Elite Dangerous Wiki

Elite Dangerous: Difference between revisions

Browse history interactively
← Older editNewer edit →

Fandom>Univero

VisualWikitext
m added page link to = atmosphere
moved detailed info about Piracy, Exploration, Trading, Mining to the Careers page and specific career pages
Line 67: Line 67:
File:Elite 2024's Unfathomable 10,000 Player War
File:Elite 2024's Unfathomable 10,000 Player War
</gallery>
</gallery>


Players on other platforms such as PlayStation 4 and Xbox One could not directly play with each other, but their actions affected the same [[galaxy]] in [[Elite Dangerous: Horizons|ED: Horizons]]. Console support for old-gen consoles ended when [[Elite Dangerous: Odyssey|ED: Odyssey]] became PC only in 2022.<ref name=":1" />
Players on other platforms such as PlayStation 4 and Xbox One could not directly play with each other, but their actions affected the same [[galaxy]] in [[Elite Dangerous: Horizons|ED: Horizons]]. Console support for old-gen consoles ended when [[Elite Dangerous: Odyssey|ED: Odyssey]] became PC only in 2022.<ref name=":1" />
Line 84: Line 83:
New [[Station|stations]] are slowly built in real time. These events create opportunities for players to do [[Community Goals]]. The resources and workers required for building must be transported to the location. It becomes a prime target for piracy and increases the demand for bounty hunting. Additionally, the alien [[Thargoids]] have returned and secrets of the ancient [[Guardians]] are being discovered.
New [[Station|stations]] are slowly built in real time. These events create opportunities for players to do [[Community Goals]]. The resources and workers required for building must be transported to the location. It becomes a prime target for piracy and increases the demand for bounty hunting. Additionally, the alien [[Thargoids]] have returned and secrets of the ancient [[Guardians]] are being discovered.
==Careers==
==Careers==
{{main|Careers}}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.
{{main|Careers}}
 
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 Mk I]] 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 a trail to fame and fortune as a [[Trader]], [[Miner]], [[Explorer]], [[Bounty Hunter]], [[Smuggler]], [[Courier]], [[Mercenary]], [[Assassin]], [[Xeno Hunter]] or [[Pirate]]. Customizing your [[Ships|ship]] gears it towards specific careers. Hybrid careers are possible through emergent gameplay. For example defensive bounty hunting while trading in a multipurpose vessel, or taking long-range trade missions and exploring systems along the way.
 
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 SRV in third person.
 
In order to allow each player to explore each career they are able to own multiple ships. Every ship can be customised to fill a certain career. Unused ships are stored in station hangars and can be retrieved by returning to that station at any time. It can also be delivered to a station near your location, as long as it has a shipyard. Here are some [[Careers|career]] examples:
 
===Exploration===
[[File:Anemones-planetary-ring.png|thumb|250px|Anemones and a planetary ring]][[Explorer]]s have the opportunity to earn income and gain reputation by making pioneering jumps into unexplored [[Star system|star systems]], and gathering data on [[planets]], [[stars]] and other points of interest within systems. Exploration data can be sold at the [[Universal Cartographics]] tab of [[Starport]] Services. The first player who sells information about a celestial body will be credited in-game with a "Discovered By" tag on the [[Galaxy Map]].
 
===Trading===
[[File:Type-9-Heavy-Coriolis-Station.png|thumb|250px|Type-9 Heavy trader and Coriolis station]]In the classic Elite games trading was limited to a relatively small number of different commodities such as hydrogen fuel, precious metals, computers etc. [[Trader]]s in Elite Dangerous have access to a vast number of [[commodities]], both legal and illegal. There's also [[rare commodities]] which are unique to a specific star system. These increase in value the further from their origin they're sold.
 
The [[Commodities Market|markets]] in star systems and dynamic and respond to events in the vicinity such as war, famine and blockades. This creates opportunities for players to exploit the markets by manipulating supply and demand. Players can [[Smuggler|smuggle]] goods by moving fast or use precise management of ship heat in order to slip past station security forces.
 
