Elite Dangerous: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Elite-Dangerous-Vertical-Poster-by-atackart.png|right|250px|thumb|Poster for ''Elite Dangerous'']] | [[File:Elite-Dangerous-Vertical-Poster-by-atackart.png|right|250px|thumb|Poster for ''Elite Dangerous'']] | ||
'''''Elite Dangerous''''' is the definitive massively multiplayer space epic.<ref>[https://www.elitedangerous.com/ Elite Dangerous official website - June 2024]</ref> It features a 1:1 scale simulation of the [[Galaxy|Milky Way galaxy]] with dozens of customizable [[ships]], [[On Foot]] gameplay, [[Planetary Landing|planetary landing]], free-form [[System Colonisation|system colonisation]] and influence the overarching narrative via [[powerplay]] and [[Community Goals|community goals]]. It is the fourth | '''''Elite Dangerous''''' (aka ED or Elite IV) is the definitive massively multiplayer space epic.<ref>[https://www.elitedangerous.com/ Elite Dangerous official website - June 2024]</ref> It features a 1:1 scale simulation of the [[Galaxy|Milky Way galaxy]] with dozens of customizable [[ships]], [[On Foot]] gameplay, [[Planetary Landing|planetary landing]], free-form [[System Colonisation|system colonisation]] and influence the overarching narrative via [[powerplay]] and [[Community Goals|community goals]]. It is the fourth installment in the legendary [[Elite series|''Elite'' series]]; the longest running space simulation series in history.<ref>[https://twitter.com/gwr/status/611537566299463681?lang=en Twitter: Guinness World Records, 18 Jun 2015]</ref> It was developed and published by [[Frontier Developments]] with [[David Braben]] as the director. The Windows PC version launched on 16 December 2014. The [[Kickstarter]] campaign covered only a small slice of the development budget which grew a lot.<ref>[http://www.pcgamer.com/elite-dangerous-crowdfunding-covered-less-than-one-quarter-of-its-total-cost-creator-says/ PC Gamer: Elite: Dangerous creator says crowdfunding covered less than one-quarter of its total cost]</ref> The Mac version was released on 12 May 2015,<ref name=":53">[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/05/elite-dangerous-now-available-for-macs-both-direct-and-on-steam/ Ars Technica: ''Elite: Dangerous'' now available for Macs, both direct and on Steam]</ref> but Mac OS support was dropped on 11 December 2018 due to technical barriers.<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/important-mac-announcement.424243/ Frontier Forums: Important Mac announcement]</ref> The Xbox One version launched on 6 October 2015,<ref name=":63">[http://www.gamespot.com/articles/elite-dangerous-xbox-one-release-date-revealed/1100-6430369/ GameSpot: Elite: Dangerous Xbox One Release Date Revealed]</ref> followed by the PlayStation 4 version on 27 June 2017.<ref name=":73">[https://blog.us.playstation.com/2017/05/16/elite-dangerous-touches-down-on-ps4-june-27/ PlayStation.Blog: Elite: Dangerous Touches Down on PS4 June 27]</ref> Development for old-gen consoles ended on 10 March 2022.<ref name=":1" /> | ||
Three seasons of post-launch content updates were released for ''Elite Dangerous'': ''[[Elite Dangerous: Horizons|ED: Horizons]]'' (expansion), ''[[Elite Dangerous: Beyond|ED: Beyond]]'' (season of updates), and ''[[Elite Dangerous: Odyssey|ED: Odyssey]]'' (expansion). Since 27 October 2020, all ''Horizons'' and ''Beyond'' content is included for free with ''Elite Dangerous''.<ref name=":6">https://www.pcgamer.com/elite-dangerous-horizons-is-now-free-if-you-own-the-base-game/ Elite Dangerous: Horizons is now free if you own the base game - PC Gamer - 27 October 2020</ref> | Three seasons of post-launch content updates were released for ''Elite Dangerous'': ''[[Elite Dangerous: Horizons|ED: Horizons]]'' (expansion), ''[[Elite Dangerous: Beyond|ED: Beyond]]'' (season of updates), and ''[[Elite Dangerous: Odyssey|ED: Odyssey]]'' (expansion). Since 27 October 2020, all ''Horizons'' and ''Beyond'' content is included for free with ''Elite Dangerous''.<ref name=":6">https://www.pcgamer.com/elite-dangerous-horizons-is-now-free-if-you-own-the-base-game/ Elite Dangerous: Horizons is now free if you own the base game - PC Gamer - 27 October 2020</ref> | ||
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==Evolving universe== | ==Evolving universe== | ||
[[File:Aulin | [[File:Aulin Enterprise Orbis Station.png|thumb|250px|Aulin Enterprise Orbis Station]] | ||
