Griefers

A griefer is a player who deliberately irritates and harasses other players, often using aspects of gameplay in unintended ways by exploiting buggy game mechanics, especially when it involves player killing, but is certainly not limited to just that. A griefer derives pleasure primarily or exclusively from the act of annoying other users, and as such is a particular nuisance, since in-game penalties do not usually deter them.

Griefers can be found anywhere in Open and even in some Private Groups. They are mostly opportunists looking for any and every chance to spoil others' enjoyment.

Things to remember about griefers

• Griefers are fuelled by reaction. Reacting to a griefer's actions will only increase their enjoyment and provoke them into griefing even more. Generally, it is best to avoid insulting, taunting, or complaining to griefers, otherwise their behavior may escalate, especially if they believe they have found an emotional individual who reacts explosively to their actions.
• Unfortunately, griefing in Elite: Dangerous is not prohibited by Frontier Developments, and players who do so cannot be banned--The word "Dangerous" in the name of Elite: Dangerous derives from being in a galaxy that is dangerous.
• You can play in Solo Play mode to avoid being griefed by other players.
• The Block a Player function can additionally be used to block any suspected griefers without needing to report them. Blocking a player will prevent any future in-game encounters with that player in Open and Private Groups.
• Commanders will often accuse other players of griefing, simply because they have been attacked, or because they are abusing their authority.

What griefers are not

• A Pirate is not a griefer.
• A Bounty Hunter is not a griefer.
• A commander who attacks another commander for any in-game reason is not a griefer, unless repeated attacks continue to impede the progress of the second commander.
• By definition, no NPCs can be griefers, only other players.