Greetings Commanders,

Thank you so much for your feedback and participation in the live Beta for System Colonisation. The response and engagement we have had has been phenomenal and you have progressed in colonising the galaxy at an incredible rate.

So far you have colonised over 8000 systems and completed over 13,000 facilities! In just a few days that is an astounding achievement!

One of the reasons we launched System Colonisation as a live beta was to test this at scale, which is something very hard to do for us internally. Thanks to your astounding efforts we have received lots of incredibly helpful data and feedback and it has also identified an important issue that needs to be addressed. This issue greatly impacts the ability to claim systems and needs more thorough investigation.

To that end we have made the decision to temporarily disable the Colonisation contact and pause the ability to claim new systems. This will prevent further expansion for the time being but does not impact any of the progress already made. Players that have already claimed systems will still be able to colonise within them.

The development team are working on this as a matter of urgency. As soon as we have more to share we will let you know.

Will there be any more changes following this investigation?
During this live Beta we will be continuing to review data and feedback and make changes where necessary. The live Beta is designed to gather data on scale to ensure we can offer the best outcome.

Will my progress be lost?
No! Any efforts made to colonise the galaxy so far will continue to remain in place and you can continue to focus on building and upgrading your systems. This only affects the ability to claim new areas.

I made a claim but it reset when I logged in, what happens now?
Any progress which was made before the pause will have taken effect but may not have been shown on the UI. This is a visual issue and progress will be correctly displayed once our investigations are complete. No progress has been lost.

Will you be rolling back?
There are no current plans for a roll back.

What about the CG Megaships coming to support System Colonisation?
We have temporarily delayed these until next week.

Will my progress be lost?
No! Any efforts made to colonise the galaxy so far, including any System Architect status', will continue to remain in place and you can continue to focus on building and upgrading your systems. This only affects the ability to claim new areas.

My system architect status is missing/I can't continue to work on my systems
This issue is currently being investigated and a solution will be available very soon. Once this solution is in place your system architect status and progress will be displayed correctly.

Elite Dangerous’ new Trailblazers update offers Commanders a whole new way to leave their footprints across one of the 400 billion stars in the galaxy, as System Colonisation puts you at the helm of universal expansion for the very first time.

In this guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to build your own new colony and establish your place in Elite Dangerous’ galactic legacy.


You can also learn about System Colonisation by speaking to the new System Colonisation Contact, who can be found in the contact section of station services.



To start your journey to expand the bubble of human civilisation, begin by accessing the new System Colonisation Contact starport service. You will then be presented with a version of the Galaxy Map to select a nearby unpopulated star system (within a max distance of 16ly) and register your desire to claim it.

After selecting the star system you wish to claim, you must then select the type of initial starport or orbital outpost you would like to build in the system. Available types include:

• Outposts
  
• Coriolis Stations
  
• Ocellus Stations
  
• Orbis Stations

The choice of starport and outpost can be further refined with specialisations, such as a Commercial focus which will result in a Colony economy and increased wealth or an Industrial focus which will result in an Industrial economy and an increased tech level.

The cost to successfully register a star system for colonisation requires spending credits, with the specific cost varying depending on the type of station or outpost you have selected. Once you have successfully registered for a System Colonisation attempt, your claim will last for 24 hours, preventing other players from submitting claims.


After traveling to your selected star system, you will then deploy a System Colonisation Beacon at a pre-determined location. Once launched via the System Colonisation Suite (a new module which all ships will now contain, similar to the Discovery Scanner), the System Colonisation process initiates and establishes you as the System Architect.

The beacon now transmits a star-system-wide countdown, signalling the arrival of a colossal System Colonisation Ship, which provides a temporary hub for the overview and contribution of construction efforts.

As System Architect you will then have a fixed period of time to supply a combination of mined and purchased commodities in order to ensure completion of the colony.


If you don’t have the required mined or purchased commodities to complete your colony, a prompt will provide information on how to source them.

When the System Colonisation Effort is successfully completed, the System Colonisation Ship will leave and the completed primary starport will appear nearby.

