.<ref name=":17" />
The [[The Dukes of Mikunn|Mercs of Mikunn]] were the first player group in ED history to have a player-built colony and station. They pioneered how systems change control, expand and collapse. Their relentless BGS manipulation was rewarded by Fdev with a [[Community Goals|Community Goal]]. This enabled them to colonize the Sefrys system and build their own starport headquarters, Mercenary's Respite in 3301 (2015).


<gallery>
In May 3303, [[Canonn Interstellar Research Group|Canonn Interestellar Research Group]] coordinated a major community goal to construct the first player-group [[megaship]]; [[The Gnosis]]. It was completed in under 3 days with rougly 35 million tonnes of goods delivered by over 9,400 commanders.
File:Elite Dangerous Colonisation Update 3312-07-23
 
File:Galactic Exploration history, Mid-2026 (Elite- Dangerous) w- music
=== Player-led colonisation ===
File:Elite Dangerous Colonisation Update 3312-08-27 - Going North
The [[Anti-Xeno Initiative]] held a central role in organizing human resistance, orchestrating system blockades, and coordinating a community-wide defense effort against the [[Thargoid|Thargoids]] during the [[Second Thargoid War]] (3303 - 3310). Technical lead of [[Frontier Developments|Frontier]] Roger Bennett said on 16 Feb 2026: ''"So, humanity had just survived a devastating war that struck to the core of the bubble. And the natural narrative consequence of that is we stretch out into the stars and try to gain new footholds and new territories to make humanity more robust than ever."''<ref name=":172">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf2wuh_09eo Elite Dangerous | Developer Log - 16 February 2026] - YouTube</ref> ''"we wanted to put the fate of the galaxy back in the hands of the players. This is a non-authored, it's a non-scripted update. It is all about player agency. It's about giving a selection of tools and letting players go out and make the galaxy their own."''<ref name=":172" />
File:Elite Dangerous Colonisation Update 3312-09-24 - Where you been?
 
</gallery>
[[Frontier Developments|Fdev]] launched a live beta for player-led system colonisation on 26 February 3311 (2025) alongside the Trailblazers update.<ref>[https://x.com/EliteDangerous/status/1894403651596124255 "The System Colonisation Beta begins February 26 with the Trailblazers update!"] - @EliteDangerous - 25 Feb 2025 - X</ref> This formalized system colonization with the ability to deploy a [[Nav Beacon|Colonisation Beacon]] and construct new orbital and planetary facilities.
 
[[Frontier Developments|Fdev]] puts the fate of the galaxy in the hands of the players.<ref name=":173">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf2wuh_09eo Elite Dangerous | Developer Log - 16 February 2026] - YouTube</ref> This is a non-authored, non scripted update.<ref name=":173" /> It's all about player agency, giving a certain selection of tools and players go out and make the galaxy their own.<ref name=":173" />
 
=== Trailblazer fleet ===
On 19 March 3311 (2025), the [[Brewer Corporation]] deployed the trailblazers fleet to strategic locations on the edge of the [[Core Systems]]. These were 'colonisation support hubs' with a bespoke trade market for colonisation materials and goods.<ref name=":92">[https://www.elitedangerous.com/news/galnet/trailblazer-fleet-deployed-support-colonisation-initiatives Trailblazer Fleet Deployed to Support Colonisation Initiatives] - Galnet - Elite Dangerous - 19 March 2025</ref>


