Elite Dangerous: Difference between revisions

[[File:Elite-Dangerous-Vertical-Poster-by-atackart.png|right|250px|thumb|Poster for ''Elite Dangerous'']]

 

'''''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>

[[File:Elite-Dangerous-Official-Key-Art.png|250px|thumb|Elite Dangerous official key art]]

 

''Elite Dangerous'' builds upon the legacy and foundations of the classic [[Elite series|''Elite'' games]] while expanding it to a modern context with brand new and innovative features.

''Elite Dangerous'' is the first game in [[Elite series|the series]] to feature online multiplayer, a 1:1 scale simulation of the [[Galaxy|Milky Way]], first-person [[On Foot]] gameplay, players can shape the [[galaxy]] on a massive scale with [[System Colonisation|space colonisation]] of billions of [[Star system|star systems]], and player actions via [[Powerplay]] and [[Community Goals|community goals]] affect the overarching story of the persistent universe, while also having a solo mode for single-player.

 

The vast galaxy is based on real-life scientific principles, recent scientific data and theories. It has a groundbreaking galaxy based on hard science with star surveys that are fixed and merged to, for the first time in gaming history, compose a very consistent model of the Milky Way and it's accurate enough to plot the night sky.<ref name=":83">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOYhoFYIWmw YouTube: My other car's a Cobra MKIII - Nordic Game 2014]</ref> It's also one of the first major space sim titles to offer virtual reality support with an exceptionally immersive experience in an all-encompassing universe.

*More than 45 flyable and customizable [[ships]]. 2 [[Capital Ship|capital ships]] are available for [[credits]].

*Player actions can change the shared, overarching narrative and history of humankind. Such as battle [[pirate]]s, advance a [[:Category:Factions|faction]]'s influence via [[Powerplay]] or participate in [[Community Goals|community goals]] to leave a mark in the galaxy. The shared narrative is influenced by the players who can change the course of events in a [[star system]], the [[Core Systems]] and [[galactic regions]].

 

People can play with up to four players in a [[Teams|Team]] or join another ship via [[Multicrew]]. This uses a combination of peer-to-peer (to reduce lag) and server connections. Frontier spent a lot of time to develop a complex, custom built system for instancing and matching players. It is way more complicated than a central server.<ref name=":93">[https://archive.li/r1cmc#selection-900.0-900.3 Rolling Stone: 'Elite' Creator on Sci-Fi, Politics and His Studio's Next Big Thing], through archive.today</ref> The networking system has gradually improved since the pre-launch beta phase.

 

Everyone can participate in [[Community Goals|community goals]]. The outcome can have a big impact on major events. For example the migration and construction of [[Jaques Station]] in [[Colonia]], the [[Salomé]] community event and the [[Thargoid]] war. In [[Powerplay]], Players can pledge allegiance to a [[:Category:Power|Power]] and help spread their influence, conquer or defend star systems. When a star system is conquered its [[Market Economy|economy]], [[government]], security level and population changes as well.

 

 

[[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.

Elite Dangerous features a shared narrative which is influenced by players on all platforms. This occurs with community events like [[Salomé]], [[Community Goals|community goals]] and [[Powerplay]] activities. [[Powerplay]] is a major component of the ''ED'' narrative. It serves as a player-driven, interactive, and persistent political layer that runs alongside other narratives such as described in [[GalNet|GalNet News]].  

All of the meta data for the galaxy is shared between players. It's not traditional storytelling, rather an interactive, overarching narrative. Players have influenced and changed the course of events. The story unfolds in real time, in which players decide the outcomes and can be the stars. Important local and galactic events are reported via newsfeeds by [[GalNet]]. See the [[Elite Dangerous Timeline]] for a chronological list of events.

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==

{{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 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.

==Codex==

[[File:Elite-Dangerous-Codex-Commander-Stats.png|thumb|250px|Commander stats in the Codex]]The [[Codex]] shows your findings and progress in the [[galaxy]]. It has personal stats, session logs, discoveries in both a collaborative and individual way. It also provides encyclopedia-style information about [[lore]] topics, the latest news via [[GalNet]] and exploration data pertaining player-made discoveries of [[species]] and [[Points of Interest]] in the [[Galactic regions|Galactic Regions]].