The newly established colony is now an Uncontrolled Populated star system and is eligible to be expanded into and controlled via Powerplay.


Once a primary starport has been established, it can be improved and upgraded via the continued supply of resources.

As System Architect you can place build instructions for a variety of facilities, located either in orbit of a planet via the system map or on the planet itself by travelling to the surface and identifying the perfect deployment site.

Available facilities include:

• Satellites
  
• Communication Stations
  
• Pirate Bases
  
• Mining Outposts
  
• Planet Ports
  
• Horizon or Odyssey Settlements

Once a new facility has been selected a Construction Effort will begin for that facility. Any Commander can now fly to this location, dock with the temporary structure, and use System Colonisation services.

The dashboard will allow any visiting player to see what facility is going to be built at this Construction Effort and the current progress, with larger constructions requiring larger amounts of resources (commodities) to complete.

Once a facility is constructed, you will see the economy of the star system change, with different facilities influencing the population, standard of living, tech level and more. As more construction efforts are completed in the system, you will gain access to larger and more complex structures to construct.


System Architects will receive a tax payment from each system under their direction, which is derived by the number and scale of facilities constructed. Taxes will be issued each week and can be redeemed by vising an administration contact.

As you grow your network of accumulated system colonies and the weekly tax values increase, a galactic tax will be placed upon any credits earned over 5,000,000 in order to support mass infrastructure maintenance throughout the galaxy.

In addition to tax rewards, System Architects will also receive a small discount to ships and outfitting when purchased in one of your systems with 10 or more facilities.


With System Colonisation, the Trailblazers update for Elite Dangerous introduces a brand-new way to play, interact with other players and leave your mark on the galaxy. For the first time in the game’s history the Bubble is set to grow and it’s you, Commander, that’s in control of the path the galaxy takes.

Trailblazers is just the first step of a packed year for Elite Dangerous, with more new gameplay experiences, ships and refinements to come. We’ll see you on the frontier.

Greetings Commanders!

The time has come to become the galactic pioneers you were born to be! The epic Trailblazers update is now here, bringing with it the chance for you to truly make your mark on the milky way with System Colonisation! The Trailblazers update includes many awesome features which you can learn about on our Trailblazers page!

System Colonisation will initially be available in a Beta format. Whilst features and progress will remain permanent we will be reviewing and adjust balancing and numbers for resources and distances as the Beta progresses. We're proud and excited for you to start making the Milky Way your own with Trailblazers and we can't wait to see you place your flags in the history of Elite Dangerous' world!

• New System Colonisation feature
  
• The Mandalay ship is now purchasable for Odyssey players via the shipyard for Credits

• Fixed no loot spawning in settlements outside of Powerplay systems. - Issue ID: 67130
  
• Adjustments made to the behaviour for limpets. - Issue ID: 67049
  
• Fixed Powerplay Assignments sending players to hack holoscreens that were not in the specified system. - Issue ID: 68199
  
• Fixed nameplates of Fleet Carriers not correctly displaying in the hangar. - Issue ID: 67340
  
• Fixed a crash when viewing Powerplay Strategic view on the Galaxy Map in VR. - Issue ID: 67146
  
• Fixed orbit lines displaying in only one eye in VR. - Issue ID: 66591
  
• Fixed instances of UI clicking sound persisting. - Issue ID: 70714
  
• Fixed instances of the Cobra Mk V being attacked when docked at settlements. Issue ID: 70727
  
• Fixed incorrect colouring of Mandalay Quest tanks. - Issue ID: 71382

• Fixed an exploit for illegitimately getting Codex entries
  
• Fixed an exploit where its possible to refresh core asteroids and subsurface deposits
  
• Removed AX Combat chatter from AI pilots from the Titan Aftermath scenario in Sol
  
• Adjusted Cobra Mk V landing gear when deploying an SRV
  
• Fixed an instance of triangular shadowing artifacts on planetary landing pad
  
• Fixed exposed text string in OnFoot Conflict Zone post-conflict overview screen
  
• Fixed Power Contact displaying lower Merits payout for data/commodity activities than what is actually being received
  
• Fixed the Powerplay help screen depth in VR
  
• Odyssey Settlements should now have a schematic when targeted
  
• Adjusted multicrew seats for Cobra Mk V to stop cockpit panel clipping through crew members external panel
  
• Fixed exposed text strings when targeting certain subtargets of the Cobra Mk V
  
• Fixed activity filter for Arissa Lavigny-Duval not working in the Powerplay Activity Filter sub menu within the Galaxy Map.
  