=== Statistics ===
On 4 November 3311 the Brewer Corporation announced plans to withdraw the Trailblazer megaship fleet, citing the self-sufficiency of newly established colonies.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6908c55511a8b11bd201a0e3 Trailblazer Fleet To Be Withdrawn - 4 November 3311] - Galnet News - 4 November 2025</ref> The withdrawal was completed on 11 November 3311.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/69131dd29d7376a392048981 Trailblazer Fleet Withdrawn, Dodec Starport Revealed - 11 November 3311] - Galnet News - 11 November 2025</ref> The new [[Dodec]] starport and system colonisation launched fully with the v4.2.2.0 Dodec Update of [[Elite Dangerous: Odyssey|''ED: Odyssey'']] on 11 Nov 2025.<ref name=":142">[https://www.elitedangerous.com/update-notes/4-2-2-0 Elite Dangerous: Dodec Update v4.2.2.0] - Elite: Dangerous website - 11 November 2025</ref> Since that update the Trailblazer megaships are no longer present in the game. Their original locations are listed below for historical info.
[[Brewer Corporation]] released official figures on the initial colonisation rush on 13 March 3311 (2025):<ref name=":10">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/67d1cb963e704d1aaa0e2ef9 New Era of System Colonisation Hailed a Success] - Galnet - 13 MAR 3311</ref> 8 months after Trailblazers launched, the [[Core Systems|Bubble]] has expanded exponentially on 4 October 2025.<ref name=":11">[https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1229550565873674 Trailblazers Stats Update] - 4 Oct 2025 - Elite Dangerous Facebook Page</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" border="1"
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" border="1"
|+
|+
!Objective
!Ship Name
!13 March 3311 (2025)<ref name=":10" />
!Star System
!4 October 3311 (2025)<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":15">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6kQYtfz1sk Elite Dangerous | Developer Log - 4 November 2025] - YouTube</ref>
!16 February 3312 (2026)<ref name=":17" />
|-
|-
|System claims made
|Trailblazer Dream
|26,684
|HIP 90578
|101,531
|
|-
|-
|Systems colonised
|Trailblazer Song
|13,165
|Orgen
|75,984
|-
|101,862<ref name=":17" />
|Trailblazer Wish
|Bletii
|-
|-
|New starports and outposts built
|Trailblazer Star
|24,037
|34 Omicron Cephei
|73,825
|
|-
|-
|Surface installations established (facilities built on planet surfaces)
|Trailblazer Promise
|14,216
|Klikis
|118,703
|175,973<ref name=":17" />
|-
|-
|Units of cargo delivered to construction sites
|Trailblazer Faith
|983,599,593
|Ngobe
| 7,000,000,000+<ref name=":15" />
|
|-
|-
|Space installations completed
|Trailblazer Echo
| -
|Minerva
|203,813
|
|-
|Most popular construction
|Industrial Outpost - Vulcan - 5,970
|
|
|-
|Facilities built in space
| -
|277,638<ref name=":15" />
|307,014<ref name=":17" />
|}
|}
These are the top economies developed.<ref name=":19">[https://www.instagram.com/elitedangerous/p/DU3okECjZne elitedangerous - Instagram] - 17 Feb 2026</ref>
 
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" border="1"
=== Beyond the Bubble ===
!Economy
[[File:System Colonisation Map Jan 2026 ED.jpg|thumb|System Colonisation Map Jan 3312 (2026)]]After the uninhabited portion of the Bubble got filled in we saw expeditions head out towards the center of the galaxy and along the [[Orion-Cygnus Arm]] as people built galactic highways to their destinations of choice.<ref name=":174">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf2wuh_09eo Elite Dangerous | Developer Log - 16 February 2026] - YouTube</ref> The second part of that was small bubbles started to appear where people were building high density systems to create their own little inhabited bubble which is largely for production of resources so that they can continue their journey even further.<ref name=":174" /> On 16 Feb 3312 (2026) players made 101,862 colonised systems, 307,014 facilities built in space, and 175,973 facilities built on planet surfaces.<ref name=":174" /> This has changed the galaxy forever and made the galaxy their own.<ref name=":174" />
!Amount, Jan 3312 (2026)<ref name=":19" />
 
!Percentage, Jan 3312 (2026)<ref name=":19" />
In the beginning of player-led system colonization, many initial colonization highways went south to the Thargoid, Guardian and permit locked nebulae.<ref name=":02">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G24bBu9JQoI Elite Dangerous Colonisation Update 3312-08-27 - Going North] - CMDR Precambrian Mollusc - YouTube</ref> Others went north. This required inter-faction cooperation, logistics planning and execution on an unprecedented scale.<ref name=":02" />
|-
 
|Mining / Refining
[[The Dukes of Mikunn]] became the first minor faction in the galaxy to have 1,000 controlled systems in April 2015.<ref name=":22">[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/1jozofk/the_dukes_of_mikunn_are_first_to_hit_1000/ The Dukes of Mikunn are first to hit 1000 controlled Systems] - WaltKerman - Reddit - 1 April 2025</ref> Thousands of independent pilots assisted their cause.<ref name=":22" />
|72,836
 
|16%
=== Project Galatea Highway ===
Project Galatea crosses the [[Norma Expanse]] and nears the [[Isegrim Nebula]].<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbvg1iFph2s Elite Dangerous Colonisation Update 3312-09-24 - Where you been?] - CMDR Precambrian Mollusc - 25 Sep 2026</ref>  Numerous Super Supply Hubs have been constructed along the Sgr A* and Galtea highways by 27 August 3312.<ref name=":03">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G24bBu9JQoI Elite Dangerous Colonisation Update 3312-08-27 - Going North] - CMDR Precambrian Mollusc - YouTube</ref> It has a peak build rate of 42 outposts & 480 ly in 24 hours. The high way has extended 14,000 ly from Sol.<ref name=":03" />
 
=== Sanguineous Rim Highway ===
The Sanguineous Rim Highway reaches the [[Seagull Nebula]] and establishes a supply hub in Sep 3312.<ref name=":04">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbvg1iFph2s Elite Dangerous Colonisation Update 3312-09-24 - Where you been?] - CMDR Precambrian Mollusc - 25 Sep 2026</ref> The next destination is The [[Rosette Nebula|Rosetta Nebula]].<ref name=":04" /> As of 24 Sep 3312 the galactic highways extend over 15,000 ly from [[Sol]].<ref name=":04" /> Commanders have visited at least 99 million systems according to galactic data of [https://spansh.co.uk/ Spansh].<ref name=":04" />
 