==Space travel ==

===Frame Shift Drive===

===Supercruise Overcharge===

[[Achilles Corporation|Achilles Aerospace]] researched [[Thargoid Titan]] travel and invented the [[Frame Shift Drive (SCO)]] which was brought to market in 3310 (2024).<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/66169acbc56a55c6a80e15d8 GalNet: New Supercruise Overcharge module enters the market, a “turning point for humanity”]</ref> The [[Frame Shift Drive (SCO)|FSD (SCO)]] enables supercruise overcharge acceleration of 100s of times the speed of light in seconds. The speed burst costs extra [[fuel]], but it reduces travel time in half.

 

[[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.

 

 

[[File:SRV-Scarab-Driving-Planet.png|thumb|250px|SRV Scarab drives on a planet]]The first available [[Vehicles|vehicle]] is the small [[SRV]] [[Scarab]]. It's primarily designed for [[Explorer|exploration]] to allow pilots to drive and jump across planetary surfaces. It's also useful for [[Miner|mining]] [[materials]]. The [[Planetary Vehicle Hangar]] module provides a hangar space on-board a ship to carry and repair an SRV. It's equipped with a [[Wave Scanner]] which is an unidirectional long-range forward facing scanner that detects a variety of vehicles and points of interest. The [[Scorpion]] is a 2 seater combat SRV that was added with [[Elite Dangerous: Odyssey|ED: Odyssey]] in 2021. The large [[Rhino]] is designed for surface mining with a [[Mining Rig|mining rig]].

 

== Astrophysics and scale==

* Star systems, celestial bodies are gradually aggregated over a very long simulated time from available matter, taking into account its chemical composition. Some [[Stellar Forge]] outcomes are ‘backed up’ by astronomical observations.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20201112023346/https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?u=dcbf6b86b4b0c7d1c21b73b1e&id=76df98203b Elite Dangerous Newsletter #36]</ref>

*141 [[nebula]] in the Milky Way [[galaxy]].

File:What NASA & Elite Dangerous Have In Common

File:Elite Dangerous Horizons - Galaxy In Motion

File:How BIG is Elite Dangerous? (Galaxy map size)

 

The [[Thargoids]] are an intelligent, highly advanced insectoid species that have existed for millions of years. They are highly territorial and seemingly rebuff all diplomatic overtures with unmitigated hostility, but are also known to be extremely slow to adapt. Their culture, society and origin remains a mystery.

 

Interaction lead to the [[First Thargoid War]] (3125-3151). This concluded with the withdrawal of Thargoids from human territory, but also critically weakened the interstellar superpower [[Galactic Cooperative]]. The [[Second Thargoid War]] (3303-3310) was lead by the xenological research organization [[Aegis]] and militia of [[Pilot|pilots]]. This ended with the destruction of the [[Thargoid Titan|Titan]] capital ships and the Thargoid fleets retreated.

[[File:Elite-Dangerous-Hero-Connected-Artwork.png|Elite Dangerous hero connected artwork|thumb|250px]]''Elite Dangerous'' is set in the 34th century, 50 years after the events of ''[[Frontier: First Encounters]]'', starting in the year 3300 (which equals 2014). The alien [[Thargoid|Thargoids]], introduced in ''[[Elite]] (1984),'' have returned. This caused the [[First Thargoid War|First]] and [[Second Thargoid War]]. ED and the classic ''Elite'' games have a shared fictional [[Elite Universe|''Elite'' ''universe'']].

 

Elite Dangerous features a shared narrative which is influenced by players on all platforms. This occurs with community events like [[Salomé]], community goals and [[Powerplay]] activities. All of the meta data for the galaxy is shared between players. It's not traditional storytelling, rather an interactive, overarching narrative. Players have influenced and changed the course of events. The story unfolds in real time, in which players decide the outcomes and can be the stars.<ref>[https://www.polygon.com/2014/12/16/7402069/elite-dangerous-launch-campaign-single-player-story Polygon: Elite: Dangerous actually has a story, here's how to find it]</ref> The latest news on in-game events and remarkable stories are reported on [[GalNet]]. See the [[Elite Dangerous Timeline]] for a chronological list of events.

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" />

 

 

== Procedural content==

 

==Flight model==

 

==Virtual reality==

In March 2015, [[David Braben]] said supporting the Oculus Rift right from the start was possible, because Elite Dangerous is self-published by [[Frontier Developments]] rather than a publisher. With a publisher they'd have to make a business case for it and it would end up being pushed out into the future.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLpX1G5I5tQ YouTube: Elite: Dangerous - David Braben Interview]</ref>

The [[Elite Dangerous: Odyssey|ED: Odyssey]] expansion added [[On Foot|on foot]] first person gameplay in 2021. However, this currently does not support virtual reality. The user interface requires significant changes for VR. However, the fan-made mod [[Virtual Reality#EDVR|EDVR]] fixes many issues.