• Various text fixes for Powerplay scenarios
  
• Fix for galaxy map elements rendering over panels in various instances
  
• Fix for being able to trigger supercruise assist message when in SCO
  
• Fix for being unable to complete "Transport Powerplay Commodities" activity due to UI not listing them for hand-in
  
• Fixed minor holes in cockpit of the Cobra Mk V
  
• Adjustments to some texture resolutions on the Cobra Mk V
  
• Fixed visual issues with heat vents on Cobra Mk V
  
• Adjustments made to glass textures on the cockpit of the Cobra Mk V

• Fixed some inconsistencies with the Void paintjobs and shipkit assets
  
• Adjustments to reflections on metallic paintjobs for the Federal Gunship
  
• Made naming of Cobra Mk V shipkits more consistent across localised languages
  
• Made naming of Mandalay shipkits more consistent across localised languages
  
• Fixed HUD elements rending over the top of Powerplay banner bobbleheads
  
• Fixed some inconsistent ship wear values between the main hull of the Mandalay and some of its shipkit pieces
  
• Adjusted brightness of the Ruby Anniversary paintjob icons in livery to be visually clearer
  
• Adjusted Powerplay banner position for the Mandalay
  
• Fixed instances of decals being mirrored in the Mandalay's left decal slot
  
• Fixed visual issues on the Powerplay banner for the Alliance Crusader
  
• Fixed livery camera for the "Spoiler" slot on the Asp Scout showing the front of the ship
  
• Fixed livery camera clipping into the ceiling for the Asp Explorer "Spoiler" slot preview
  
• Fixed instances of livery cameras for the Alliance Crusader being blocked by hangar cables
  
• Fixed some localisation issues with the Ruby Anniversary Gold decal
  
• Improved readability of some Fleet Carrier nameplates
  
• Fixed texture issues with Beluga Liner shipkit pieces

If you encounter any further issues please be sure to report them on our Issue Tracker and reach out to our Support Team if you need assistance.

The last Titan, Cocijo, has fallen.

The war is over. We vanquished the enemy at our doorstep and now is the time to rebuild.



Humanity will be unbounded, our light will shine out across the stars exploring the furthest reaches of our galaxy. Seeking new wonders and forging a new path on untamed worlds. This will be our triumph.

We owe to all that came before and all that comes after.

Let us begin again.

Today is a special day, marking the 10-year anniversary of Elite Dangerous!

From taking flight for the first time to putting your feet on the ground of an alien world – you have blazed your own trail in a galaxy like no other, and there’s even more to come.

To celebrate the anniversary, a few familiar faces have come together to share their experiences and highlights over the past decade.






As a thank you for coming with us on this decade long journey we're giving away a free Gold Wireframe Paint Job for the Anaconda! To claim this item simply head to the gamestore and purchase it for 0 Arx!

This paint job is only available until 3pm UTC Friday 20th December so grab yours today! 

Thank you so much for joining us on this epic journey. We can't wait continue it with you in 2025!

Greetings Commanders!

As the fires of Sol continue to flicker in the night's sky, we're here this Thursday with a brand new update for Elite Dangerous!

This update introduces a brand new ship for early access, the Cobra MK V!

• 7AM - Servers offline for maintenance
  
• Cobra Mk V will be available on the store in advance of servers being online
  
• 12.30PM - Servers back online and update 19.03 available

Please note these are approximate times and are subject to change.

