Frontier Developments is launching “Operations” in early 2026, a major Elite Dangerous update introducing multi-phase missions that combine space combat with ground-based activities and support four-player co-op, enhancing gameplay integration beyond the Odyssey expansion. Alongside this, new content includes the Ado Decahedron space station, a large exploration ship called the Caspian Explorer, and a balance pass, all aimed at deepening immersion and expanding player customization.
Frontier Developments is preparing to release the biggest gameplay-focused update for Elite Dangerous in years, called “Operations,” scheduled for early 2026. This update will introduce multi-phase missions that seamlessly integrate space-based activities like ship-to-ship combat with ground-based operations inside mega ships. Players will be able to board these massive vessels to engage in combat, espionage, or other mission types, expanding significantly on the surface gameplay introduced in the 2021 Odyssey expansion. Importantly, these operations will support multiplayer co-op for up to four players, encouraging teamwork across various mission phases.
The Operations update aims to unify different gameplay elements of Elite Dangerous, allowing players to transition between space combat, ground missions, mining, trading, and more within a single mission framework. While details remain limited, Frontier has emphasized that operations will continue to expand post-launch, promising ongoing content additions that deepen the game’s complexity and immersion. This approach addresses earlier criticisms of Odyssey’s surface gameplay by offering a more integrated and engaging experience that leverages Elite Dangerous’s full gameplay spectrum.
Alongside Operations, Frontier will introduce a new space station design called the Ado Decahedron, a classic shape from earlier Elite titles making a return to Elite Dangerous. This station will be unlockable through the game’s premium currency, Arcs, at a steep cost of around 50,000 Arcs (approximately $23 USD). While primarily cosmetic, the station will feature a new “human tech broker,” although its exact function and differences from existing tech brokers remain unclear. This addition reflects Frontier’s ongoing efforts to monetize the game while expanding player customization options within colonized star systems.
The update will also bring a new large exploration ship, the Caspian Explorer, arriving in December. This vessel follows the recently introduced Mandandalay but sports a radically different hull design that stands out from previous ships in the game. Frontier has hinted that the Caspian will include unique features, possibly related to markings on its hull, though specifics are still under wraps. This continued diversification of ship designs signals Frontier’s commitment to refreshing the game’s visual and gameplay variety for explorers.
Finally, a balance pass focused largely on Odyssey-related content will accompany the December ship release, setting the stage for the Operations update. This balance effort aims to refine various gameplay systems in preparation for the new multi-phase missions. While the Ado Decahedron station’s premium pricing may be divisive, the overall direction of integrating Elite Dangerous’s disparate gameplay elements into cohesive, multi-layered missions is widely welcomed. Players can look forward to a more connected, immersive Elite Dangerous experience starting late this year and into 2026.