Elite Dangerous has a vast 1:1 scale simulation of the [[galaxy|Milky Way]] which evolves in real-time. The galaxy is based on real scientific principles, scientific data and theories. | |||
As players explore, different factions will spread to further star systems, colonize planets and build space [[Station|stations]]. Players can participate in this process by completing missions for a particular [[Minor Factions|minor faction]] to increase their [[influence]] in a particular system. This can eventually lead to wars. Players can continue to help their chosen faction by participating in them. In addition to war, players can also influence minor factions in star systems in other ways such as by causing an economic boom. | As players explore, different factions will spread to further star systems, colonize planets and build space [[Station|stations]]. Players can participate in this process by completing missions for a particular [[Minor Factions|minor faction]] to increase their [[influence]] in a particular system. This can eventually lead to wars. Players can continue to help their chosen faction by participating in them. In addition to war, players can also influence minor factions in star systems in other ways such as by causing an economic boom. | ||
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New [[Station|stations]] are slowly built in real time. These events create opportunities for players to do [[Community Goals]]. The resources and workers required for building must be transported to the location. It becomes a prime target for piracy and increases the demand for bounty hunting. Additionally, the alien [[Thargoids]] have returned and secrets of the ancient [[Guardians]] are being discovered. | New [[Station|stations]] are slowly built in real time. These events create opportunities for players to do [[Community Goals]]. The resources and workers required for building must be transported to the location. It becomes a prime target for piracy and increases the demand for bounty hunting. Additionally, the alien [[Thargoids]] have returned and secrets of the ancient [[Guardians]] are being discovered. | ||
==Careers== | ==Careers== | ||
{{main|Careers}} | {{main|Careers}} | ||
In the tradition of the original [[Elite]] from 1984 and open-world games; there's no linear story. You can be a rich trader, a veteran bounty hunter, a feared pirate, a lonely miner, a notorious smuggler, all of them or something else entirely, based on your own actions.[[File:Type 9 mining.jpg|thumb|250px|Type-9 mining]]Among the trillions of people in the [[galaxy]] - you start off as an insignificant new member of the [[Pilots Federation]]. You receive an indefinitely loaned and insured [[Sidewinder]] and a small sum of [[credits]] from a secret benefactor. You've got a [[Ships|ship]] and some spare [[credits]] to get started. One day, you might gain fame, wealth or glory. Unlike RPGs, players in Elite Dangerous do not choose their role by customizing the stats and skills of their character. Instead, the player is free to pursue any career akin to real-life. The [[careers]] can be categorized as combat, covert, exploration, mining, trading, transportation and utility. Blaze your trail to fame and fortune | In the tradition of the original [[Elite]] from 1984 and open-world games; there's no linear story. You can be a rich trader, a veteran bounty hunter, a feared pirate, a lonely miner, a notorious smuggler, all of them or something else entirely, based on your own actions.[[File:Type 9 mining.jpg|thumb|250px|Type-9 mining]]Among the trillions of people in the [[galaxy]] - you start off as an insignificant new member of the [[Pilots Federation]]. You receive an indefinitely loaned and insured [[Sidewinder]] and a small sum of [[credits]] from a secret benefactor. You've got a [[Ships|ship]] and some spare [[credits]] to get started. One day, you might gain fame, wealth or glory. Unlike RPGs, players in Elite Dangerous do not choose their role by customizing the stats and skills of their character. Instead, the player is free to pursue any career akin to real-life. The [[careers]] can be categorized as combat, covert, exploration, mining, trading, transportation and utility. Blaze your trail to fame and fortune with the main careers: [[combat]], [[trader]], [[explorer]], [[CQC Championship|CQC]], [[mercenary]] and [[exobiologist]]. Minor careers also contribute to the [[Ranks|rank]] progression like [[miner]], [[Bounty Hunter|bounty hunter]], [[smuggler]], [[courier]], [[assassin]], [[Xeno Hunter|xeno hunter]], and [[pirate]]. Hybrid careers are possible through emergent gameplay. For example bounty hunting while trading in a multipurpose ship, or take long-range trade missions and explore uncharted systems along the way. [[System Colonisation|System colonisation]] lets you develop unpopulated [[Star system|star systems]]. There is a gigantic sandbox where you can leave your mark on the galaxy.