• Added pre-built ships:
  
• Cobra Mk V Stellar (33,000 Arx)
  
• Cobra Mk V Standard (16,520 Arx)

• Module storage increased from 200 → 600
  
• In world holo-screen adverts now present for Cobra Mk V
  
• All shipyards will now stock one additional ship

• Fixed decals and ship IDs displaying with a border/background on some Mandalay paintjobs
  
• Fixed missing hitcheck on Python Mk II Spacehawk spoiler
  
• A fix has been implemented to resolve a number of issues related to carrier bartender transactions. However, transaction errors may still be encountered in some specific cases, please report any instances via the issue tracker and we will continue to investigate. https://issues.frontierstore.net/issue-detail/67143

Known Issue: Due to a technical issue the Mandalay Midnight Black paint jobs are currently unavailable on the store. Current owners may see an extra version in their library - this will be removed shortly.

Greetings Commanders,

As humanity banded together to strike down the penultimate Titan Raijin, the final Titan was plotting its next move... Swiftly jumping away from its previous invasion point, the final Thargoid Titan Cocijo has done what nobody expected. The Thargoid invasion of the birthplace of humanity, Sol, has begun.



The Thargoid forces have decimated the defence forces of Sol and its surrounding systems. Now, the birthplace of the human race stands on the brink of destruction. The time has come for every Commander to jump into their ships, load up their missile racks and do their part in the final battle.

Head to Sol now and join in the war for humanity that will go down in history!

Greetings Commanders!

Elite Dangerous is hurtling towards it's 10th Anniversary and it has been a truly out of this world journey along the way!

We've had planetary landings, alien invasions, a misguided scientist trying to commit genocide and so much more! With nearly a full decade worth of astounding content, stories and updates we're really proud with all that has come to pass with Elite Dangerous...And more is yet to come!

That's why we're asking for your nomination for Elite Dangerous in the Steam Awards 'Labour of Love' award!

Greetings Commanders,

We will be releasing a small update for Elite Dangerous on Thursday 28th November.

• 07:00AM - Servers Offline for maintenance
  
• 10:30AM - Servers Back Online

Please note these are approximate times and are subject to change.



Cosmetics

• Mandalay cosmetics for Midnight Black are going in alongside other metallic colourations

Misc

• Ram Tah has made further technical advances and the Tactical Core Chip is no longer required as part of the recipe for Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance
  
• inbox message reminders to complete the Powerplay 2.0 Initial assignments in order to enable ranking will no longer be sent if one of these messages is already in the inbox

Greetings Commanders,

Powerplay 2.0 has been out for a few weeks now and we are really grateful for all the feedback and reported issues you have shared.

Our intent with our balancing is to ensure a diversity of gameplay activities are viable within Powerplay 2.0, and that no activity feels significantly weaker than any other. We are continually closely monitoring for any activities which could be disproportionally more advantageous to undertake than any other, potentially creating a meta that players feel forced to play in order to rank up or participate in the conflict.

Following prevention of several exploits we will now be in a position to improve balance on the overall experience of Powerplay 2.0. We will be closely looking into:

• Significantly reducing the amount of time/effort required to earn early modules
  
• Significantly reducing the amount of time/effort required to increase ranks

In the meantime we are releasing Ascendancy Update 1 (19.01) on Thursday 21 November.

• 07:00 - Servers offline for maintenance
  
• 11:00 Servers back online and Update available

Please note these are approximate times and are subject to change.

• Fixed an exploit where Powerplay Data could be downloaded multiple times from the same Data Port
  
• Aisling Duval's Powerplay systems now correctly flag Imperial Slaves & Narcotics as illegal. Crime does not pay.
  
• Archon Delain Powerplay systems now correctly open Black Markets if they are not already present. OK...here crime might pay.
  
• Pranav Antal now closes Black Markets in Fortified/Stronghold systems.
  
• Merit awards for destroying Ship Launched Fighters have been reduced.

• Adjustments made to Flight Tutorial combat drones reducing their damage output.
  
• Type-8's collision has been adjusted so that the "arms" now have correct collision.

• Resolved a crash when using VR Power Play strategic view on Galaxy map
  
• Filters on the Galaxy Map are no longer auto selected when you hover your mouse over them

Thank you for all your continued feedback and reports!