=== Grand Tiberian Highway ===
The Grand Tiberian Highway is a megaproject to build a highway from The Bubble to the Sagittarius A*.<ref name=":232">[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/the-grand-tiberian-highway-bubble-to-sag-a-official-hub-thread.650498/ The Grand Tiberian Highway – Bubble to Sag A* (Official Hub Thread)] - 24 October 2026 - Elite Dangerous</ref> It is built by the Mercs of Mikunn for the Dukes of Mikunn, with allies, other squadrons and (500+) independent pilots.<ref name=":232" /> It started as the Lagoon Nebula Highway and later split with the SagWay Mega Project.<ref name=":232" /> These are all part of the Grand Tiberian Highway.<ref name=":232" />
 
==== Lagoon Nebula Highway ====
The Lagoon Nebula Highway (LNH) was a mega-project that launched around 4 March 2025. The project aimed to build a highway with a colonized chain of systems and outposts from the Bubble to the [[Lagoon Nebula]].<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/1j3g6ke/the_lagoon_nebula_highway_megaproject/ The Lagoon Nebula Highway MegaProject] - WaltKerman - 4 March 2025 - Reddit</ref> It is primarily lead by the [[The Dukes of Mikunn|Mercs of Mikunn]]. They reached the Lagoon Nebula on 18 October 2025 (4,200 light-years from The Bubble). 
 
==== Scope expanded ====
After reaching the Lagoon Nebula the scope grew and it was renamed to the Grand Tiberian Highway.<ref name=":233">[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/the-grand-tiberian-highway-bubble-to-sag-a-official-hub-thread.650498/ The Grand Tiberian Highway – Bubble to Sag A* (Official Hub Thread)] - 24 October 2026 - Elite Dangerous</ref> Mikunn collaborates with allies, and countless independent [[Pilot|pilots]] to build colonies.<ref name=":233" /> After 1 year, the [[Trifid Nebula]] and [[Cat's Paw Nebula NGC 6334|Cat Paw Nebula]] were reached in 3312.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbvg1iFph2s Elite Dangerous Colonisation Update 3312-09-24 - Where you been?] - CMDR Precambrian Mollusc - 25 Sep 2026</ref> The highway split: one branch through the [[Trifid Nebula]], [[Omega Nebula]] and [[Eagle Nebula]] toward [[Colonia]].<ref name=":162">[https://archive.vn/kZFOi Omega Nebula Now Open to the Community] - Walt Kerman - 6 Jan 2026 - Frontier Forums</ref><ref name=":233" /> The other road through the [[Cat's Paw Nebula NGC 6334|Cat's Paw Nebula]] and [[NGC 6357]] toward the [[Galactic Centre]] and [[Sagittarius A*]].<ref name=":162" /><ref name=":233" />
 
They reached the [[Omega Nebula]] on 6 Jan 2026.<ref name=":16">[https://archive.vn/kZFOi Omega Nebula Now Open to the Community] - Walt Kerman - 6 Jan 2026 - Frontier Forums</ref> The area has a unique starfield with:
 
* 40+ ringed water worlds along the route (many unclaimed).<ref name=":16" />
* Fantastic views in the nebula and stars.<ref name=":16" />
* A massive starfield of O and B stars with a 50 LY radius that contain 31 [[Black Holes|black hole]] systems, and 57 [[Stars|neutron]] star systems.<ref name=":16" />
 
==== SagWay Mega Project ====
SagWay is the core route which crossed the Hollow Veil Nebula in September 2026 and reached the HEN 2-333 lock.<ref name=":234">[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/the-grand-tiberian-highway-bubble-to-sag-a-official-hub-thread.650498/ The Grand Tiberian Highway – Bubble to Sag A* (Official Hub Thread)] - 24 October 2026 - Elite Dangerous</ref><ref name=":05">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbvg1iFph2s Elite Dangerous Colonisation Update 3312-09-24 - Where you been?] - CMDR Precambrian Mollusc - 25 Sep 2026</ref> The Hollow Veil Nebula has [[Ancient Ruins|Guardian ruins]].<ref name=":05" /> This route is shared with the [https://inara.cz/elite/squadron/1524/ Celestial Light Brigade].<ref name=":234" /> The [https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/the-lagoon-nebula-colonization-mega-project.634141/#post-10555854 SagWay Mega Project] is 60% completed towards the [[Galactic Centre]].<ref name=":212">[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/1xeefgl/while_building_a_highway_to_the_core_mikunn/ While building a highway to the core, Mikunn became the first faction to reach 1 Trillion Residents] - WaltKerman - Elite Dangerous - 24 October 2026</ref> This is the first step coreward to Colonia and the rest of the Galaxy. As many nebula as possible are connected along the way.<ref name=":212" /> The highway is for everyone and all groups, to build and install their minor faction.<ref name=":212" /> [[The Dukes of Mikunn]] became the first faction to reach 1 trillion residents (1,003,825,444,053 in 7,665 systems) on 24 October 3312 (2026).<ref name=":212" /><ref>[https://inara.cz/elite/reports-factions/ Factions Report] - INARA - 24 October 2026</ref> They are near the permit locked [[guardian]] region that centers on Hen 2-333.<ref name=":212" />
 