<ref>[https://www.elitedangerous.com/ Elite Dangerous - website description] - 2026</ref>[[File:Anemones-planetary-ring.png|thumb|250px|Anemones and a planetary ring]]The player can customize his or her character's physical characteristics with [[Holo-Me]]. It allows deep character customization which can be done at any time. For example, players can change their [[Remlok Suit]], head, facial features, gender and other cosmetics. The fully functional [[Camera suite|Camera Suite]] enables third-person views, sophisticated screenshots, machinima and control a ship or [[Vehicles|vehicle]] in third person. | ||
Hundreds of [[ships]] can be owned by a player and customised for certain careers. Unused ships are stored in [[shipyard]] [[Hangar|hangars]]. They can be retrieved by returning to a [[station]] or [[settlement]] at any time. Ships can also be delivered to a station near your location if it has a shipyard. | Hundreds of [[ships]] can be owned by a player and customised for certain careers. Unused ships are stored in [[shipyard]] [[Hangar|hangars]]. They can be retrieved by returning to a [[station]] or [[settlement]] at any time. Ships can also be delivered to a station near your location if it has a shipyard. | ||
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==Galactic and personal== | ==Galactic and personal== | ||
[[File:Horizons | [[File:Cobra Mk IV Landing Horizons.jpg|thumb|250px|Cobra Mk IV Planetary landing]]Since ED launched on 16 December 2014, the player was limited to experience the galaxy from a ship's cockpit or an [[Vehicles|SRV]] seat. However, [[Horizons|ED: Horizons]] update 2.0 added [[Planetary Landings|Planetary Landing]] on 15 December 2015. This made realistic, full-sized, airless [[planets]] and [[moons]] accessible. | ||
Up until early 2021, the player was essentially the vessel: a [[Ships|ship]] or [[Vehicles|vehicle]]. Walking in person was a long awaited feature which the community dubbed "Space legs". In 2021, [[Elite Dangerous: Odyssey|ED: Odyssey]] added [[On Foot]] features which extended the level of detail to a first person scale. The player could finally walk around as an individual person rather than a vessel. Ships became extensions of the player. [[Atmospheric Landing|Atmospheric landing]] on planets with tenuous [[Atmosphere|atmospheres]] became possible. Players can set foot on unexplored [[planets]] and receive an accolade that recognizes their [[First Footfall]].<ref>[https://customersupport.frontier.co.uk/hc/en-us/articles/4405415875218-What-is-the-First-Footfall-system-in-the-Odyssey-expansion What is the First Footfall system in the Odyssey expansion? - 20 August 2021 - Frontier Developments]</ref> Visit [[Settlement|settlements]], [[outpost]]s, [[starport]]s etc. Drive around with [[vehicles]] or walk on-foot to explore the surface for [[materials]], alien [[species]] etc. | Up until early 2021, the player was essentially the vessel: a [[Ships|ship]] or [[Vehicles|vehicle]]. Walking in person was a long awaited feature which the community dubbed "Space legs". In 2021, [[Elite Dangerous: Odyssey|ED: Odyssey]] added [[On Foot]] features which extended the level of detail to a first person scale. The player could finally walk around as an individual person rather than a vessel. Ships became extensions of the player. [[Atmospheric Landing|Atmospheric landing]] on planets with tenuous [[Atmosphere|atmospheres]] became possible. Players can set foot on unexplored [[planets]] and receive an accolade that recognizes their [[First Footfall]].<ref>[https://customersupport.frontier.co.uk/hc/en-us/articles/4405415875218-What-is-the-First-Footfall-system-in-the-Odyssey-expansion What is the First Footfall system in the Odyssey expansion? - 20 August 2021 - Frontier Developments]</ref> Visit [[Settlement|settlements]], [[outpost]]s, [[starport]]s etc. Drive around with [[vehicles]] or walk on-foot to explore the surface for [[materials]], alien [[species]] etc. | ||
