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==Introduction==
[[File:Viper Mk III Pilot Hangar.png|thumb|250px|Viper Mk III and pilot in hangar]]
The '''Pilots Guide''' is designed to help new [[Pilot|pilots]] get ahead in the [[galaxy]]. There are many [[Careers|career]] paths. You should choose a vocation that fits your play style and skills. The [[Sidewinder]] is the starter ship and used as an example. The concepts are applicable to all [[ships]] in [[Elite Dangerous]]. You can explore planets [[On Foot|on foot]], with a [[Ship-Launched Vessels|vessel]] or [[SRV]]. The [[Scarab]] is a staple [[Vehicles|vehicle]] for [[Explorer|exploration]]. Veterans may find this guide useful to get up to speed. You decide your own adventure in ED. This guide has key things that you should know for a better journey.


== Overview ==
[[File:Sidewinder-Cockpit-Interface.png|thumb|250px|right|Sidewinder Cockpit Interface]]
If you've never played an open-world, space, trading, exploration and combat simulation game before then follow this guide to get your bearings.


This guide is designed to help a new or experienced pilot get the most out of their spacecraft. It uses the Falcon Delacy Sidewinder as an example but the concepts are applicable to all spacecraft in the universe of Elite: Dangerous.
Elite Dangerous has a steep learning curve with complex controls and minimal in-game guidance. There are basic tutorials, but the game expects you to figure out navigation, [[Trader|trading]] and survival by yourself. However, there are free [[Third Party Tools]] for optimal trade routes, track market prices, [[Engineers|engineering]] [[materials]] etc.
==Your Cockpit==
[[File:SideWinder_Cockpit_Guide1.jpg|frame|left|Sidewinder Cockpit]]


===Centre Area (from left to right)===
You begin as a poor [[pilot]] with a loaned [[Sidewinder]] from a secret benefactor in the 34th century. In the [[Elite Dangerous: Odyssey|ED: Odyssey]] expansion you begin an [[On Foot|on foot]] tutorial that teaches basic mechanics like walking, interacting with terminals, using [[:Category:Handheld Tools|tools]] and [[Handheld Weapon|handheld weapons]]. All independent pilots are licensed members of the [[Pilots Federation]]. Every pilot has the title "[[commander]]". [[Ranks]] are earned by completing activities to unlock perks in the auxiliaries of the [[Federation/Ranks|Federal]] and [[Empire/Ranks|Imperial Navy]]. All newbies start in the [[Pilots' Federation District]]. This protected zone has basic [[Mission Board|missions]] and [[outfitting]]. Once you've earned your [[Ranks|first rank]] in combat, trade or exploration you are guided outside the district and the [[Permits|permit]] is revoked. Thence you must choose a path and make a living in the galaxy. What you want to do determines where you want to go.


The controls require learning dozens of key-bindings for thrusters, shields, landing gear and power distribution. You can customize the controls (mouse + keyboard, joystick/HOTAS or gamepad). By playing you will learn the basics like flight routines and gain muscle memory. Communication is primarily via the in-game [[Communications|Communications Panel]], which splits messages into several specific chat channels. You can also use voice chat and [[emotes]].


'''(1) Current target info''' - shows textual info on your current target, e.g. their name, currently targeted sub system. If no target selected then it shows information on the system and shows a planet in the target holo.
The [[Frame Shift Drive]] allows faster-than-light travel within [[Star system|star systems]] and via [[hyperspace]]. Newer ships are optimized for a more stable [[Frame Shift Drive (SCO)]]. SCO lets you temporarily overcharge your engine for extreme speeds in [[supercruise]]. Landing roughly on a high [[gravity]] world or [[Landing Pad|landing pad]] can destroy your ship.  


'''(2) Current Target Holo''' - shows a holo of your current target, this shows shield strength info, displays where on the shield and hull your strikes are hitting. Also displays the hull health of the target.
The #1 golden rule is ''“Never fly without a rebuy”''. This means you should always have enough [[credits]] to cover your [[Ships|ship]]'s [[Galactic Insurance Company|insurance]] if it gets destroyed. The [[Pilots Federation]] covers most of the cost, but you must pay the rebuy fee (circa 5% of your total ship and module value).  


'''(3) Internal Temperature Gauge''' - Displays the total temperature of your ship. Normally your ship runs with vents open and this allows this to be kept in check by the ship. If you are in Silent Running Mode (see later) this will climb depending on the systems that you have active on your ship (again see later).
There are 3 game modes: Solo (single player), Private Group (with friends and invites), and Open Play (with everyone). Newbies are recommended to play in Solo or Private Group, because it is safer. Open Play has the risks of random encounters with other players and PVP combat. The majority of players are in Solo or Private Groups. You can find other players in hot spots or systems with [[Community Goals|community goals]]. [[Squadrons]] are organized groups of players, similar to a guild. They are useful to socialize and do cooperative content like [[Operations]]. Many supports newbies and teaches them the ropes. The player base is very spread out across the [[galaxy]] and in 1 of 3 game modes. Thus it is rare to meet other players.  


'''(4) Scanner''' - Displays the surrounding area, objects are displayed depending on their position to your ship. Colours denote hostile targets, neutral and also show other large objects such as large asteroids. The contacts on the scanner are picked up by a combination of heat and distance. So the more hotter a ship is, it can be picked up at a much further distance than an other ship that is cooler.
There are over 50 flyable [[ships]]. These come in 3 sizes: small, medium, large. They can have specific roles like combat, exploration, trading or multi-purpose. These ships are highly customizable via [[outfitting]]. The ship's modules and performance can be [[Engineers|engineered]] past the standard limits. The engineers can upgrade the tier of a blueprint in exchange for raw, manufactured and encoded [[materials]]. The [[Capital Ship|capital ships]] cannot be piloted directly, instead the owner gives orders. Capital ships like the [[Drake-Class Carrier]] and [[Javelin-Class Carrier]] are end-game features due to the very expensive price and upkeep costs.