<gallery>
File:Elite Dangerous Colonisation Update 3312-07-23
File:Galactic Exploration history, Mid-2026 (Elite- Dangerous) w- music
File:Elite Dangerous Colonisation Update 3312-08-27 - Going North
File:Elite Dangerous Colonisation Update 3312-09-24 - Where you been?
</gallery>
 
== Colonisation stats ==
[[Brewer Corporation]] released official figures on the initial colonisation rush on 13 March 3311 (2025):<ref name=":10">[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/67d1cb963e704d1aaa0e2ef9 New Era of System Colonisation Hailed a Success] - Galnet - 13 MAR 3311</ref> 8 months after Trailblazers launched, the [[Core Systems|Bubble]] has expanded exponentially on 4 October 2025.<ref name=":11">[https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1229550565873674 Trailblazers Stats Update] - 4 Oct 2025 - Elite Dangerous Facebook Page</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" border="1"
|+
!Objective
!13 March 3311 (2025)<ref name=":10" />
!4 October 3311 (2025)<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":15">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6kQYtfz1sk Elite Dangerous | Developer Log - 4 November 2025] - YouTube</ref>
!16 February 3312 (2026)<ref name=":17" />
|-
|-
|Communication
|System claims made
|71,247
|26,684
|15%
|101,531
|
|-
|-
|Military / Security
|Systems colonised
|68,187
|13,165
|15%
|75,984
|101,862<ref name=":17" />
|-
|-
|Industrial
|New starports and outposts built
|64,059
|24,037
|14%
|73,825
|
|-
|-
|Scientific
|Surface installations established (facilities built on planet surfaces)
|48,076
|14,216
|10%
|118,703
|175,973<ref name=":17" />
|-
|-
|Agriculture
|Units of cargo delivered to construction sites
|42,630
|983,599,593
|9%
| 7,000,000,000+<ref name=":15" />
|
|-
|Space installations completed
| -
|203,813
|
|-
|-
|Tourism
|Most popular construction
|10,970
|Industrial Outpost - Vulcan - 5,970
|2%
|
|
|-
|-
|Other / Mixed
|Facilities built in space
|89,974
| -
|19%
|277,638<ref name=":15" />
|307,014<ref name=":17" />
|}
|}
<gallery>
These are the top economies developed.<ref name=":19">[https://www.instagram.com/elitedangerous/p/DU3okECjZne elitedangerous - Instagram] - 17 Feb 2026</ref>
File:Top Economies ED Jan 2026.png|Top Economies ED Jan 2026
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" border="1"
File:Top Constructions ED Jan 2026.png|Top Constructions in ED Jan 2026
!Economy
File:ED Trailblazers Colonization Stats 24 March 2025.png|ED Trailblazers Colonization Stats 24 March 2025
!Amount, Jan 3312 (2026)<ref name=":19" />
</gallery>
!Percentage, Jan 3312 (2026)<ref name=":19" />
 
|-
=== Omega Nebula ===
|Mining / Refining
The Mercs of Mikunn, allies, and countless individuals have built colonies from the [[Lagoon Nebula]] towards the [[Omega Nebula]] as part of the Grand Tiberian Highway to [[Colonia]]'''.'''<ref name=":16">[https://archive.vn/kZFOi Omega Nebula Now Open to the Community] - Walt Kerman - 6 Jan 2026 - Frontier Forums</ref> They reached the Omega Nebula on 6 Jan 2026.<ref name=":16" /> The area has a unique starfield with:
|72,836
 
|16%
* 40+ ringed water worlds along the route (many unclaimed).<ref name=":16" />
|-
* Fantastic views in the nebula and stars.<ref name=":16" />
|Communication
* A massive starfield of O and B stars with a 50 LY radius that contain 31 [[Black Holes|black hole]] systems, and 57 [[Stars|neutron]] star systems.<ref name=":16" />
|71,247
 