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[[Elite Dangerous Role Playing Game|EDPRG]] has an official description of life in ED: cheap and faster than light travel has enabled humanity to expand across the stars. This led to the rise of the [[Federation]], [[Empire]] and [[Alliance]]. These major [[factions]] attract [[Power|powerful people]] who scheme to gain more power.<ref name=":23">[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/edrpg/elite-dangerous-role-playing-game Kickstarter: Elite Dangerous Role Playing Game]</ref> | [[Elite Dangerous Role Playing Game|EDPRG]] has an official description of life in ED: cheap and faster than light travel has enabled humanity to expand across the stars. This led to the rise of the [[Federation]], [[Empire]] and [[Alliance]]. These major [[factions]] attract [[Power|powerful people]] who scheme to gain more power.<ref name=":23">[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/edrpg/elite-dangerous-role-playing-game Kickstarter: Elite Dangerous Role Playing Game]</ref> | ||
The middle-classes of the galaxy can afford spaceships like cars in the 20th century. People who own spaceships gain tremendous freedom. They're encouraged to do all kinds of jobs such as delivering goods and supplies to [[Station|stations]]. For people in the bottom of society, little has changed. Space trade is seldom hampered by politics. The planet-spanning [[ | The middle-classes of the galaxy can afford spaceships like cars in the 20th century. People who own spaceships gain tremendous freedom. They're encouraged to do all kinds of jobs such as delivering goods and supplies to [[Station|stations]]. For people in the bottom of society, little has changed. Space trade is seldom hampered by politics. The planet-spanning [[Megacorporation|megacorporations]] employ entire nations and rule unchecked over vast sections of the [[galaxy]]. There's a laissez faire attitude towards weapon ownership and people are inclined to shoot first. The general lawlessness of space, navigational hazards and fierce creatures on [[planets]] make it a dangerous place.<ref name=":23" /> | ||
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The Elite Dangerous Limited Edition Box Set was part of certain Kickstarter rewards which backers received. The Limited Edition Box Set contained an Elite branded polo shirt with the correct shirt size, a limited edition game pack (copy of the game), a paperback novel of [[Elite: Legacy]], the original soundtrack, an Elite pin badge which worked as a fastener and a personalized letter written by [[David Braben]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_British_Empire OBE] for each of the 7,000 recipients. It all fit into a bespoke shipping carton and was distributed to 7,000 individuals worldwide. It was designed so that owners felt like they received something special. This boxed set was nominated and ‘Highly Commended’ in the 2015 British Luxury Packaging Design Awards.<ref>[http://www.bridgemediagroup.com/Blog/files/tag-elite-dangerous.html Bridge Media Group: Elite Dangerous], through archive.org</ref> | The Elite Dangerous Limited Edition Box Set was part of certain Kickstarter rewards which backers received. The Limited Edition Box Set contained an Elite branded polo shirt with the correct shirt size, a limited edition game pack (copy of the game), a paperback novel of [[Elite: Legacy]], the original soundtrack, an Elite pin badge which worked as a fastener and a personalized letter written by [[David Braben]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_British_Empire OBE] for each of the 7,000 recipients. It all fit into a bespoke shipping carton and was distributed to 7,000 individuals worldwide. It was designed so that owners felt like they received something special. This boxed set was nominated and ‘Highly Commended’ in the 2015 British Luxury Packaging Design Awards.<ref>[http://www.bridgemediagroup.com/Blog/files/tag-elite-dangerous.html Bridge Media Group: Elite Dangerous], through archive.org</ref> | ||
<gallery> | |||
File:Elite Dangerous Premium Backers Edition Box Set Unboxing | |||
File:Universal Cartographics Poster Elite Dangerous.jpg|Universal Cartographics Poster Elite Dangerous | |||
</gallery> | |||
==Behind the name== | ==Behind the name== | ||