=== Piracy===
[[File:Pirates in rings.jpg|right|250px]]Players can be [[pirates]] and steal cargo from other ships by using a variety of means. They can employ [[Limpet Controller/Hatch Breaker|hatch-breaker limpets]] which, when fired at an un-shielded target, will latch onto the [[Cargo Hatch|cargo hatch]] and extract cargo canisters from it. In addition, once shields have been dropped a player can shoot the cargo hatch manually to damage it which has the same effect, but requires more skill in most cases. Once stolen cargo has been scooped, it can be smuggled and sold at stations and outposts with [[Black market|black markets]]. The [[Crime & Punishment]] system affects PVP and piracy.
 
Various combat events (e.g. performing tight turns, firing weapons) heat up a ship's hull, which makes the ship easier to be spotted on scanners. This in turn makes it easier for [[pirates]] and bounty hunters to locate such ships. This helps players detect on-going battles and join in.
 
===Bounty Hunting===
[[File:Bounty Hunter FDL.jpg|thumb|250px|Bounty hunter]]Throughout the galaxy players may encounter NPC ships, which are controlled by AI, and real players who have taken a life of crime. Once scanned, a player can see the current [[Bounty Hunter|bounty]] issued against that pilot. As a [[bounty hunter]] you can destroy them in combat to receive a [[Bounty Voucher|bounty voucher]]. It can be redeemed at a [[starport]] controlled by the faction that issued the bounty to receive a reward.
 
Consequently, many criminals seek refuge in systems with an anarchy status. Anarchy systems are ruled by a faction that doesn't enforce the rule of law. However, players are able to scan other ships in these systems with a [[Kill Warrant Scanner|kill warrant scanner]] in order to see if they are wanted in any other systems. Upon destroying a wanted ship the player can travel to the system the bounty was issued and claim it.
 
=== Mining ===
[[File:Type 9 mining.jpg|thumb|250px|Type-9 mining]]Players can [[miner|mine]] a plethora of [[materials]] from planetary ring systems and asteroid belts that orbit around stars. When a [[Mining Laser|mining laser]] and [[refinery]] module are equipped to a ship, the player can fire at suitable asteroids and use the cargo scoop to collect asteroid chunks. The pieces are refined onboard the ship.
 
[[Limpet]]s - disposable autonomous drones - are indispensable for mining. [[Limpet Controller/Prospector|Prospector]] limpets help you find the best resources, while [[Limpet Controller/Collector|Collector]] limpets retrieve mined asteroid chunks.


Refineries have temporary bins that will store a refined product (after you've scooped it). Once each respective bin reaches 100%, the bin contents will then be automatically transferred to your cargo hold as a unit of 1, at which point it can be sold at a station.
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 Mk I]] 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 a trail to fame and fortune as a [[Trader]], [[Miner]], [[Explorer]], [[Bounty Hunter]], [[Smuggler]], [[Courier]], [[Mercenary]], [[Assassin]], [[Xeno Hunter]] or [[Pirate]]. Customizing your [[Ships|ship]] gears it towards specific careers. Hybrid careers are possible through emergent gameplay. For example defensive bounty hunting while trading in a multipurpose vessel, or taking long-range trade missions and exploring systems along the way.[[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 SRV in third person.


==Codex ==
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]].
[[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==
==Space Travel ==
[[File:Anaconda-Hyperspace-Jump.png|thumb|250px|Anaconda hyperspace jump]]The [[Elite series|Classic Elite]] games obeyed the laws of physics to a certain extent. This meant conventional thrusters were limited by the laws of relativity i.e. players couldn't travel faster than light within a star system. [[Frontier: Elite II]] used the Stardreamer feature (perceived time dilation by slowing the pilot's bodily functions) as a realism/gameplay trade-off.
[[File:Anaconda-Hyperspace-Jump.png|thumb|250px|Anaconda hyperspace jump]]The [[Elite series|Classic Elite]] games obeyed the laws of physics to a certain extent. This meant conventional thrusters were limited by the laws of relativity i.e. players couldn't travel faster than light within a star system. [[Frontier: Elite II]] used the Stardreamer feature (perceived time dilation by slowing the pilot's bodily functions) as a realism/gameplay trade-off.