|15%
== Claim ==
|-
[[File:Colonisation Ship ED.jpg|250px|thumb|Colonisation ship]]
|Military / Security
System colonisation is a player-driven way to expand the Bubble and colonise new systems<ref name=":0">[https://www.dpss.space/colonisation New Colonisation Mechanic First Look] - DPSS - Elite Dangerous Squadron - 30 October 2024</ref> Claiming a system works on a first come, first served basis.<ref name=":6" /> The player must find an unpopulated system within 15 light years of a previously inhabited system and claim it from a System Colonisation Contact, available at any Star Port.<ref>https://www.elitedangerous.com/news/system-colonisation-guide</ref> Scanning a [[star system]] in advance with an [[Full Spectrum System Scanner|FSS]] reveals the number of slots that are available for construction; larger planets can typically accommodate more surface structures, while a larger number of celestial bodies provides more room for orbital structures.<ref name=":5" /> Some systems are more valuable for construction and different stellar and planetary bodies can boost or negatively impact different kinds of economies.<ref name=":5" /> Showing the System Map in Architect Mode will display the available orbital locations and the number of ground locations available on each body. One of the orbital slot icons will have a flag instead of a "+" sign: this indicates the location where the primary port will be constructed. If that primary port location isn't good, it is not recommended to spend commodities building anything other than a Military outpost. (Why Military? It provides population and security: most other structures subtract security, so it's one of the hardest system statistics to keep up.)
|68,187
 
|15%
The player must purchase a claim with [[credits]] from a [[Colonisation Contact]] (CC).<ref name=":4">[https://www.dpss.space/colonisation New Colonisation Mechanic First Look] - DPPS - 27 November 3310</ref> The CC is a member of a [[:Category:Factions|faction]] in a populated system in [[Core Systems|The Bubble]], and will become the initial dominant faction in any system that is successfully colonised (allowing existing BGS factions, player minor factions and - through faction proxies - the superpowers to expand their influence).<ref name=":4" /> A [[Nav Beacon|Colonisation Beacon]] must be deployed in that system within 24 hours.<ref name=":4" /> If this is not done within the time limit then the claim is revoked.<ref name=":4" /> If  this process fails twice, there is a 3 day wait until another claim can be made.<ref name=":8">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAC3rEOuSBU Trailblazers Update Brings NEW Exploration Opportunities] - Ricardos Gaming - 3 Mar 2025</ref> The Beacon costs 25 million [[credits]]. Multiple new systems cannot be colonised at the same time, though once an initial startport is constructed, another system can be claimed.<ref name=":8" />
|-
 
|Industrial
After the Colonisation Beacon has been placed, a [[Colonisation Ship]] (CS) will arrive in the system at the initial port location.<ref name=":4" /> These ships are among the largest [[Megaship|megaships]] in the game (easily dwarfing a [[Drake-Class Carrier]]) and offer 32 landing pads for cargo deliveries.<ref name=":2">[https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2289337034 Frontier Unlocked #10] - Twitch - 30 October 2024</ref>  The player must deliver a list of items to the CS which depends on the starport type<ref name=":4" /> and acts as an initial hub to work on in the system.<ref name=":2" /> Logistics is key to building a starport by transporting [[materials]] into the system.<ref name=":3">[https://www.polygon.com/pc/473158/elite-dangerous-colonization-expansion-bubble Elite Dangerous will let players colonize the Milky Way in 2025] - Polygon - 31 Oct 2024</ref> Once all materials are delivered, the newly made starport will appear in the final stages of construction and it will be finished after the weekly server tick.<ref name=":4" /> The primary port must be deployed (built) within 4 weeks; if it is not completed within this time limit then the claim will revoked and any commodities will be lost <ref name=":4" />. The architect will also be unable to make another claim attempt for 3 days.<ref name=":8" /> The station under construction appears as an uninhabited [[starport]] covered in scaffolding, with inactive vendors and services, and notices advising final deployment is underway.<ref name=":12">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAD2A9ifeYs ELITE DANGEROUS - Colonization In-Depth Look] - Commander Exorcist - YouTube - 27 Nov 2024</ref>
|64,059
 
|14%
Once the primary starport is built, the colonization beacon becomes a [[Nav Beacon|nav beacon]].<ref name=":4" /> Then you can build the system at your own leisure (no time limit).
|-
 
|Scientific
The ''Type-11 Prospector Update 2'' added functionality to prevent 'claim sniping'. When the primary port is completed in a newly colonised system, an exclusive lock on making claims FROM that system's colonisation contact will be enforced for a short period.<ref name=":13">[https://www.elitedangerous.com/update-notes/4-2-1-2 Type-II Prospector Update 2 - Update Notes] - Elite Dangerous - 16 October 2025</ref>
|48,076
 
|10%
* The System Architect may exclusively make claims from the system for 30 minutes<ref name=":13" />
|-
* After this 30 minutes expires, anyone within the System Architect's Squadron may make a claim for the next 23.5 hours<ref name=":13" />
|Agriculture
** This will function even if the System Architect is in their own solo Squadron<ref name=":13" />
|42,630
 
