The video outlines seven progressive levels of space piloting skill in Elite Dangerous, from basic, robotic control to advanced Newtonian flight without assists, emphasizing mastery of maneuvering, situational awareness, power management, and specialized hardware use. It highlights how each stage builds upon the last to develop expert pilots capable of precise, tactical combat maneuvers, ultimately showcasing the dedication required to reach the highest echelons of space flight proficiency.
The video explores the concept of seven distinct levels of piloting skill, using the space flight game Elite Dangerous as a primary example, though the principles apply broadly to many flight games. It begins by outlining the very lowest level, where pilots operate with minimal coordination, executing one movement at a time in a robotic manner, and progresses through the basic beginner stage where players can navigate from point A to B and engage targets with rudimentary control. This foundational level is common to all new players, whether in space sims or flight games, and involves basic use of pitch, roll, and yaw to orient the vehicle.
As players advance, they gain proficiency in maneuvering with six degrees of freedom, combining pitch, roll, and yaw more fluidly, though often favoring some axes over others depending on control schemes like keyboard, mouse, controller, or joystick. At this stage, pilots begin to understand the mechanics of speed versus turning ability, recognizing the optimal “sweet spot” speed for maximum maneuverability and the tactical use of boosts or afterburners to gain advantage in combat. This knowledge marks a significant step up in skill, enabling more precise and effective flying.
The middle levels introduce the importance of tracking opponents during maneuvers, which greatly benefits from additional hardware such as eye-tracking devices or VR setups. These tools allow pilots to decouple their viewpoint from their ship’s orientation, enhancing situational awareness and target tracking, which is crucial in dogfights. The video highlights the sponsor Toby Tracker as a leading example of effective eye-tracking technology that can give players a tangible edge in gameplay.
Further levels delve into spaceship-specific skills, particularly the use of lateral thrusters to enhance maneuverability beyond simple forward thrust and rotation. Mastery of lateral thrusters enables advanced tactics like extending or shortening turns, precise speed control, and constant vector changes to evade enemy targeting. Alongside this, proficient power management—such as adjusting power distribution between weapons, engines, and systems—is emphasized as a critical skill that distinguishes higher-tier pilots.
The highest levels of piloting skill involve turning off flight assists to engage in Newtonian-style flight, requiring a complete remapping of controls and a deep understanding of ship physics. This mode allows pilots to maintain constant motion and maximize maneuverability and survivability but demands exceptional skill and practice. The ultimate “ace” pilot combines all previous skills, perfectly timing boosts and maneuvers to outmatch opponents in speed and control. The video concludes with a reflection on the rarity of reaching these top echelons and invites viewers to consider their own piloting journey while acknowledging the support of the sponsor.