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[[File: | [[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 == | == Overview == | ||
If you've never played an open-world, space, trading, exploration and combat simulation game before then follow this | [[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. | |||
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 | 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. | ||
You begin as a poor pilot with a loaned [[Sidewinder]] from a secret benefactor. | 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 | 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]]. | ||
The | 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. | ||
The | 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). | ||
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. | 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. | ||
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. | |||
[[ | [[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. | ||
The galaxy has a gigantic 1:1 scale with around 400 billion [[Star system|star systems]] in [[galactic regions]].<ref>[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]]. | 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. | ||
[[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]]. | |||
[[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. | |||
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]]. | |||
[[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]]. | [[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]]. | ||
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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]]. | 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]]. | ||
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. | |||
[[ | |||
ED has beautiful [[Elite Dangerous Music|music]], but the limited playlist gets repetitive so you can play custom background music. | |||
ED | 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. | ||
== Codex == | == Codex == | ||
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The [[Knowledge Base]] has encyclopedia-style [[lore]] topics about e.g. historical events, important [[:category:Characters|characters]], [[factions]] and alien [[species]]. | The [[Knowledge Base]] has encyclopedia-style [[lore]] topics about e.g. historical events, important [[:category:Characters|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. | The [[Pilot's Handbook]] has detailed information about possible activities, ship [[outfitting]] and more. There's also a news feed. | ||
== 1st and 3rd person == | == 1st and 3rd person == | ||
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== Difficulty == | == 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> | |||
[[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. | [[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. | ||
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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. | 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. | ||
The galaxy | 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]]. | ||
Activities like deep-core [[Miner|mining]] | 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 == | == Guides == | ||
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A list of recommended wiki [[:Category:Guides|guides]] to learn about piloting and traversing space. | A list of recommended wiki [[:Category:Guides|guides]] to learn about piloting and traversing space. | ||
*[[Acronyms & Slang]] | |||
*[[Careers]] | *[[Careers]] | ||
*[[Crime & Punishment]] | |||
*[[Docking]] | *[[Docking]] | ||
* [[Engineers]] | * [[Engineers]] | ||
* [[:Category:Factions|Factions]] | |||
*[[Flight Assist]] | *[[Flight Assist]] | ||
*[[FSD Supercharging]] | *[[FSD Supercharging]] | ||
*[[HOTAS Key Bindings]] | *[[HOTAS Key Bindings]] | ||
*[[HUD]] | |||
*[[Hyperspace]] | *[[Hyperspace]] | ||
*[[Supercruise]] | *[[Supercruise]] | ||
*[[Permits]] | |||
*[[Powerplay]] | |||
*[[Ranks]] | |||
=== Support squadron === | === Support squadron === | ||
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*[https://customersupport.frontier.co.uk/ Official customer support] | *[https://customersupport.frontier.co.uk/ Official customer support] | ||
*[https://customersupport.frontier.co.uk/hc/en-us/sections/4404016904082-Technical-Support Technical 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 | * [https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/thegalacticacademy The Galactic Academy] is a portal for new Commanders to get help and support. | ||
==Pilot training== | ==Pilot training== | ||
These videos outline the basics of ''Elite Dangerous'' for new players. | These official videos outline the basics of ''Elite Dangerous'' for new players. | ||
<gallery hideaddbutton="true" position="center" widths="200px" captionalign="center" columns="3"> | <gallery hideaddbutton="true" position="center" widths="200px" captionalign="center" columns="3"> | ||
File:Elite Dangerous Pilot Training - Basic Flight Controls | File:Elite Dangerous Pilot Training - Basic Flight Controls | ||
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</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
==Fan- | ==Fan-made video guides== | ||
<gallery hideaddbutton="true" position="center" widths="200" captionalign="center" columns="3"> | 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:🪐 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: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:What to do in Elite Dangerous in 2025 - Overview, Guides, and Builds | ||
File:Elite Dangerous - Intermediate Tutorial - Into The Maelstrom | File:Elite Dangerous - Intermediate Tutorial - Into The Maelstrom | ||
File:Anti-Xeno Academy- Learn how to fight Thargoids | 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:Beginner's Guide to Maneuvering, Supercruise Quick Drop, SCO, and Quick Auto Dock - Elite Dangerous | ||
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File:Top 10 Community MODS and TOOLS in Elite- Dangerous | File:Top 10 Community MODS and TOOLS in Elite- Dangerous | ||
File:I played the most OVERWHELMING space game ever made - 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> | </gallery> | ||
== Lore videos == | == Lore videos == | ||
<gallery hideaddbutton="true" position="center" widths=" | <gallery hideaddbutton="true" position="center" widths="200" captionalign="center" columns="3"> | ||
File:Fiction Diary -3 | File:Fiction Diary -3 | ||
File:Elite Dangerous Lore Introduction, a primer for all CMDRs. | 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 1 | ||
File:Elite Dangerous Lore, The Timeline Part 2 | File:Elite Dangerous Lore, The Timeline Part 2 | ||
File:Elite Dangerous - Thargoid War Epilogue | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
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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. | 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 == | == References == | ||
[[Category:Guides]] | [[Category:Guides]] | ||
[[ru:Руководство пилота]] | [[ru:Руководство пилота]] | ||
[[Category:Gameplay]] | |||