Scanner Icons are as follows:
[[On Foot|On foot]] lets you control your character from a first-person perspective. Such as explore a [[Planets|planet]], [[moon]], [[concourse]] in a [[station]] or [[settlement]]. You can also do [[combat]] as a [[mercenary]] and an [[explorer]] can take biological samples of alien [[species]]. You wear the [[Flight Suit]] by default. The [[Artemis Suit]] is designed for exobiology and exploration. The [[Maverick Suit]] is for salvage, stealth, and settlement missions. The [[Dominator Suit]] is meant for ground combat and conflict zones. Essential on-foot tools are the [[Profile Analyser]] to clone security clearances, the [[Arc Cutter]] to cut panels, and the [[Energy Link]] to power down or activate systems at a [[settlement]]. Various [[Handheld Weapon|handheld weapons]] are available for personal safety or offensive missions.


*Green is friendly.
The activities range from easy to complex. Space trucking, data courier and basic exploration are easy. [[Combat]], deep-core [[Miner|mining]], [[Mission Board|missions]] at [[Settlement|settlements]], [[powerplay]] and [[System Colonisation|system colonisation]] are complex. Activities like long-distance space trucking and exploration require low attention so you can watch a movie on a second monitor. You can get a burnout by grinding the same activity. Take a break when you're fatigued or wait for the next game update.  


*Yellow is neutral.
[[Powerplay]] is a multiplayer, grand-strategy system for territorial control in the galaxy. Players pledge allegiance to one of 12 galactic [[:Category:Power|Powers]]. You can contribute to expand your faction's borders, fortify friendly systems and undermine enemy strongholds. Pledging to a power makes you a target for all other rival powers. You gain "hostile" status when flying through systems that are controlled or exploited by a rival power. The benefits of pledging to a power are lucrative perks like up to 100% rebuy reduction, 100% rebuy reduction if you're killed in hostile territory by an enemy faction, and exclusive rank decals. Every power offers passive income multipliers or cost discounts within their controlled territories. These benefits increase with your loyalty rank. There are 12 exclusive modules that can be unlocked with every power. Powerplay is optional and recommended for intermediate [[Commander|commanders]].  


*Red is hostile.
[[Operations]] are mid-to-endgame scenarios, because you should have an upgraded/engineered ship and on-foot equipment. It requires tactical coordination with teammates to complete the objectives. It's hard to finish an operation solo. Managing a [[Squadrons|Squadron]] is a late-game social activity, because you should know how the [[Background Simulation]] works, Powerplay, pooling resources and coordinating squad-mates.  


*Red flashing white is shooting at you
The galaxy has a gigantic 1:1 scale with around 400 billion [[Star system|star systems]] in [[galactic regions]].<ref name=":1">[https://starwalk.space/en/news/the-milky-way-galaxy Milky Way Galaxy: Facts, Location & How to See It From Earth] - Starwalk - 30 June 2026</ref> Each region has [[species]] who live on [[planets]] or in space such as [[Lagrange Cloud|Lagrange Clouds]]. There are a wide range of [[:Category:Characters|characters]] from all walks of life. The most notable aliens are the ancient insectoid [[Thargoid|Thargoids]] and the extinct humanoid [[Guardian|Guardians]]. [[Human|Humanity]] won two major wars against the Thargoids: the [[First Thargoid War]] (3125–3151) and the [[Second Thargoid War]] (3303–3310). They can still be found at [[Conflict Zone (Signal Source)|conflict zones]] and [[System Signal Sources]] in the [[California Nebula]], [[Pleiades Nebula|Pleiades]], [[Coalsack Nebula]], and around [[Thargoid Titan|Titan graveyards]].


*Square means weapons not deployed.
[[GalNet]] is the galactic news network and data aggregator in ED that broadcasts lore, market information, and political developments across the Milky Way. This official news is made by [[Frontier Developments]]. There are 3 superpowers: the [[Alliance]], [[Empire]], and [[Federation]]. There are many [[independent]] people. The galaxy has trillions of characters. The [[lore]] of ED is deep and related to previous titles in the [[Elite series]]. Terminology and acronyms are frequently used in wiki articles and lore. Learn the common terms in the glossary of [[Acronyms & Slang]].


*Triangle weapons deployed.
There are unsolved mysteries like [[Raxxla]], [[Soontill]], and the [[Formidine Rift]]. Certain aspects of the [[Guardian|Guardians]] and [[Thargoid|Thargoids]] remain unknown. There are secretive organizations like [[The Club]] and [[The Dark Wheel]].


*Solid is NPC.
Committing a crime (assault, murder, ramming ships) inside or near a [[station]] is met with lethal force by the surface and orbital [[Defence Turrets]] which destroy criminal ships in seconds. [[:Category:Security forces|Security forces]] like [[Advanced Tactical Response]] are active in all system types except anarchy. Security is the lowest in [[anarchy]] systems which have a higher chance of PVP. [[Bounty Hunter|Bounty hunters]] destroy wanted ships while [[Pirate|pirates]] steal [[commodities]] and sell them for profit. Learn about [[Crime & Punishment]] to stay on the lawful side of society.