 

File:Elite Dangerous Odyssey VR - 4090 Max Graphics Gameplay (With Voice Commands)-2

File:Explore - Mine - repeat! Regarding silent things... slowly...

 

==Sound and music==

[[File:Elite_Dangerous_OST_Cover.jpg|thumb|250px|Elite Dangerous OST, released on 1 April 2015]]The [[Elite Dangerous Music]] was made by composer [[Erasmus Talbot]] and Frontier Head of Audio, [[Jim Croft]]. The Elite Dangerous Original Soundtrack has over 2 hours of music content to immerse yourself in the Elite Dangerous universe.

Senior Audio Designer [[Matthew Florianz]] held a presentation giving an in-depth look into the making of the audio for Elite Dangerous with in-game examples. Pertaining the science approach to the way Frontier creates the universe, a question they often get is, ''"Why didn't you go for no sound in space? The game has sound."'' Jim Croft answered that question: ''"In the vast and often empty blackness of space, audio fulfills the crucial role of communicating a compelling sense of speed, acceleration and mass to the player."<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiAcsrmyePs YouTube: Elite: Dangerous - Sound In Space - Control Conference 2015 (5:06)]</ref>''

 

<gallery hideaddbutton="true">

File:Elite Dangerous OST (Disc 1 - Exploration)

File:Elite Dangerous OST (Disc 2 - Frameshift & Starports)

File:Elite Dangerous OST (Disc 3 - Combat & Extras)

 

== Elite Dangerous packaging==

 

 

==Behind the name==

[[File:Elite Dangerous Key Art 2020 Wide.jpg|right|250px|ED Key Art 2020]]

[[David Braben]] explained the story behind the name: ''"This is Elite 4, but I wanted something that was a fresh start. We looked at the story behind the other names. So Frontier is because the key thing with Frontier versus Elite is the action takes place on the periphery, on the frontier. Because logically from a story perspective if you imagine sort of cowboy semi lawless worlds they will tend to be on the frontier of human space. The core systems will be a lot more secure. You wouldn't get unruly systems so close."''<ref name=":83" />

 

==Buy to play==

Expansions such as ''[[Elite Dangerous: Odyssey]]'' must be purchased separately in order to access their features, and also have fixed, one-time purchase prices. Some expansions may include multiple content seasons like [[Elite Dangerous: Beyond|''ED: Beyond'']] at no additional cost. ''[[Elite Dangerous: Horizons|ED: Horizons]]'' was originally a separate expansion, but was added to the base game for free on 27 October 2020.<ref name=":6" />

 

===Planning===

 

=== 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 (Elite IV) and to raise funds to help make the game.

 

 

===Design Decision Forum===

[[File:Elite Dangerous Premium Beta 2014.jpg|thumb|250px|ED Premium Beta 2014]]Those who pledged big during the Kickstarter got beta-access. People also bought beta access at £50 a pop. This included the full game. In mid-August 2014, more than 75,000 people were playing the Elite: Dangerous beta, providing ''"more and more money that moves ever closer to the game breaking even in a really good way."''<ref name=":113" />

Frontier had also reacquired the rights to the Elite franchise. Frontier purchased the software and IT consultancy company Professional Practice Automation in a £5.09m deal on Tuesday 15 April 2014. This included the royalty rights to the Elite video game franchise which was held by PPA.<ref>[http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/frontier-acquires-elite-rights-as-braben-readies-share-sale/0131299 MCV/DEVELOP: Frontier acquires Elite rights as Braben readies share sale]</ref>

File:Elite- Dangerous - Alpha 4 - Trading, Pirates, Supercruise & A Whole Galaxy

File:Elite Dangerous - End of an Alpha

File:Elite- Dangerous - Beta 2 Gameplay

File:Elite Dangerous Beta 3 Trailer HD

File:Elite Dangerous - Flying The Black Flag

</gallery>

 

===Release ===

Elite Dangerous (1.0) was developed and published by Frontier Developments and the Windows PC version launched on 16 December 2014. Since then it has had many updates and launched on multiple platforms.