=== Frame Shift Drive ===
===Frame Shift Drive===
The aforementioned game mechanics are incompatible with an MMO that evolves in real time. Thus Elite Dangerous features [[Supercruise]] for faster-than-light travel within a [[star system]]. Each ship comes equipped with a [[Frame Shift Drive]] (FSD) for Supercruise and FTL [[Hyperspace]] jumps between star systems. The FSD is upgradable to increase its range, long-range exploration and faster travel around the galaxy. The Hyperspace range of a FSD decreases by the ship's mass. So if a ship is outfitted with heavier components (hardpoints, internal modules etc.) then your jump distance will be reduced. The mass of any carried cargo or fuel reduces the range too. This is called the laden and unladen jump range.  
The aforementioned game mechanics are incompatible with an MMO that evolves in real time. Thus Elite Dangerous features [[Supercruise]] for faster-than-light travel within a [[star system]]. Each ship comes equipped with a [[Frame Shift Drive]] (FSD) for Supercruise and FTL [[Hyperspace]] jumps between star systems. The FSD is upgradable to increase its range, long-range exploration and faster travel around the galaxy. The Hyperspace range of a FSD decreases by the ship's mass. So if a ship is outfitted with heavier components (hardpoints, internal modules etc.) then your jump distance will be reduced. The mass of any carried cargo or fuel reduces the range too. This is called the laden and unladen jump range.  


=== Supercruise Overcharge ===
===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.
[[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.


Line 149: Line 118:
[[File:SRV-Scarab-Driving-Planet.png|thumb|250px|SRV Scarab drives on a planet]]The first available [[Vehicles|vehicle]] is the [[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. A 2 seater combat SRV called the [[Scorpion]] was added with [[Elite Dangerous: Odyssey|ED: Odyssey]] in 2021.
[[File:SRV-Scarab-Driving-Planet.png|thumb|250px|SRV Scarab drives on a planet]]The first available [[Vehicles|vehicle]] is the [[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. A 2 seater combat SRV called the [[Scorpion]] was added with [[Elite Dangerous: Odyssey|ED: Odyssey]] in 2021.


==Realistic Astrophysics and scale==
== Realistic Astrophysics and scale==
[[File:Elite-Dangerous-Milky-Way-Galaxy.png|thumb|250px|Milky Way in Elite Dangerous]]Elite Dangerous features realistic astrophysics, with bodies in star systems at the correct distances, scale, and move along their orbital paths in real time. Planets orbit and rotate around stars in 1:1 scale and real-time. The universe is modeled based on authentic and recent galactic charts. New features will be added iteratively over time. [[David Braben]] confirmed the inclusion of new encounters with e.g. comets, black holes and quasars.
[[File:Elite-Dangerous-Milky-Way-Galaxy.png|thumb|250px|Milky Way in Elite Dangerous]]Elite Dangerous features realistic astrophysics, with bodies in star systems at the correct distances, scale, and move along their orbital paths in real time. Planets orbit and rotate around stars in 1:1 scale and real-time. The universe is modeled based on authentic and recent galactic charts. New features will be added iteratively over time. [[David Braben]] confirmed the inclusion of new encounters with e.g. comets, black holes and quasars.