|9%
* After a total of 24 hours, the exclusive claim rights lift and any player may make a claim from the newly constructed system<ref name=":13" />
|-
** Note that if the System Architect is not in a squadron, then only the 30 minute lockout applies<ref name=":13" />
|Tourism
* The claim panel via the colonisation contact has been updated to display when a lockout is in effect, and details the remaining duration<ref name=":13" />
|10,970
|2%
|-
|Other / Mixed
|89,974
|19%
|}
<gallery>
File:Top Economies ED Jan 2026.png|Top Economies ED Jan 2026
File:Top Constructions ED Jan 2026.png|Top Constructions in ED Jan 2026
File:ED Trailblazers Colonization Stats 24 March 2025.png|ED Trailblazers Colonization Stats 24 March 2025
</gallery>


A new Colonization Contact will appear in the completed starport; this gives the option to claim and colonize another system within 15ly by contacting the Colonization Contact.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":4" /> There is no limit for how many systems a commander can claim, assuming the the systems are valid and there are no outstanding primary star ports under construction.<ref name=":6" /> <ref name=":5" /> Given the relatively short distance of 15ly, it is not uncommon for commanders to create a daisy chain of sparsely inhabited systems to create a path towards a more desirable yet distant system.<ref name=":2" />
*


If the claimed system has planets with rings, there is a chance that [[Resource Extraction Site|Resource Extraction Sites]] will be created in the rings.  
== Claim ==
[[File:Colonisation Ship ED.jpg|250px|thumb|Colonisation ship]]
System colonisation is a player-driven way to expand the Bubble and colonise new systems<ref name=":0">[https://www.dpss.space/colonisation New Colonisation Mechanic First Look] - DPSS - Elite Dangerous Squadron - 30 October 2024</ref> Claiming a system works on a first come, first served basis.<ref name=":6" /> The player must find an unpopulated system within 15 light years of a previously inhabited system and claim it from a System Colonisation Contact, available at any Star Port.<ref>https://www.elitedangerous.com/news/system-colonisation-guide</ref> Scanning a [[star system]] in advance with an [[Full Spectrum System Scanner|FSS]] reveals the number of slots that are available for construction; larger planets can typically accommodate more surface structures, while a larger number of celestial bodies provides more room for orbital structures.<ref name=":5" /> Some systems are more valuable for construction and different stellar and planetary bodies can boost or negatively impact different kinds of economies.<ref name=":5" /> Showing the System Map in Architect Mode will display the available orbital locations and the number of ground locations available on each body. One of the orbital slot icons will have a flag instead of a "+" sign: this indicates the location where the primary port will be constructed. If that primary port location isn't good, it is not recommended to spend commodities building anything other than a Military outpost. (Why Military? It provides population and security: most other structures subtract security, so it's one of the hardest system statistics to keep up.)


== Icons legend ==
The player must purchase a claim with [[credits]] from a [[Colonisation Contact]] (CC).<ref name=":4">[https://www.dpss.space/colonisation New Colonisation Mechanic First Look] - DPPS - 27 November 3310</ref> The CC is a member of a [[:Category:Factions|faction]] in a populated system in [[Core Systems|The Bubble]], and will become the initial dominant faction in any system that is successfully colonised (allowing existing BGS factions, player minor factions and - through faction proxies - the superpowers to expand their influence).<ref name=":4" /> A [[Nav Beacon|Colonisation Beacon]] must be deployed in that system within 24 hours.<ref name=":4" /> If this is not done within the time limit then the claim is revoked.<ref name=":4" /> If  this process fails twice, there is a 3 day wait until another claim can be made.<ref name=":8">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAC3rEOuSBU Trailblazers Update Brings NEW Exploration Opportunities] - Ricardos Gaming - 3 Mar 2025</ref> The Beacon costs 25 million [[credits]]. Multiple new systems cannot be colonised at the same time, though once an initial startport is constructed, another system can be claimed.<ref name=":8" />
{{:Icons_legend/Galaxy_map/System_Colonization}}
 
After the Colonisation Beacon has been placed, a [[Colonisation Ship]] (CS) will arrive in the system at the initial port location.<ref name=":4" /> These ships are among the largest [[Megaship|megaships]] in the game (easily dwarfing a [[Drake-Class Carrier]]) and offer 32 landing pads for cargo deliveries.<ref name=":2">[https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2289337034 Frontier Unlocked #10] - Twitch - 30 October 2024</ref>  The player must deliver a list of items to the CS which depends on the starport type<ref name=":4" /> and acts as an initial hub to work on in the system.<ref name=":2" /> Logistics is key to building a starport by transporting [[materials]] into the system.<ref name=":3">[https://www.polygon.com/pc/473158/elite-dangerous-colonization-expansion-bubble Elite Dangerous will let players colonize the Milky Way in 2025] - Polygon - 31 Oct 2024</ref> Once all materials are delivered, the newly made starport will appear in the final stages of construction and it will be finished after the weekly server tick.<ref name=":4" /> The primary port must be deployed (built) within 4 weeks; if it is not completed within this time limit then the claim will revoked and any commodities will be lost <ref name=":4" />. The architect will also be unable to make another claim attempt for 3 days.<ref name=":8" /> The station under construction appears as an uninhabited [[starport]] covered in scaffolding, with inactive vendors and services, and notices advising final deployment is underway.<ref name=":12">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAD2A9ifeYs ELITE DANGEROUS - Colonization In-Depth Look] - Commander Exorcist - YouTube - 27 Nov 2024</ref>
 