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=== Kickstarter=== | === Kickstarter=== | ||
Elite Dangerous was first announced to the public on 5 November 2012.<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/EliteDangerousOfficial/posts/10152235720990564?__tn__=C-R Facebook: Elite Dangerous, 5 Nov 2012]</ref> Over a quarter of a century after the original, David Braben of [[Frontier Developments]] launched a successful [[Elite Dangerous Kickstarter|Kickstarter campaign]] in November 2012. The Kickstarter goal was £1,250,000, it started on 5 November 2012 and lasted 60 days till the deadline of 5 January 2013.<ref name=":2">[https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-20897768 Elite video game reboot hits funding target] - 3 January 2013 - BBC</ref> The Kickstarter reached its goal 48 hours before the deadline and exceeded it with 25,681 backers who pledged £1,578,316.<ref>[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1461411552/elite-dangerous Elite Dangerous on Kickstarter] - 9 October 2024</ref><ref name=":2" /> The purpose was to test-market the concept, verify whether there's broader interest in a fourth game and to raise funds to help make the game. | Elite Dangerous was first announced to the public on 5 November 2012.<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/EliteDangerousOfficial/posts/10152235720990564?__tn__=C-R Facebook: Elite Dangerous, 5 Nov 2012]</ref> Over a quarter of a century after the original, David Braben of [[Frontier Developments]] launched a successful [[Elite Dangerous Kickstarter|Kickstarter campaign]] in November 2012. The Kickstarter goal was £1,250,000, it started on 5 November 2012 and lasted 60 days till the deadline of 5 January 2013.<ref name=":2">[https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-20897768 Elite video game reboot hits funding target] - 3 January 2013 - BBC</ref> The Kickstarter reached its goal 48 hours before the deadline and exceeded it with 25,681 backers who pledged £1,578,316.<ref>[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1461411552/elite-dangerous Elite Dangerous on Kickstarter] - 9 October 2024</ref><ref name=":2" /> The purpose was to test-market the concept, verify whether there's broader interest in a fourth game (Elite IV) and to raise funds to help make the game. | ||
Braben wrote, ''"We’re using Kickstarter both as a means of test-marketing the concept to verify there is still interest in such a game that extends beyond the individuals who regularly contact me about the game, and raising the funds to do so. There is also the fact that as long as we hit the threshold, it commits us to making the game."''<ref name=":103" /> By April 2014, £1.7m had been raised.<ref>[http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/DAVID-ELKS-thesentinel/story-20992380-detail/story.html The Sentinel: David Elks: Gaming industry is worth the investment], through archive.today</ref> This was a fraction of the total budget for developing the base-game, Elite Dangerous (1.0). At Gamescom 2014, Braben said, ''"The original budget, because we put a lot of our money towards it, was £8m, it's grown by quite a lot."''<ref name=":113">[http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-09-11-elite-dangerous-original-budget-was-8m Eurogamer: Elite: Dangerous' original budget was £8m]</ref> | Braben wrote, ''"We’re using Kickstarter both as a means of test-marketing the concept to verify there is still interest in such a game that extends beyond the individuals who regularly contact me about the game, and raising the funds to do so. There is also the fact that as long as we hit the threshold, it commits us to making the game."''<ref name=":103" /> By April 2014, £1.7m had been raised.<ref>[http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/DAVID-ELKS-thesentinel/story-20992380-detail/story.html The Sentinel: David Elks: Gaming industry is worth the investment], through archive.today</ref> This was a fraction of the total budget for developing the base-game, Elite Dangerous (1.0). At Gamescom 2014, Braben said, ''"The original budget, because we put a lot of our money towards it, was £8m, it's grown by quite a lot."''<ref name=":113">[http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-09-11-elite-dangerous-original-budget-was-8m Eurogamer: Elite: Dangerous' original budget was £8m]</ref> | ||