Line 157: Line 126:
*Groundbreaking in that it's based on a lot of hard science with all sorts of 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 rich enough to plot the night sky.<ref name=":83" />
*Groundbreaking in that it's based on a lot of hard science with all sorts of 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 rich enough to plot the night sky.<ref name=":83" />
*[http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/15od2s/i_am_david_braben_cocreator_of_elite_creator_of/c7qbhd8 Cosmic phenomena], all different kinds of [[stars]], [[Star Systems|star systems]], [[Black Holes|black holes]], detailed [[planets]], [[moons]], [[mountains]], [[canyons]], [[craters]], [[Planetary Ring Systems|planetary ring systems]], [[Star Rise|star rise]] etc.
*[http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/15od2s/i_am_david_braben_cocreator_of_elite_creator_of/c7qbhd8 Cosmic phenomena], all different kinds of [[stars]], [[Star Systems|star systems]], [[Black Holes|black holes]], detailed [[planets]], [[moons]], [[mountains]], [[canyons]], [[craters]], [[Planetary Ring Systems|planetary ring systems]], [[Star Rise|star rise]] etc.
*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>
* 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>
*Specially handcrafted overrides for [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbPSjOSXpw4&t=165 160,000 known stars in the night sky] and planetary objects that we know and love. For example, our solar system [[Sol]] with [[Earth]], the [[Sol/Moon|Moon]] and [[Mars]]. There are systems with recently discovered planets such as [[Trappist-1]].
*Specially handcrafted overrides for [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbPSjOSXpw4&t=165 160,000 known stars in the night sky] and planetary objects that we know and love. For example, our solar system [[Sol]] with [[Earth]], the [[Sol/Moon|Moon]] and [[Mars]]. There are systems with recently discovered planets such as [[Trappist-1]].
*Alien [[species]] such as [[Fungal Life|fungal life]], [[Squid Mollusc|Squid Molluscs]] and [[Recepta]].
*Alien [[species]] such as [[Fungal Life|fungal life]], [[Squid Mollusc|Squid Molluscs]] and [[Recepta]].
* 141 [[nebula]] in the Milky Way [[galaxy]].
*141 [[nebula]] in the Milky Way [[galaxy]].
*[[Star Cluster]]s with rich survey data opportunities.
*[[Star Cluster]]s with rich survey data opportunities.
*32 other galaxies are visible from the Milky Way.
*32 other galaxies are visible from the Milky Way.
Line 172: Line 141:
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Aliens==
== Aliens==
[[File:Thargoid-Scouts-and-Interceptors.png|thumb|250px|Thargoid Scouts and Interceptors]][[File:Thargoid-Surface-Site.png|thumb|250px|Thargoid Surface Site]]There are several sapient [[species]] in the Milky Way. The most notable are [[Human]], [[Thargoid]] and [[Guardian]]. There's speculation about additional species, but they are yet to be discovered.
[[File:Thargoid-Scouts-and-Interceptors.png|thumb|250px|Thargoid Scouts and Interceptors]][[File:Thargoid-Surface-Site.png|thumb|250px|Thargoid Surface Site]]There are several sapient [[species]] in the Milky Way. The most notable are [[Human]], [[Thargoid]] and [[Guardian]]. There's speculation about additional species, but they are yet to be discovered.


Line 193: Line 162:
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 [[Mega Corporation|mega corporations]] 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" />
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 [[Mega Corporation|mega corporations]] 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==
== Procedural Content==
[[File:Elite Dangerous - procedural generation|right|250px]]''Elite Dangerous'' uses procedural generation. It is a technique where content is generated from rules. It abstracts repetitive or arbitrary elements of content creation in a very efficient way.
[[File:Elite Dangerous - procedural generation|right|250px]]''Elite Dangerous'' uses procedural generation. It is a technique where content is generated from rules. It abstracts repetitive or arbitrary elements of content creation in a very efficient way.


Line 210: Line 179:
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. There are issues with motion sickness and the user interface that require significant changes to make VR enjoyable.
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. There are issues with motion sickness and the user interface that require significant changes to make VR enjoyable.


==Sound and Music ==
==Sound and Music==
[[File:Elite_Dangerous_OST_Cover.jpg|thumb|250px|Elite Dangerous OST, released on April 1, 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.
[[File:Elite_Dangerous_OST_Cover.jpg|thumb|250px|Elite Dangerous OST, released on April 1, 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.


Line 224: Line 193:
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Elite Dangerous Packaging==
== Elite Dangerous Packaging==
[[File:Elite-Dangerous-Limited-Edition-Box-Set.png|thumb|Elite Dangerous Limited Edition Box Set|250px]]Elite Dangerous was delivered to most people digitally. There was a special boxed edition and a Limited Edition Box Set for certain Kickstarter backers and the [https://www.frontierstore.net/ Frontier Store]. Some backers received an official star map poster.
[[File:Elite-Dangerous-Limited-Edition-Box-Set.png|thumb|Elite Dangerous Limited Edition Box Set|250px]]Elite Dangerous was delivered to most people digitally. There was a special boxed edition and a Limited Edition Box Set for certain Kickstarter backers and the [https://www.frontierstore.net/ Frontier Store]. Some backers received an official star map poster.