*Outline is player.
ED has beautiful [[Elite Dangerous Music|music]], but the limited playlist gets repetitive so you can play custom background music.


ED has no official winning state or final quest. There is no linear campaign or final boss to finish the game. It continues after earning the highest [[ranks]]. ED is an endless sandbox so you must set goals, "''blaze your trail"'' and ''"leave your mark on the galaxy''."<ref>[https://www.elitedangerous.com/ Elite Dangerous description - Official Website] - 8 October 2026</ref> Chasing achievements and the destination are less important. It's more about the journey, discovering the Milky Way, and life among the stars.


'''(5) Speed Gauge''' - Shows the current speed of your ship. The indicator that moves is the speed you set, the bar then rises and falls as the fly-by-wire system matches the ships actual speed with the one that you have set. (NOTE: When you boost the speed goes above the speed max speed of the ship for a short while - but then when the energy runs out it then returns back to the level that is currently set by the indicator.)
== Codex ==
[[File:Elite-Dangerous-Codex-Commander-Stats.png|thumb|250px|Commander stats in the Codex]]
The [[Codex]] shows information and stats of your findings, progress, session logs and a curated archive of your discoveries.


When moving forward, a blue zone will appear on the speed guage  This shows the speed range at which your ship is most manoueveable (generally around 50% full thrust).
The Homepage has the most important stats with a full body image of your [[Commander]]. You can customize the appearance with [[Holo-Me]].


'''(6) Ship Holo''' - A holo showing the current state of your ship, its orientation, shield status, hull health.
The Discoveries section shows 42 [[galactic regions]] with things that players found and things that aren't discovered yet. For example within a [[star system]] there are [[stars]], [[planets]], terrestrials, [[Gas Giant|gas giants]], [[species]], [[Settlement|settlements]], [[generation ships]], text and audio logs etc.


'''(7) Power Capacitor Gauges''' - There are 3 bars: SYS / ENG / WEP. Each bar represents a capacitor in the ship. Energy in the bar allows the connected ships system to charge faster, overheat less or provide more energy. You can allocate how the power from your power unit is allocated to these capacitors by setting the 'pips', the more 'pips' the more power is allocated to this capacitor.
The [[Knowledge Base]] has encyclopedia-style [[lore]] topics about e.g. historical events, important [[:category:Characters|characters]], [[factions]] and alien [[species]].


SYS - Shield and ships systems take energy from this capacitor. The more energy here the faster your shields will recharge.
The [[Pilot's Handbook]] has detailed information about possible activities, ship [[outfitting]] and more. There's also a news feed.


ENG - Engines - the more energy available here the more you can boost. When you press boost you will see a chunk of energy disappear from this capacitor. You can only boost again when this capacitor has the available energy again.
== 1st and 3rd person ==
ED is primarily designed as a first-person experience. By default you fly your ship in 1st person from the pilot seat. There is native support for keyboard & mouse, standard gamepads (like Xbox and PlayStation controllers), and dedicated flight peripherals including HOTAS, dual sticks, and rudder pedals. You can switch to 3rd person by activating the [[Camera suite|Camera Suite]]:


WEP - Weapons - the more energy in here, the slower your weapons overheat. When you fire an energy weapon the energy comes from this capacitor. So the more energy you divert here the less your guns will run dry.
# '''Activate Camera Suite''': Press Left Ctrl + Left Alt + Space on PC (or hold B and press Right on the D-Pad on Xbox / hold Square and press Right on the D-Pad on PlayStation).
# '''Switch to Chase Cam''': cycle to the external view and adjust the camera behind your ship using your key bindings.
# '''Enable Flight Controls''': you can steer, boost, and fire weapons while in the external view, but there is no cockpit HUD.
You can map a dedicated "Enter Camera Suite" key in the '''Options > Controls''' menu. Once active, select one of the preset external camera views.


'''(8) Signature''' - This shows how "visible" you are on another ships scanners. The flatter the line the less visible you are. Going to silent running will mean that this bar stays as flat as possible - provided you are not firing energy weapons.
[[On Foot]] is also designed for first-person view. The camera suite provides a 3rd person, cinematic view of your [[Holo-Me|character]] and surroundings. However, your Heads-Up Display (HUD) and crosshairs disappear. You cannot complete combat nor interact with objects while using the external camera view.


NOTE: Silent running - when you are in silent running mode your ships vents are closed so the heat cannot escape - but it still builds up. (See temperature gauge). If this temperature gauge hits 100%+ you start to take damage and your weapons cannot fire as they are classed as overheated.
[[Virtual Reality]] is supported inside [[ships]] and [[vehicles]], but not [[On Foot|on foot]]. The fan-made patch [https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/1vl2f7o/edvr_unofficial_patch/ EDVR] fixes many issues.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/1vl2f7o/edvr_unofficial_patch/ EDVR Unofficial Patch] - Ok-Mud-9379 - 11 August 2026 - Reddit</ref>


NOTE2: Heat Sinks - if your temperature gets too high whilst silent running, you can eject a heat sink and this will reduce your internal temperature to zero, but it will start to build up again until you turn off silent running again and open your vents
== Difficulty ==
Elite Dangerous seems ostensibly simple, but there is a steep learning curve and complex mechanics. Picking the right [[Ships|ship]], [[outfitting]], [[Vehicles|vehicle]], [[Ship-Launched Vessels|vessel]], [[:Category:Handheld Tools|tools]], [[suits]] for an activity requires intermediate knowledge. Becoming proficient at a [[Careers|career]] takes tens of hours of practice. Mastering the flight controls, navigation, ship and on foot combat, system management and procedures to get the best results requires over 100 hours of hands-on experience. Some consider ED a slow, repetitive and badly explained game that requires the player to make concessions.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl1b_EGzwTg Elite Dangerous - The BEST Space Sim in 2026?] - LT Gaming - 2 August 2026 - YouTube</ref>