 

 

 

The Apple Mac version was released on 12 May 2015.<ref name=":53" /> It doesn't have [[Elite Dangerous: Horizons]] due to the lack of high-performance Compute Shaders in the graphics API's supported by OS X.<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/answers-from-the-devs-15-10-15.191898/ Frontier Forums: Answer from the Devs 15/10/15]</ref> Since 11 December 2018 and the Q4 update of [[Elite Dangerous: Beyond|ED: Beyond]], the Mac OS version was no longer playable due to technical barriers.<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/important-mac-announcement.424243/ Frontier Forums: Important Mac announcement]</ref>

 

===Post-launch ===

Development of the console versions of [[Elite Dangerous: Odyssey|ED: Odyssey]] was officially cancelled on 10 March 2022.<ref name=":1">[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/console-update.600233/ Frontier Forums: Console Update]</ref> This is partially due to the limited technical capabilities of old-gen consoles which struggle to run the higher graphical fidelity and system requirements of Odyssey. For example the PlayStation 4 only has 8 GB GDDR5 while the Xbox One has 8 GB DDR3 RAM. Secondly, ending old-gen console support streamlines development by focusing on a unified v4.0+ live version for PC. The Legacy version (v3.8 Game Client) is playable on old-gen consoles, but it does not receive updates nor new content. Frontier offers a free [https://user.frontierstore.net/user/legacy-transfer/login Elite Commander Legacy Migration] service to copy console player profiles to PC.<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/console-profile-transfers-and-2022-updates.603032/ Frontier Forums: Console Profile Transfers and 2022 Updates]</ref><ref>[https://user.frontierstore.net/user/legacy-transfer/login Elite Commander Legacy Migration] - Frontier Store - 23 September 2026</ref>

 

[[File:Elite Dangerous 5th Anniversary infographic.png|thumb|250px|Infographic]]

 

To celebrate the 5th Anniversary of ''Elite Dangerous ''since it launched on 16 December 2014, [[Frontier Developments]] compiled an infographic illustrating various player milestones and accomplishments.<ref name="5th3">[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/celebrating-5-years-of-elite-dangerous.533151/ Frontier Forums: Celebrating 5 years of Elite Dangerous!]</ref>

* More than 4.9 trillion [[credits]] donated in charity missions

 

<gallery hideaddbutton="true">

 

 

 

 

 

==Development team==

On 26 May 2017, the producer for the Elite Dangerous PS4 version Lloyd Morgan-Moore said, ''“The Elite Dangerous team is over a hundred people strong, and while we have a dedicated PS4 team to handle things like PSN infrastructure, everyone is working on content which will appear simultaneously on all platforms. We don’t regard platforms separately when it comes to content."''<ref>[http://www.redbull.com/en/games/stories/1331858657533/elite-dangerous-ps4-interview Red Bull: The tech behind Elite Dangerous’s PS4 debut]</ref> The team size was confirmed by a few people who visited the Frontier offices during the week of 9 June 2017.<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/my-visit-to-frontier-developments-and-the-future-of-the-game.356790/ Frontier Forums: My visit to Frontier Developments and the Future of the Game]</ref>

 

==Development plans==

{{main|Development Plans}}[[Frontier Developments|Frontier]] uses an iterative approach with development. They gradually build upon features to expand and improve them. Expansions and major updates will bring [[Development Plans|various new features]] to Elite Dangerous. Some of these were available in classic Elite games and some are completely new to the [[:Category:Elite series|Elite series]]. [[Horizons]] is the first expansion which consists of a season with major updates that add many new features, content and improvements to the Milky Way. [[Elite Dangerous: Beyond|Beyond]] is the third season of expansions which will add 2 major updates and 2 content updates through 2018.

This includes small free updates and paid major updates. Check the [[Development Plans]] for an overview of planned updates and expansions.

For example these features could be added with major updates (in no particular order): <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20201221021448/https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?u=dcbf6b86b4b0c7d1c21b73b1e&id=1824c0b05a Elite Dangerous Newsletter #29]</ref> <ref>[https://www.pcgamesn.com/elite-dangerous/elite-dangerous-standard-beta-begins-next-week-last-chance-grab-lifetime-expansion-pack PCGamesN: Elite: Dangerous standard beta begins next week; last chance to grab lifetime expansion pack]</ref>

*[https://www.elitedangerous.com/en/horizons Landing / driving / prospecting on airless rocky planets, moons & asteroids - Elite Dangerous: Horizons] - see [[Planetary Landing]].