Line 245: Line 214:
==Development==
==Development==


===Planning ===
===Planning===
[[File:Edge-Magazine-Elite-Dangerous-Rebirth-of-a-Legend.png|thumb|250px|Edge magazine, Elite Dangerous - The Rebirth of a Legend]]At the 2011 Game Developers Conference, [[David Braben]] gave the presentation [http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1014628/Classic-Game-Postmortem Classic Game Postmortem - ELITE]. During the Q&A, an audience member asked, ''"Is Elite 4 still on the drawing board?"'' Braben answered, ''"Yes, it would be a tragedy for it not to be."''<ref>[http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1014628/Classic-Game-Postmortem GDC Vault: Classic Game Postmortem]</ref>
[[File:Edge-Magazine-Elite-Dangerous-Rebirth-of-a-Legend.png|thumb|250px|Edge magazine, Elite Dangerous - The Rebirth of a Legend]]At the 2011 Game Developers Conference, [[David Braben]] gave the presentation [http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1014628/Classic-Game-Postmortem Classic Game Postmortem - ELITE]. During the Q&A, an audience member asked, ''"Is Elite 4 still on the drawing board?"'' Braben answered, ''"Yes, it would be a tragedy for it not to be."''<ref>[http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1014628/Classic-Game-Postmortem GDC Vault: Classic Game Postmortem]</ref>


Line 254: Line 223:
[[Frontier Developments|Frontier]] had been working on the game as a "skunk-works" background activity for some time prior to its Kickstarter launch. Other projects were prioritized. It ''“...has been worked upon by a small team as a ‘skunk-works’ activity in the background as availability permits”''<ref name=":103">[http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/11/06/elite_dangerous_on_kickstarter/ The Register: Classic game 'Elite' returns … on Kickstarter]</ref> Elite Dangerous uses Frontier's own state-of-the-art in-house COBRA Engine tools and technology. COBRA has been carefully planned, developed and evolved since 1988.<ref>[https://www.frontier.co.uk/node/639 Frontier: COBRA DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGY & TOOLS]</ref>
[[Frontier Developments|Frontier]] had been working on the game as a "skunk-works" background activity for some time prior to its Kickstarter launch. Other projects were prioritized. It ''“...has been worked upon by a small team as a ‘skunk-works’ activity in the background as availability permits”''<ref name=":103">[http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/11/06/elite_dangerous_on_kickstarter/ The Register: Classic game 'Elite' returns … on Kickstarter]</ref> Elite Dangerous uses Frontier's own state-of-the-art in-house COBRA Engine tools and technology. COBRA has been carefully planned, developed and evolved since 1988.<ref>[https://www.frontier.co.uk/node/639 Frontier: COBRA DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGY & TOOLS]</ref>


===Kickstarter===
=== Kickstarter===
Elite Dangerous was first announced to the public on November 5, 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 Kickstarter campaign in November 2012. The purpose was to test-market the concept, verify whether there's broader interest in a fourth game and to raise funds to help make the game.
Elite Dangerous was first announced to the public on November 5, 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 Kickstarter campaign in November 2012. The purpose was to test-market the concept, verify whether there's broader interest in a fourth game and to raise funds to help make the game.


Braben wrote, ''"We’re using Kickstarter both as a means of test-marketing the concept to verify there is still interest in such a game that extends beyond the individuals who regularly contact me about the game, and raising the funds to do so. There is also the fact that as long as we hit the threshold, it commits us to making the game."''<ref name=":103" /> By April 2014, £1.7m had been raised.<ref>[http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/DAVID-ELKS-thesentinel/story-20992380-detail/story.html The Sentinel: David Elks: Gaming industry is worth the investment], through archive.today</ref> This was a fraction of the total budget for developing the base-game, Elite Dangerous (1.0). At Gamescom 2014, Braben said, ''"The original budget, because we put a lot of our money towards it, was £8m, it's grown by quite a lot."''<ref name=":113">[http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-09-11-elite-dangerous-original-budget-was-8m Eurogamer: Elite: Dangerous' original budget was £8m]</ref>
Braben wrote, ''"We’re using Kickstarter both as a means of test-marketing the concept to verify there is still interest in such a game that extends beyond the individuals who regularly contact me about the game, and raising the funds to do so. There is also the fact that as long as we hit the threshold, it commits us to making the game."''<ref name=":103" /> By April 2014, £1.7m had been raised.<ref>[http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/DAVID-ELKS-thesentinel/story-20992380-detail/story.html The Sentinel: David Elks: Gaming industry is worth the investment], through archive.today</ref> This was a fraction of the total budget for developing the base-game, Elite Dangerous (1.0). At Gamescom 2014, Braben said, ''"The original budget, because we put a lot of our money towards it, was £8m, it's grown by quite a lot."''<ref name=":113">[http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-09-11-elite-dangerous-original-budget-was-8m Eurogamer: Elite: Dangerous' original budget was £8m]</ref>