==='''Left Side Panel (Contacts Panel)'''===
[[Flight Model|Flight mechanics]] and controls use physics with a fly-by-wire system. This requires precise throttle, directional management and memorizing the sheer volume of keybinds. Disabling [[Flight Assist]] allows near Newtonian flight. Learning a HOTAS setup (Hands-On Throttle-And-Stick) or a gamepad, keyboard + mouse takes a substantial time and dedication due to the sheer volume of buttons and keybinds.


System management is very important to balance power distribution between engines, systems (shields), and weapons during flight and combat vs NPCs, players or [[Thargoid|Thargoids]]. PVP combat can be the most difficult, because it's often a mismatch of skills, equipment and humans are less predictable.


This panel shows Contacts and Subsystems for the selected contact. On this panel you can select a target that is on your scanner (just like target select from your controller). On here it shows the type of target, the hull health and shield health.
The galaxy is humongous so it's easy to get lost. This makes navigation an existential and vast undertaking. Deep space will be true isolation from inhabited space like the [[Core Systems]]. Long-distance [[Explorer|exploration]] involves coping with loneliness. Some people will suffer from [[Acronyms & Slang|space madness]]. You should know the different types of [[stars]], [[planets]] and how to find valuable [[species]] of flora and fauna that are worth collecting with the [[Genetic Sampler]]. [[Star system|Star systems]] are sparse in the galactic edge and densely packed in the galactic core. There are severe consequences if you mismanage the [[fuel]] of your ship, run out of [[Liquid Oxygen|oxygen]] of your [[Suits|suit]], land too hard on a planet or [[Landing Pad|landing pad]], or act criminally near a [[station]] or [[settlement]]. The [[Fuel Rats]] help those who are stuck without fuel. The [https://hullseals.space/ Hull Seals] repair ship and vehicle [[Hull Integrity|hulls]].  


The Subsystems panel shows more information on the selected target (but it does have to have been a selected target for a few seconds). Here you can target a specific sub-system (and see the health etc. of the others).
Activities like deep-core [[Miner|mining]] and smuggling require specialized knowledge to do properly. [[Xeno Hunter]] requires being familiar with the Thargoid [[Thargoid Scout|Scout]], [[Thargoid Hunter|Hunter]], [[Thargoid Interceptor|Interceptor]] and variants. There are third-party tools to make it easier. The [[trader]], [[System Colonisation|system colonisation]], [[powerplay]] and [[Engineers|engineering]] paths are so deep that many pilots rely on [[Third Party Tools|third-party tools]] like [https://inara.cz/elite Inara] or [https://www.edsm.net/ EDSM] to track data and utilize the [[Market Economy|economy]].


== Guides ==


==='''Right Panel (Systems Panel)'''===
=== Fan-made guides ===
New pilots should check the following fan-made guides. Note: some guides are outdated.


* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7glm5rbPHKxnltQU1SLxdqQrENIXJGUr Elite: Dangerous Pilot Training Tutorials]
* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7glm5rbPHKx8MWl-oKkxLvEcAmumMVtw Elite Dangerous: Horizons Training Guides]
* [https://d1wv0x2frmpnh.cloudfront.net/elite/website/assets/English-PlayersGuide-Latest.pdf Official Players Guide (latest version)]
** [https://d1wv0x2frmpnh.cloudfront.net/elite/website/assets/EN-PlayersGuide_v2.3_Latest_PS4.pdf Official Players Guide (PS4) (latest version)]
** [https://d1wv0x2frmpnh.cloudfront.net/elite/website/assets/English-PlayersGuide-Latest(XBOX).pdf Official Players Guide (XBOX) (latest version)]
* [http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=773670824 The Guide for Almost Everything]
* [https://thecakeisaliegaming.wordpress.com/2015/01/25/getting-started-in-elite-dangerous-a-guide/ An in-depth beginner’s guide to Elite: Dangerous]
* [http://i.imgur.com/nsI1V08.jpg A visual guide to exploration]
*[https://www.elitedangerous.com/news/odyssey-guide Odyssey Guide]
*[https://www.elitedangerous.com/news/squadrons-guide Squadrons Guide]


There are two sub-panels here: Modules, Fire Groups
=== Wiki guides ===
A list of recommended wiki [[:Category:Guides|guides]] to learn about piloting and traversing space.


'''Modules''' - This panel shows each system module on your ship. The type and the amount of power it draws from the power planet (this translates in to heat generated). From here you can turn off/on systems. Only systems that are turned on contribute to your temperature (so the more systems off- the less your temperature increases when silent running). Priority tells the the system the order in which to shut down systems if there is not enough to feed all systems (by default they are all set to the same for a balanced power distribution). The health of a module is also shown.
*[[Acronyms & Slang]]
*[[Careers]]
*[[Crime & Punishment]]
*[[Docking]]
* [[Engineers]]
* [[:Category:Factions|Factions]]
*[[Flight Assist]]
*[[FSD Supercharging]]
*[[HOTAS Key Bindings]]
*[[HUD]]
*[[Hyperspace]]
*[[Supercruise]]
*[[Permits]]
*[[Powerplay]]
*[[Ranks]]


The total power usage and total heat generated are shown below the list.
=== Support squadron ===


'''Fire Groups''' - You can have multiple weapons installed, e.g. a Beam weapon, Missile Launcher, Heat Sink. Here you assign the weapons to fire groups. Yellow squares represent the primary, blue the secondary. You can create multiple fire groups - e.g. missile as primary, beam as secondary in fire group 1, heat sink as primary and beam as secondary in fire group 2. You can then switch fire groups on the fly using the cycle fire group button.
* [https://newp.io/ New Pilots Initiative] is a [[Squadrons|squadron]] that supports new pilots and develops their chosen [[:Category:Careers|career]].