*[[Elite: Dangerous FAQ#Can I walk around the ship.2C planets and space stations.3F|Walking around interiors and combative boarding of other ships]]. - see [[On Foot]].

*[[Elite: Dangerous FAQ#Can I walk around the ship.2C planets and space stations.3F|Combat and other interactions with other players and AIs in the internal areas of star ports]].

*[[Elite: Dangerous FAQ#Can I walk around the ship.2C planets and space stations.3F|Accessing richly detailed planetary surfaces]] - see [[Atmospheric Landing]] and [[Procedural Cities]].

 

===Sales===

*By 31 December 2017, cumulative sales of the game had exceeded 3.25 million franchise units.<ref>[https://www.investegate.co.uk/announcement/rns/frontier-developments--fdev/interim-results/5264665 Investegate: Frontier Developments plc Interim Results]</ref>

*By 15 January 2019, cumulative sales of the game exceeded 4.3 million franchise units. Of these, the base game alone accounted for 3 million units.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20201107232847/https://www.londonstockexchange.com/news-article/FDEV/notice-of-results-and-trading-update/13934373 London Stock Exchange: Frontier Developments plc Notice of Results and Trading update], through archive.org</ref><ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/elite-dangerous-has-sold-3m-copies-horizons-1-3m-43-of-basegame-owners.472384/ Elite Dangerous has sold 3m copies, Horizons 1.3m (43% of basegame owners)] - Jan 15, 2019</ref>

*By 31 May 2020, the ''Elite Dangerous'' base game had sold over 3.5 million units.<ref name=":33">[https://web.archive.org/web/20201021012017/https://www.londonstockexchange.com/news-article/FDEV/annual-results/14679378 London Stock Exchange: Frontier Developments plc FY20 Financial Results], through archive.org</ref>

*By 13 January 2021, the ''Elite Dangerous'' base game had sold over 4 million units.<ref name=":133">[https://web.archive.org/web/20211209035954/https://www.londonstockexchange.com/news-article/FDEV/trading-statement/14824350 London Stock Exchange: Frontier Developments plc Trading statement], through archive.org</ref> A further 8 million base game units were claimed for free on the Epic Games Store during a giveaway week in November 2020.<ref name=":133" />

The highest number of concurrent players was: during early access launch in December 2013, the full release in December 2014, the release of the [[Fleet Carriers Update]] on 14 June 2020, the reveal of ''[[Elite Dangerous: Odyssey]] i''n 2021,<ref name=":33" /> when ED was for free during its launch week on the Epic Games Store, the ''Odyssey'' alpha, and the launch of ''Odyssey'' on PC.

The table below lists the 10 highest records for concurrent ''ED'' players on Steam according to Steam Database.<ref name=":3">[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/selite-dangerous-steam-just-set-a-new-4-year-record-for-concurrent-cmdrs-the-highest-since-nov-2015s-ath.541687/ Frontier Forums: Elite Dangerous (Steam) just set a new All Time record for concurrent CMDRs, beating previous highest in Nov 2015]</ref> It excludes players who use the ED launcher and other platforms.

!Players  

|20 May 2021

|22 May 2021

| 26,875

| #3

|21 May 2021

|#4

|23 May 2021

|19 May 2021

|25,557

|24 May 2021

|#7

|25 May 2021

|#8  

|14 June 2020

|21,734<ref name=":3" />

|26 May 2021  

|20,742

|#10

|29 March 2021

 

==Trivia==

*[[Achievements]]

*[[Art of Elite Dangerous]]

*[[Elite series]]

 

== Videos==

 

==Gallery==

File:Elite Dangerous Logo Big.png|Elite Dangerous logo big

File:Elite Dangerous Alpha Wallpaper 2013.jpg|lite Dangerous Alpha Wallpaper 2013

File:Elite Dangerous Splash Screen 2017.png|Elite Dangerous Splash Screen

File:Elite Dangerous Logo Text.png|Elite Dangerous Logo Text

File:Universal Cartographics Poster Elite Dangerous.jpg|Universal Cartographics Poster

File:Elite-Dangerous-Box-Art.png|Elite Dangerous box art

File:Elite Dangerous Logo 2024.png|ED logo 2024

File:Elite Dangerous Silver Logo Splash Screen.png|Elite Dangerous Silver Logo Splash Screen

File:Elite Dangerous Premium Beta 2014.jpg|Elite Dangerous Premium Beta 2014

 

==References==