===Design Decision Forum ===
===Design Decision Forum===
People who pledged £300 or more in the [[Elite Dangerous]] Kickstarter were invited to take part in the Design Decision Forum (DDF), a private section of the Frontier forums, giving them an unusually high level of access to and input in the development of the game. DDF members received no in-game privileges.
People who pledged £300 or more in the [[Elite Dangerous]] Kickstarter were invited to take part in the Design Decision Forum (DDF), a private section of the Frontier forums, giving them an unusually high level of access to and input in the development of the game. DDF members received no in-game privileges.


Line 273: Line 242:
Iconic features of the classic ''[[Elite]]'' games were updated for ''ED'' such as the [[Coriolis]] station and the [[Cobra Mk III]]. The Coriolis was the first updated station for ED's modern visual character. Many [[ships]] are based on the classic, polygonal shapes of ''Elite (1984)''. Thus ED continues the rich heritage of the ''Elite'' series.<ref>Official The Art of Elite Dangerous art book, August 17 2016</ref>
Iconic features of the classic ''[[Elite]]'' games were updated for ''ED'' such as the [[Coriolis]] station and the [[Cobra Mk III]]. The Coriolis was the first updated station for ED's modern visual character. Many [[ships]] are based on the classic, polygonal shapes of ''Elite (1984)''. Thus ED continues the rich heritage of the ''Elite'' series.<ref>Official The Art of Elite Dangerous art book, August 17 2016</ref>


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


The [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GxJbOMaXa0 Elite Dangerous Premiere] was held in November 2014. There were interviews, videos, speeches, reveals, prize giveaways and a detailed [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQXgcV3JMrY 1:10 scale model] of the Cobra MkIII.<ref>[http://daftworks.co.uk/eliterpg/index.php/Elite_Dangerous_Launch_Event Daftworks: Elite Dangerous Launch Event], through archive.org</ref>
The [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GxJbOMaXa0 Elite Dangerous Premiere] was held in November 2014. There were interviews, videos, speeches, reveals, prize giveaways and a detailed [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQXgcV3JMrY 1:10 scale model] of the Cobra MkIII.<ref>[http://daftworks.co.uk/eliterpg/index.php/Elite_Dangerous_Launch_Event Daftworks: Elite Dangerous Launch Event], through archive.org</ref>


===Consoles and Mac ===
===Consoles and Mac===
[[File:Elite-Dangerous-Premiere-Cobra-Model.jpg|thumb|250px|Elite Dangerous Premiere Cobra Model]]The Xbox One version launched on October 6, 2015.<ref name=":63" /> The PlayStation 4 version launched on June 27, 2017.<ref name=":73" /> The Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions can be played on the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 via backwards compatibility,<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/ids3nk/ps5_and_xbox_x_support_from_day1_according_to/ reddit: PS5 and Xbox X support from Day1 according to Interview with Joss Herraez]</ref><ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/johmtc/elitedangerous_we_can_confirm_that_elite/ reddit: @EliteDangerous: "We can confirm that Elite Dangerous is backwards compatible with Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5."]</ref> However, game ports optimized specifically for next-generation consoles are not currently planned.<ref>[https://twinfinite.net/2020/08/elite-dangerous-odyssey-interview/ Twinfinite: Elite Dangerous Interview: Devs Detail Upcoming Odyssey Expansion]</ref>
[[File:Elite-Dangerous-Premiere-Cobra-Model.jpg|thumb|250px|Elite Dangerous Premiere Cobra Model]]The Xbox One version launched on October 6, 2015.<ref name=":63" /> The PlayStation 4 version launched on June 27, 2017.<ref name=":73" /> The Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions can be played on the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 via backwards compatibility,<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/ids3nk/ps5_and_xbox_x_support_from_day1_according_to/ reddit: PS5 and Xbox X support from Day1 according to Interview with Joss Herraez]</ref><ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/johmtc/elitedangerous_we_can_confirm_that_elite/ reddit: @EliteDangerous: "We can confirm that Elite Dangerous is backwards compatible with Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5."]</ref> However, game ports optimized specifically for next-generation consoles are not currently planned.<ref>[https://twinfinite.net/2020/08/elite-dangerous-odyssey-interview/ Twinfinite: Elite Dangerous Interview: Devs Detail Upcoming Odyssey Expansion]</ref>