On the first mission there is only one fire group with both weapons assigned as primary - so they both fire when the trigger is pressed. You could set up another fire group and assign only one gun to each fire group. Have a play with it and you will figure it out.
=== Support issues ===
For support issues check the following places before submitting a ticket:
*[https://customersupport.frontier.co.uk/hc/en-us/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&query=FAQ Official FAQ]
*[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/categories/elite-dangerous/ Official game support forum]
*[https://customersupport.frontier.co.uk/ Official customer support]
*[https://customersupport.frontier.co.uk/hc/en-us/sections/4404016904082-Technical-Support Technical support]
* [https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/thegalacticacademy The Galactic Academy] is a portal for new Commanders to get help and support.


==='''Centre top'''===
==Pilot training==
These official videos outline the basics of ''Elite Dangerous'' for new players.
<gallery hideaddbutton="true" position="center" widths="200px" captionalign="center" columns="3">
File:Elite Dangerous Pilot Training - Basic Flight Controls
File:Elite Dangerous Pilot Training - Docking
File:Elite Dangerous Pilot Training - Travel
File:Elite Dangerous Pilot Training - Basic Combat
File:Elite Dangerous Pilot Training - Galaxy And System Map
File:Landing - Elite Dangerous Horizons Pilot Training
File:Passengers - Elite Dangerous Horizons Pilot Training
File:Elite Dangerous Pilot Tutorials - CQC
</gallery>


==Fan-made video guides==
These are fan-made video guides for newbies.<gallery hideaddbutton="true" position="center" widths="200" captionalign="center" columns="3">
File:🪐 Elite Dangerous Odyssey How to Have the Best Start New Player Beginners Guide 2025 SuperCut
File:A Beginner's Guide to Elite Dangerous in 2025 - For PC & Console
File:What to do in Elite Dangerous in 2025 - Overview, Guides, and Builds
File:Elite Dangerous - Intermediate Tutorial - Into The Maelstrom
File:Anti-Xeno Academy- Learn how to fight Thargoids
File:Beginner's Guide to Maneuvering, Supercruise Quick Drop, SCO, and Quick Auto Dock - Elite Dangerous
File:Elite Dangerous - New Player Tutorial - PIP & Distributor Management
File:ELITE DANGEROUS - Settlement Raiding Guide for N00bz
File:On Foot Combat - A Guide to Getting Started in Elite Dangerous Odyssey
File:Top 10 Community MODS and TOOLS in Elite- Dangerous
File:I played the most OVERWHELMING space game ever made - Elite Dangerous
File:GUIDE- Essential New Commander FAQ in Elite Dangerous (Flight, Docking & Travel)
File:How to engage with Powerplay - Elite Dangerous
</gallery>


(9) The two elongated white panels (with the red lights in) actually flash red or yellow depending on if you are in proximity to another object, like an asteroid. These panels may be in a different loction or have a different shape depending on the spacecraft.
== Lore videos ==
<gallery hideaddbutton="true" position="center" widths="200" captionalign="center" columns="3">
File:Fiction Diary -3
File:Elite Dangerous Lore Introduction, a primer for all CMDRs.
File:Elite Dangerous Lore, The Timeline Part 1
File:Elite Dangerous Lore, The Timeline Part 2
File:Elite Dangerous - Thargoid War Epilogue
</gallery>
 
==Ship HUD==
{{:HUD}}
 
== Gallery ==
<gallery>
Cobra-Cockpit-Interface.png|Cobra cockpit interface
Sidewinder-Cockpit-Interface.png|Sidewinder cockpit interface
CenterHUDLayout.jpg
Sidewinder-Planetary-Flight-HUD.png|Planetary Flight HUD
</gallery>
 
== Third Party Tools ==
ED has a steep learning curve and does not hold your hand, save for a few in-game tutorials. You can learn to use 3rd party tools and websites to make the gaming experience more enjoyable and easier.
 
The [https://edcodex.info Elite: Dangerous Codex] has a complete list of [[Third Party Tools]]. You can bookmark it, and use tools that you find useful. There are dozens of websites about ED worth bookmarking. Check the [[Fansites]] for a list of related sites, tools, data and guides.
 
The game utilizes an API that allows all in-game data to flow to multiple websites, tools, and utilities so all real time in-game data can be presented in many different ways. For example, [https://inara.cz/elite Inara] helps players search the nearest stations, minor factions, bodies, profitable trade routes, commodity prices, engineer component trading, ships, modules and personal equipment vendors. By registering at these sites and tools with your personal game API they can track your entire history and game data.
 
ED also creates log files every time you play. These tools can pull that data in various ways to give you a detailed log of everywhere you go, buy and sell, and other player actions.
 
== Ships for ARX ==
Buying ships or [[livery]] with the in-game currency [[ARX]] (real money) is completely optional. It supports the development of ED for new content, features and updates.
 
