The video discusses the possibility of a third Distant Worlds event in Elite Dangerous, following the success of the first two events, and explores the current player base’s interest in large-scale exploration journeys. Organizers are considering the challenges and opportunities for Distant Worlds 3, potentially starting in January 2026, while also noting the involvement of author Drew Wager for a narrative aspect to enhance the experience.
The video discusses the potential for a third installment of the Distant Worlds event in the game Elite Dangerous, following the success of Distant Worlds 1 and 2. The first event took place in January 2016 with 1,300 players, while Distant Worlds 2 in January 2019 saw a massive increase to 14,000 participants. These events involved players embarking on a large-scale exploration journey across the galaxy, leading to significant moments in the game’s history, such as the establishment of explorers’ Anchorage at the galactic core.
The lead organizer of the previous events, Aramus, has posted on forums to gauge community interest for Distant Worlds 3. While it is not guaranteed, the organizers are exploring the possibility of another expedition, considering how the player base has changed since the earlier events. The video highlights the evolution of Elite Dangerous, noting that exploration has shifted significantly over the years due to advancements in game mechanics and ship capabilities, such as fleet carriers that can jump vast distances.
A key concern raised in the video is whether the current player base, which may differ from those who participated in earlier Distant Worlds events, would be interested in such a large-scale expedition. The game has seen a decline in player-organized events since 2019, prompting questions about how many long-time players remain and how many new players would be willing to join in. The organizers are considering ways to recapture the magic of past journeys while adapting to the current state of the game.
The video also mentions Drew Wager, an author associated with Elite Dangerous, who has expressed interest in writing a narrative to accompany Distant Worlds 3. This addition could provide a new layer of engagement for participants. However, it is acknowledged that if the event proceeds, it will require substantial planning and organization, similar to the previous events, which took around six months to prepare and three months to execute.
Finally, the video concludes with a hopeful tone, suggesting that now may be an opportune time for Distant Worlds 3 due to a resurgence of player interest in Elite Dangerous, aided by improvements made by the developers. If the event is to happen, it is anticipated to begin in January 2026, giving the organizers ample time to prepare. The video encourages viewers to share their thoughts and interest in the comments, highlighting the community’s role in shaping the future of such events.