The Apple Mac version was released on May 12, 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>
The Apple Mac version was released on May 12, 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===
===Post-launch ===
Post-launch it can be estimated that the development budget for Elite Dangerous is in the tens of millions of pounds or more when major updates and expansions are included such as [[Elite Dangerous: Horizons|ED: Horizons]] (2015), [[Elite Dangerous: Beyond|ED: Beyond]] (2018) and [[Elite Dangerous: Odyssey|ED: Odyssey]] (2021).
Post-launch it can be estimated that the development budget for Elite Dangerous is in the tens of millions of pounds or more when major updates and expansions are included such as [[Elite Dangerous: Horizons|ED: Horizons]] (2015), [[Elite Dangerous: Beyond|ED: Beyond]] (2018) and [[Elite Dangerous: Odyssey|ED: Odyssey]] (2021).


Line 308: Line 277:
*Over 200 million used limpets left in space in 1 year
*Over 200 million used limpets left in space in 1 year
*[[Missions]] completed in 2019: 66,647,459
*[[Missions]] completed in 2019: 66,647,459
*More than 4.9 trillion [[credits]] donated in charity missions
* More than 4.9 trillion [[credits]] donated in charity missions
*Minor factions with the most presence in the galaxy: Wolf 406 Transport & Co: 240 in-game assets. SSl Interstellar PLC: 4,304,906,581,993 Milky Way residents.
*Minor factions with the most presence in the galaxy: Wolf 406 Transport & Co: 240 in-game assets. SSl Interstellar PLC: 4,304,906,581,993 Milky Way residents.
*Longest distance traveled in a [[Sidewinder]]: CMDR Rincewindcymru 167,277 light years.
*Longest distance traveled in a [[Sidewinder]]: CMDR Rincewindcymru 167,277 light years.
Line 318: Line 287:
</gallery>
</gallery>


== Development Team==
==Development Team==
On May 26, 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 June 9, 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>
On May 26, 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 June 9, 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>


Line 334: Line 303:
*[[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 [[Space Legs]].
*[[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 [[Space Legs]].
*[[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|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 Landings]] and [[Procedural Cities]].
*[[Elite: Dangerous FAQ#Can I walk around the ship.2C planets and space stations.3F|Accessing richly detailed planetary surfaces]] - see [[Atmospheric Landings]] and [[Procedural Cities]].
*[[Elite: Dangerous FAQ#Can I own and control capital ships.3F|Availability of giant ‘executive control’ ships to players]]. - see [[Capital Ships]].
*[[Elite: Dangerous FAQ#Can I own and control capital ships.3F|Availability of giant ‘executive control’ ships to players]]. - see [[Capital Ships]].
<gallery hideaddbutton="true">
<gallery hideaddbutton="true">
Line 343: Line 312:
Check the [[Elite Dangerous Reception and Awards]] page for information about the reception by the press and awards.
Check the [[Elite Dangerous Reception and Awards]] page for information about the reception by the press and awards.