=== Early access ===
You can buy early access to newly released [[ships]], [[Ship-Launched Vessels|vessels]] and [[vehicles]] for [[ARX]] in the ED Gamestore. After around 3-4 months it will be available for standard in-game [[credits]].
 
=== Pre-Built Ships ===
[[Pre-Built Ships]] are ready-to-use and specialized for a role with pre-equipped modules, paint jobs, and ship kits. If the ship gets destroyed, the base pre-built ship can be redeployed at zero [[Credits|credit]] cost. This allows you to skip the grind to manually [[Outfitting|outfit]] it from scratch with in-game [[credits]]. Some jump-start ships have pre-installed [[Engineers|engineered]] modules. The pre-built modules cannot be sold, stored or transferred to other ships. The bundles have Standard, Stellar, and Galactic tiers. These premium ships can be purchased with [[ARX]].
 
Pre-built ships are convenient for new players, to switch [[careers]] or a second account. However, they're not necessarily pay-to-win (P2W), because it requires general knowledge and piloting skills to use properly.
 
=== CMDR Starter Pack ===
CMDR Starter Pack is a bundle intended to help new commanders get started faster. It has lots of content like: ship, A-rated spec, ship kit, paintjobs, decals (emblems and logos), ship weapon detailing, [[COVAS]], [[Suits|suit]] and [[Handheld Weapon|handheld weapon]] [[Livery|cosmetics]]. The ship can also be deployed at any [[shipyard]]. The starter pack can be purchased with [[ARX]].
 
== References ==
[[Category:Guides]]
[[ru:Руководство пилота]]
[[Category:Gameplay]]

Latest revision as of 11:55, 22 October 2026

File:Viper Mk III Pilot Hangar.png
Viper Mk III and pilot in hangar

The Pilots Guide is designed to help new pilots get ahead in the galaxy. There are many career paths. You should choose a vocation that fits your play style and skills. The Sidewinder is the starter ship and used as an example. The concepts are applicable to all ships in Elite Dangerous. You can explore planets on foot, with a vessel or SRV. The Scarab is a staple vehicle for exploration. Veterans may find this guide useful to get up to speed. You decide your own adventure in ED. This guide has key things that you should know for a better journey.

Overview

File:Sidewinder-Cockpit-Interface.png
Sidewinder Cockpit Interface

If you've never played an open-world, space, trading, exploration and combat simulation game before then follow this guide to get your bearings.

Elite Dangerous has a steep learning curve with complex controls and minimal in-game guidance. There are basic tutorials, but the game expects you to figure out navigation, trading and survival by yourself. However, there are free Third Party Tools for optimal trade routes, track market prices, engineering materials etc.

You begin as a poor pilot with a loaned Sidewinder from a secret benefactor in the 34th century. In the ED: Odyssey expansion you begin an on foot tutorial that teaches basic mechanics like walking, interacting with terminals, using tools and handheld weapons. All independent pilots are licensed members of the Pilots Federation. Every pilot has the title "commander". Ranks are earned by completing activities to unlock perks in the auxiliaries of the Federal and Imperial Navy. All newbies start in the Pilots' Federation District. This protected zone has basic missions and outfitting. Once you've earned your first rank in combat, trade or exploration you are guided outside the district and the permit is revoked. Thence you must choose a path and make a living in the galaxy. What you want to do determines where you want to go.

The controls require learning dozens of key-bindings for thrusters, shields, landing gear and power distribution. You can customize the controls (mouse + keyboard, joystick/HOTAS or gamepad). By playing you will learn the basics like flight routines and gain muscle memory. Communication is primarily via the in-game Communications Panel, which splits messages into several specific chat channels. You can also use voice chat and emotes.

The Frame Shift Drive allows faster-than-light travel within star systems and via hyperspace. Newer ships are optimized for a more stable Frame Shift Drive (SCO). SCO lets you temporarily overcharge your engine for extreme speeds in supercruise. Landing roughly on a high gravity world or landing pad can destroy your ship.

The #1 golden rule is “Never fly without a rebuy”. This means you should always have enough credits to cover your ship's insurance if it gets destroyed. The Pilots Federation covers most of the cost, but you must pay the rebuy fee (circa 5% of your total ship and module value).

There are 3 game modes: Solo (single player), Private Group (with friends and invites), and Open Play (with everyone). Newbies are recommended to play in Solo or Private Group, because it is safer. Open Play has the risks of random encounters with other players and PVP combat. The majority of players are in Solo or Private Groups. You can find other players in hot spots or systems with community goals. Squadrons are organized groups of players, similar to a guild. They are useful to socialize and do cooperative content like Operations. Many supports newbies and teaches them the ropes. The player base is very spread out across the galaxy and in 1 of 3 game modes. Thus it is rare to meet other players.

There are over 50 flyable ships. These come in 3 sizes: small, medium, large. They can have specific roles like combat, exploration, trading or multi-purpose. These ships are highly customizable via outfitting. The ship's modules and performance can be engineered past the standard limits. The engineers can upgrade the tier of a blueprint in exchange for raw, manufactured and encoded materials. The capital ships cannot be piloted directly, instead the owner gives orders. Capital ships like the Drake-Class Carrier and Javelin-Class Carrier are end-game features due to the very expensive price and upkeep costs.

On foot lets you control your character from a first-person perspective. Such as explore a planet, moon, concourse in a station or settlement. You can also do combat as a mercenary and an explorer can take biological samples of alien species. You wear the Flight Suit by default. The Artemis Suit is designed for exobiology and exploration. The Maverick Suit is for salvage, stealth, and settlement missions. The Dominator Suit is meant for ground combat and conflict zones. Essential on-foot tools are the Profile Analyser to clone security clearances, the Arc Cutter to cut panels, and the Energy Link to power down or activate systems at a settlement. Various handheld weapons are available for personal safety or offensive missions.