Once the primary starport is built, the colonization beacon becomes a [[Nav Beacon|nav beacon]].<ref name=":4" /> Then you can build the system at your own leisure (no time limit).
 
The ''Type-11 Prospector Update 2'' added functionality to prevent 'claim sniping'. When the primary port is completed in a newly colonised system, an exclusive lock on making claims FROM that system's colonisation contact will be enforced for a short period.<ref name=":13">[https://www.elitedangerous.com/update-notes/4-2-1-2 Type-II Prospector Update 2 - Update Notes] - Elite Dangerous - 16 October 2025</ref>
 
* The System Architect may exclusively make claims from the system for 30 minutes<ref name=":13" />
* After this 30 minutes expires, anyone within the System Architect's Squadron may make a claim for the next 23.5 hours<ref name=":13" />
** This will function even if the System Architect is in their own solo Squadron<ref name=":13" />
 
* After a total of 24 hours, the exclusive claim rights lift and any player may make a claim from the newly constructed system<ref name=":13" />
** Note that if the System Architect is not in a squadron, then only the 30 minute lockout applies<ref name=":13" />
* The claim panel via the colonisation contact has been updated to display when a lockout is in effect, and details the remaining duration<ref name=":13" />
 
A new Colonization Contact will appear in the completed starport; this gives the option to claim and colonize another system within 15ly by contacting the Colonization Contact.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":4" /> There is no limit for how many systems a commander can claim, assuming the the systems are valid and there are no outstanding primary star ports under construction.<ref name=":6" /> <ref name=":5" /> Given the relatively short distance of 15ly, it is not uncommon for commanders to create a daisy chain of sparsely inhabited systems to create a path towards a more desirable yet distant system.<ref name=":2" />
 
If the claimed system has planets with rings, there is a chance that [[Resource Extraction Site|Resource Extraction Sites]] will be created in the rings.
 
== Icons legend ==
{{:Icons_legend/Galaxy_map/System_Colonization}}


== Construction ==
== Construction ==
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=== Ownership ===
=== Ownership ===
The controlling [[Player Minor Faction|minor faction]] owns the facilities. Some minor factions are allied with a major faction ([[Alliance]], [[Empire]], [[Federation]]). The [[:Category:Power|Powers]] influence and exploit the systems, but don't actually own them. Many ships in a system are owned by a minor faction. Attacking them decreases your reputation with the minor faction. The architect places and manages the facilities in a system. The architect can technically be the owner by allying with a controlling minor faction.
The controlling [[Player Minor Faction|minor faction]] owns the facilities. These are usually NPC-governed populations except if a [[Player Minor Faction]] controls it. Some minor factions are allied with a major faction ([[Alliance]], [[Empire]], [[Federation]]). The [[:Category:Power|Powers]] influence and exploit the systems, but don't actually own them. Many ships in a system are owned by a minor faction. Attacking them decreases your reputation with the minor faction. The [[System Architect]] places and manages the facilities in a system. The Architect can technically be the owner by allying with a controlling minor faction. The Architect is permanently credited on the [[System Map]].