=== Sales===
===Sales===
''Elite Dangerous'' sold around 1.7 million franchise units by the end of May 2016. The term "franchise units" combined all sales of the ''Elite Dangerous'' base game and the ''Elite Dangerous: Horizons'' expansion.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20161016145046/http://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-detail/FDEV/12881582.html London Stock Exchange: Frontier Developments plc Full year trading update], through archive.org</ref>
''Elite Dangerous'' sold around 1.7 million franchise units by the end of May 2016. The term "franchise units" combined all sales of the ''Elite Dangerous'' base game and the ''Elite Dangerous: Horizons'' expansion.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20161016145046/http://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-detail/FDEV/12881582.html London Stock Exchange: Frontier Developments plc Full year trading update], through archive.org</ref>
*By the end of December 2016, this rose to over 2.1 million franchise units.<ref>[http://uk.advfn.com/stock-market/london/frontier-dev-FDEV/share-news/Frontier-Developments-PLC-Trading-Update/73616476 ADVFN: Frontier Developments PLC Trading Update]</ref>
*By the end of December 2016, this rose to over 2.1 million franchise units.<ref>[http://uk.advfn.com/stock-market/london/frontier-dev-FDEV/share-news/Frontier-Developments-PLC-Trading-Update/73616476 ADVFN: Frontier Developments PLC Trading Update]</ref>
Line 364: Line 333:
!Rank
!Rank
!Date
!Date
!Players
!Players  
|-
|-
|#1
|#1
Line 371: Line 340:
|-
|-
|#2
|#2
|May 22, 2021  
|May 22, 2021
|26,875
| 26,875
|-
|-
|#3
| #3
|May 21, 2021
|May 21, 2021
|25,828
|25,828
|-
|-
|#4  
|#4
| May 23, 2021
|May 23, 2021
|25,726
|25,726
|-
|-
|#5
|#5
|May 19, 2021
|May 19, 2021
|25,557  
|25,557
|-
|-
|#6
|#6
Line 390: Line 359:
|23,672
|23,672
|-
|-
| #7
|#7
|May 25, 2021
|May 25, 2021
|22,244
|22,244
|-
|-
|#8
|#8  
|June 14, 2020
|June 14, 2020
|21,734
|21,734
|-
|-
|#9
|#9
|May 26, 2021
|May 26, 2021  
| 20,742
|20,742
|-
|-
| #10
|#10
|March 29, 2021
|March 29, 2021
|20,186
|20,186
|}
|}


==Trivia ==
==Trivia==
*''Elite Dangerous'' takes place in a 1:1 scale recreation of the Milky Way. The play space is so vast it will take players more than 30,000 years to chart the entire [[galaxy]].<ref>[[:File:Elite-Dangerous-Trivia.png|https://elite-dangerous.fandom.com/wiki/File:Elite-Dangerous-Trivia.png]]</ref>
*''Elite Dangerous'' takes place in a 1:1 scale recreation of the Milky Way. The play space is so vast it will take players more than 30,000 years to chart the entire [[galaxy]].<ref>[[:File:Elite-Dangerous-Trivia.png|https://elite-dangerous.fandom.com/wiki/File:Elite-Dangerous-Trivia.png]]</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Achievements]]
*[[Achievements]]
* [[Art of Elite Dangerous]]
*[[Art of Elite Dangerous]]
*[[Development Plans]]
*[[Development Plans]]
*[[Elite logo]]
*[[Elite logo]]
* [[Elite series]]
*[[Elite series]]


==Videos==
== Videos==
<gallery hideaddbutton="true">
<gallery hideaddbutton="true">
File:Elite Dangerous Trailer
File:Elite Dangerous Trailer
Line 436: Line 405:
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Gallery ==
==Gallery==
<gallery hideaddbutton="true">
<gallery hideaddbutton="true">
File:Elite-Dangerous-Vertical-Poster-by-atackart.png|Elite Dangerous official vertical poster by Josh Atack
File:Elite-Dangerous-Vertical-Poster-by-atackart.png|Elite Dangerous official vertical poster by Josh Atack
Line 466: Line 435:
</gallery>
</gallery>


==References ==
==References==
<references />
<references />
[[zh:Elite_Dangerous]]
[[zh:Elite_Dangerous]]
Retrieved from "https://elite.mistflux.co.uk/wiki/Elite_Dangerous"