The upcoming Panther Clipper ship in Elite Dangerous will launch with a controversial price increase, sparking debate about the justification of higher costs for large ships, while Frontier plans to release two more ships later this year. Meanwhile, the community is preparing for the massive Distant Worlds 3 event and an in-person Elite Dangerous Community Meet in Coventry, highlighting ongoing player engagement and support for the game.
This week in Elite Dangerous news, the highly anticipated Panther Clipper ship is set for early access release on July 22nd, but not without controversy. Frontier has announced a price increase for large ships like the Panther Clipper, raising the standard price to 19,020 ARCs and the Stellar version to 38,000 ARCs. This new pricing tier has sparked debate since smaller and medium ships were previously priced similarly, and many question whether the size of the ship justifies the higher cost. While some players are wary of microtransactions, the funds from these sales support ongoing game development and new content updates.
Frontier has also confirmed that two more ships will be released later this year, although details remain under wraps. Speculation suggests that at least one of these will fall into the large ship category, given the new pricing structure. Fans are hopeful for diverse ship roles, such as a large exploration vessel or a combat ship, to complement the cargo-focused Panther Clipper. The community eagerly awaits further announcements on these upcoming additions.
In community news, the massive player-run event Distant Worlds 3 is gearing up with pre-launch activities planned for July. This event, which involves expeditions across the galaxy, is organized entirely by players and has seen huge participation in previous iterations. A new interactive platform and mission system are being developed to coordinate the event, with a local bubble-based pre-event aimed at testing these new tools. While some delays have occurred, the organizers promise more detailed updates on the science projects and complementary events in August.
Additionally, the Elite Dangerous Community Meet is approaching, offering players a chance to gather in person. This real-world event will be held in Coventry, England, and is organized by the Hutton Truckers community. Tickets are still available, and the meetup promises to be an exciting opportunity for players from around the world to connect, share experiences, and celebrate their shared passion for the game.
Overall, this episode of 3311 highlights a mix of new content, community-driven initiatives, and ongoing discussions about the game’s monetization. While the Panther Clipper’s pricing has stirred debate, the continued support from players through ship purchases helps fund further development. Meanwhile, large-scale events like Distant Worlds 3 and the Community Meet showcase the vibrant and dedicated Elite Dangerous community, underscoring the game’s enduring appeal.