The activities range from easy to complex. Space trucking, data courier and basic exploration are easy. Combat, deep-core mining, missions at settlements, powerplay and system colonisation are complex. Activities like long-distance space trucking and exploration require low attention so you can watch a movie on a second monitor. You can get a burnout by grinding the same activity. Take a break when you're fatigued or wait for the next game update.

Powerplay is a multiplayer, grand-strategy system for territorial control in the galaxy. Players pledge allegiance to one of 12 galactic Powers. You can contribute to expand your faction's borders, fortify friendly systems and undermine enemy strongholds. Pledging to a power makes you a target for all other rival powers. You gain "hostile" status when flying through systems that are controlled or exploited by a rival power. The benefits of pledging to a power are lucrative perks like up to 100% rebuy reduction, 100% rebuy reduction if you're killed in hostile territory by an enemy faction, and exclusive rank decals. Every power offers passive income multipliers or cost discounts within their controlled territories. These benefits increase with your loyalty rank. There are 12 exclusive modules that can be unlocked with every power. Powerplay is optional and recommended for intermediate commanders.

Operations are mid-to-endgame scenarios, because you should have an upgraded/engineered ship and on-foot equipment. It requires tactical coordination with teammates to complete the objectives. It's hard to finish an operation solo. Managing a Squadron is a late-game social activity, because you should know how the Background Simulation works, Powerplay, pooling resources and coordinating squad-mates.

The galaxy has a gigantic 1:1 scale with around 400 billion star systems in galactic regions.[1] Each region has species who live on planets or in space such as Lagrange Clouds. There are a wide range of characters from all walks of life. The most notable aliens are the ancient insectoid Thargoids and the extinct humanoid Guardians. Humanity won two major wars against the Thargoids: the First Thargoid War (3125–3151) and the Second Thargoid War (3303–3310). They can still be found at conflict zones and System Signal Sources in the California Nebula, Pleiades, Coalsack Nebula, and around Titan graveyards.

GalNet is the galactic news network and data aggregator in ED that broadcasts lore, market information, and political developments across the Milky Way. This official news is made by Frontier Developments. There are 3 superpowers: the Alliance, Empire, and Federation. There are many independent people. The galaxy has trillions of characters. The lore of ED is deep and related to previous titles in the Elite series. Terminology and acronyms are frequently used in wiki articles and lore. Learn the common terms in the glossary of Acronyms & Slang.

There are unsolved mysteries like Raxxla, Soontill, and the Formidine Rift. Certain aspects of the Guardians and Thargoids remain unknown. There are secretive organizations like The Club and The Dark Wheel.

Committing a crime (assault, murder, ramming ships) inside or near a station is met with lethal force by the surface and orbital Defence Turrets which destroy criminal ships in seconds. Security forces like Advanced Tactical Response are active in all system types except anarchy. Security is the lowest in anarchy systems which have a higher chance of PVP. Bounty hunters destroy wanted ships while pirates steal commodities and sell them for profit. Learn about Crime & Punishment to stay on the lawful side of society.

ED has beautiful music, but the limited playlist gets repetitive so you can play custom background music.

ED has no official winning state or final quest. There is no linear campaign or final boss to finish the game. It continues after earning the highest ranks. ED is an endless sandbox so you must set goals, "blaze your trail" and "leave your mark on the galaxy."[2] Chasing achievements and the destination are less important. It's more about the journey, discovering the Milky Way, and life among the stars.

Codex

File:Elite-Dangerous-Codex-Commander-Stats.png
Commander stats in the Codex

The Codex shows information and stats of your findings, progress, session logs and a curated archive of your discoveries.

The Homepage has the most important stats with a full body image of your Commander. You can customize the appearance with Holo-Me.

The Discoveries section shows 42 galactic regions with things that players found and things that aren't discovered yet. For example within a star system there are stars, planets, terrestrials, gas giants, species, settlements, generation ships, text and audio logs etc.

The Knowledge Base has encyclopedia-style lore topics about e.g. historical events, important characters, factions and alien species.

The Pilot's Handbook has detailed information about possible activities, ship outfitting and more. There's also a news feed.

1st and 3rd person

ED is primarily designed as a first-person experience. By default you fly your ship in 1st person from the pilot seat. There is native support for keyboard & mouse, standard gamepads (like Xbox and PlayStation controllers), and dedicated flight peripherals including HOTAS, dual sticks, and rudder pedals. You can switch to 3rd person by activating the Camera Suite:

  1. Activate Camera Suite: Press Left Ctrl + Left Alt + Space on PC (or hold B and press Right on the D-Pad on Xbox / hold Square and press Right on the D-Pad on PlayStation).
  2. Switch to Chase Cam: cycle to the external view and adjust the camera behind your ship using your key bindings.
  3. Enable Flight Controls: you can steer, boost, and fire weapons while in the external view, but there is no cockpit HUD.

You can map a dedicated "Enter Camera Suite" key in the Options > Controls menu. Once active, select one of the preset external camera views.

On Foot is also designed for first-person view. The camera suite provides a 3rd person, cinematic view of your character and surroundings. However, your Heads-Up Display (HUD) and crosshairs disappear. You cannot complete combat nor interact with objects while using the external camera view.