==Expansion==
==Expansion==
Line 1,355: Line 1,421:
* [https://edcolony.com/ EDColony] - a real‑time logistics companion for Elite Dangerous colony construction. It tracks your active depots, totals what’s still needed, and shows exactly how many trips remain based on your ship’s loadout. This tool was created to provide useful real-time information without the need for manual data input.  
* [https://edcolony.com/ EDColony] - a real‑time logistics companion for Elite Dangerous colony construction. It tracks your active depots, totals what’s still needed, and shows exactly how many trips remain based on your ship’s loadout. This tool was created to provide useful real-time information without the need for manual data input.  
* [https://map.canonn.tech/ The Canonn Tech Faction Mapping Tool] - Search, highlight, explore the size of a faction, overlaid in a 3D moveable map.<ref name=":20">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgkihfRWoB4 NEWS Elite Dangerous: View Your Faction in 3D Space, Fed NPC Kestrels & More!] - The Buurpit - Youtube -  13 Mar 2026</ref> It shows systems that the faction owns or is merely present.<ref name=":20" /> It also shows [[Permits|permit locked zones]] that are inaccessible for players.<ref name=":20" />  
* [https://map.canonn.tech/ The Canonn Tech Faction Mapping Tool] - Search, highlight, explore the size of a faction, overlaid in a 3D moveable map.<ref name=":20">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgkihfRWoB4 NEWS Elite Dangerous: View Your Faction in 3D Space, Fed NPC Kestrels & More!] - The Buurpit - Youtube -  13 Mar 2026</ref> It shows systems that the faction owns or is merely present.<ref name=":20" /> It also shows [[Permits|permit locked zones]] that are inaccessible for players.<ref name=":20" />  
== Trailblazer fleet ==
On 19 March 3311, the [[Brewer Corporation]] deployed the trailblazers fleet to strategic locations on the edge of the [[Core Systems]]. These were 'colonisation support hubs' with a bespoke trade market for colonisation materials and goods.<ref name=":9">[https://www.elitedangerous.com/news/galnet/trailblazer-fleet-deployed-support-colonisation-initiatives Trailblazer Fleet Deployed to Support Colonisation Initiatives] - Galnet - Elite Dangerous - 19 March 2025</ref>
On 4 November 3311 the Brewer Corporation announced plans to withdraw the Trailblazer megaship fleet, citing the self-sufficiency of newly established colonies.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6908c55511a8b11bd201a0e3 Trailblazer Fleet To Be Withdrawn - 4 November 3311] - Galnet News - 4 November 2025</ref> The withdrawal was completed on 11 November 3311.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/69131dd29d7376a392048981 Trailblazer Fleet Withdrawn, Dodec Starport Revealed - 11 November 3311] - Galnet News - 11 November 2025</ref> This coincided with the release of the new [[Dodec]] starport in the v4.2.2.0 Dodec Update of [[Elite Dangerous: Odyssey|''Elite Dangerous: Odyssey'']], released on 11 November 2025.<ref name=":14">[https://www.elitedangerous.com/update-notes/4-2-2-0 Elite Dangerous: Dodec Update v4.2.2.0] - Elite: Dangerous website - 11 November 2025</ref>
As of that update the Trailblazer megaships are no longer present in the game. Their original locations are listed below for historical info.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" border="1"
|+
!Ship Name
!Star System
|-
|Trailblazer Dream
|HIP 90578
|-
|Trailblazer Song
|Orgen
|-
|Trailblazer Wish
|Bletii
|-
|Trailblazer Star
|34 Omicron Cephei
|-
|Trailblazer Promise
|Klikis
|-
|Trailblazer Faith
|Ngobe
|-
|Trailblazer Echo
|Minerva
|}
*


== Ships ==
== Ships ==
Line 1,524: Line 1,554:


== Squadrons ==
== Squadrons ==
These are notable squadrons that coordinate system colonization and large-scale infrastructure projects. In alphabetic order:
These are notable [[squadrons]] that coordinate system colonization and large-scale infrastructure projects. In alphabetic order:


{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" border="1"
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" border="1"
Line 1,571: Line 1,601:


=== Release ===
=== Release ===
On 4 November 2025 Frontier announced the exit of the System Colonisation mechanic from beta status.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6kQYtfz1sk Elite Dangerous | Developer Log -  4 November 2025] - YouTube - 4 November 2025</ref> This occurred on 11 November 2025 with the release of the v4.2.2.0 Dodec Update of [[Elite Dangerous: Odyssey|''Elite Dangerous: Odyssey'']].<ref name=":14" />
On 4 November 2025 Frontier announced the exit of the System Colonisation mechanic from beta status.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6kQYtfz1sk Elite Dangerous | Developer Log -  4 November 2025] - YouTube - 4 November 2025</ref> This occurred on 11 November 2025 with the release of the v4.2.2.0 Dodec Update of [[Elite Dangerous: Odyssey|''ED: Odyssey'']].<ref name=":14" />


==Videos==
==Videos==
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File:Colonisation Ship ED.jpg|Colonisation Ship
File:Colonisation Ship ED.jpg|Colonisation Ship
File:Elite Dangerous Trailblazers Key Art.jpg|Trailblazers key art
File:Elite Dangerous Trailblazers Key Art.jpg|Trailblazers key art
File:ED System Colonisation Key Art No Logo.png|ED System Colonisation Key Art No Logo
File:ED Trailblazers Colonization Stats 24 March 2025.png|ED Trailblazers Colonization Stats 24 March 2025
File:ED Trailblazers Colonization Stats 24 March 2025.png|ED Trailblazers Colonization Stats 24 March 2025
File:Colonisation Linking Infographic 1 ED.jpg|Colonisation Linking Infographic
File:Colonisation Linking Infographic 1 ED.jpg|Colonisation Linking Infographic
Retrieved from "https://elite.mistflux.co.uk/wiki/System_Colonisation"