In this 2025 updated guide, Ricardo explains laser mining in Elite Dangerous as an accessible and profitable activity for beginners, highlighting ship choices, equipment setups, and practical mining techniques using lasers and limpets. He demonstrates how to find rich asteroid hotspots, manage cargo and inventory, and navigate potential risks, ultimately encouraging players to start mining as a straightforward way to earn credits.
In this updated 2025 guide to laser mining in Elite Dangerous, Ricardo introduces mining as a lucrative and enduring gameplay element, especially with the arrival of new ships like the Lakeon Type 11 Prospector. He explains that mining generally falls into two categories: core mining and laser mining, with this video focusing on the latter due to its accessibility and lower frustration level for new or returning commanders. Laser mining involves finding rich asteroid belt hotspots, deploying mining lasers, using limpets to collect materials, and selling the haul at appropriate stations or fulfilling missions.
Ricardo emphasizes that while almost any ship can mine, cargo capacity significantly impacts efficiency, making ships like the Crate Mark II or the Lakeon Type 11 Prospector ideal for beginners. He discusses options available on the Elite Dangerous Arc store, such as pre-built mining ships with engineered modules, which can save time but cost Arc credits. For those building their own mining ship, Ricardo demonstrates how to replace combat weaponry with mining lasers, equip utility modules like shield boosters and heat sinks for protection, and optimize core internals for better performance and cargo capacity.
The video proceeds with a practical demonstration using a Crate Mark II outfitted for laser mining. Ricardo shows how to use the detailed surface scanner to identify valuable hotspots rich in materials like platinum. He explains the importance of fire groups for managing mining lasers, prospect limpets, and collector limpets, which scan asteroids for valuable minerals and collect fragments efficiently. The process involves carefully targeting asteroids, scanning them to determine their content, and then mining while limpets automatically gather the fragments, which are then stored in the cargo hold.
Ricardo also highlights inventory management within the refinery, where players can monitor the percentage fill of different materials and choose to ignore less valuable ones to optimize cargo space. He warns that mining activities can attract unwanted attention from NPC pirates or system authorities, especially in open play, so players should be prepared for potential combat or escape maneuvers. Despite these risks, laser mining is portrayed as a straightforward and profitable activity that can quickly earn commanders significant credits.
In conclusion, Ricardo reassures viewers that laser mining is not as complicated as it may seem and can even be a relaxing way to earn money in Elite Dangerous. He encourages players to find good hotspots, equip their ships appropriately, and start mining to build up their wealth. The video serves as a comprehensive beginner’s guide, providing clear, step-by-step instructions and practical tips to help new and returning commanders get started with laser mining effectively.