Virtual Reality is supported inside ships and vehicles, but not on foot. The fan-made patch EDVR fixes many issues.[3]

Difficulty

Elite Dangerous seems ostensibly simple, but there is a steep learning curve and complex mechanics. Picking the right ship, outfitting, vehicle, vessel, tools, suits for an activity requires intermediate knowledge. Becoming proficient at a career takes tens of hours of practice. Mastering the flight controls, navigation, ship and on foot combat, system management and procedures to get the best results requires over 100 hours of hands-on experience. Some consider ED a slow, repetitive and badly explained game that requires the player to make concessions.[4]

Flight mechanics and controls use physics with a fly-by-wire system. This requires precise throttle, directional management and memorizing the sheer volume of keybinds. Disabling Flight Assist allows near Newtonian flight. Learning a HOTAS setup (Hands-On Throttle-And-Stick) or a gamepad, keyboard + mouse takes a substantial time and dedication due to the sheer volume of buttons and keybinds.

System management is very important to balance power distribution between engines, systems (shields), and weapons during flight and combat vs NPCs, players or Thargoids. PVP combat can be the most difficult, because it's often a mismatch of skills, equipment and humans are less predictable.

The galaxy is humongous so it's easy to get lost. This makes navigation an existential and vast undertaking. Deep space will be true isolation from inhabited space like the Core Systems. Long-distance exploration involves coping with loneliness. Some people will suffer from space madness. You should know the different types of stars, planets and how to find valuable species of flora and fauna that are worth collecting with the Genetic Sampler. Star systems are sparse in the galactic edge and densely packed in the galactic core. There are severe consequences if you mismanage the fuel of your ship, run out of oxygen of your suit, land too hard on a planet or landing pad, or act criminally near a station or settlement. The Fuel Rats help those who are stuck without fuel. The Hull Seals repair ship and vehicle hulls.

Activities like deep-core mining and smuggling require specialized knowledge to do properly. Xeno Hunter requires being familiar with the Thargoid Scout, Hunter, Interceptor and variants. There are third-party tools to make it easier. The trader, system colonisation, powerplay and engineering paths are so deep that many pilots rely on third-party tools like Inara or EDSM to track data and utilize the economy.

Guides

Fan-made guides

New pilots should check the following fan-made guides. Note: some guides are outdated.

Wiki guides

A list of recommended wiki guides to learn about piloting and traversing space.

Support squadron

Support issues

For support issues check the following places before submitting a ticket:

Pilot training

These official videos outline the basics of Elite Dangerous for new players.

Fan-made video guides

These are fan-made video guides for newbies.

Lore videos

Ship HUD

The HUD, also known as a "head-up display" or "heads-up display", is how all information inside of a ship is displayed in Elite Dangerous. <tabview> HUD/Center|Ship: Center HUD/Right|Ship: Right HUD/Left|Ship: Left HUD/Down|Ship: Down HUD/Odyssey|On foot (Odyssey) </tabview>


Third Party Tools

ED has a steep learning curve and does not hold your hand, save for a few in-game tutorials. You can learn to use 3rd party tools and websites to make the gaming experience more enjoyable and easier.

The Elite: Dangerous Codex has a complete list of Third Party Tools. You can bookmark it, and use tools that you find useful. There are dozens of websites about ED worth bookmarking. Check the Fansites for a list of related sites, tools, data and guides.

The game utilizes an API that allows all in-game data to flow to multiple websites, tools, and utilities so all real time in-game data can be presented in many different ways. For example, Inara helps players search the nearest stations, minor factions, bodies, profitable trade routes, commodity prices, engineer component trading, ships, modules and personal equipment vendors. By registering at these sites and tools with your personal game API they can track your entire history and game data.

ED also creates log files every time you play. These tools can pull that data in various ways to give you a detailed log of everywhere you go, buy and sell, and other player actions.

Ships for ARX

Buying ships or livery with the in-game currency ARX (real money) is completely optional. It supports the development of ED for new content, features and updates.

Early access

You can buy early access to newly released ships, vessels and vehicles for ARX in the ED Gamestore. After around 3-4 months it will be available for standard in-game credits.

Pre-Built Ships

Pre-Built Ships are ready-to-use and specialized for a role with pre-equipped modules, paint jobs, and ship kits. If the ship gets destroyed, the base pre-built ship can be redeployed at zero credit cost. This allows you to skip the grind to manually outfit it from scratch with in-game credits. Some jump-start ships have pre-installed engineered modules. The pre-built modules cannot be sold, stored or transferred to other ships. The bundles have Standard, Stellar, and Galactic tiers. These premium ships can be purchased with ARX.

Pre-built ships are convenient for new players, to switch careers or a second account. However, they're not necessarily pay-to-win (P2W), because it requires general knowledge and piloting skills to use properly.

CMDR Starter Pack

CMDR Starter Pack is a bundle intended to help new commanders get started faster. It has lots of content like: ship, A-rated spec, ship kit, paintjobs, decals (emblems and logos), ship weapon detailing, COVAS, suit and handheld weapon cosmetics. The ship can also be deployed at any shipyard. The starter pack can be purchased with ARX.

References

ru:Руководство пилота

  1. ↑ Milky Way Galaxy: Facts, Location & How to See It From Earth - Starwalk - 30 June 2026
  2. ↑ Elite Dangerous description - Official Website - 8 October 2026
  3. ↑ EDVR Unofficial Patch - Ok-Mud-9379 - 11 August 2026 - Reddit
  4. ↑ Elite Dangerous - The BEST Space Sim in 2026? - LT Gaming - 2 August 2026 - YouTube
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