The Elite Dangerous Rhino update introduces a specialized surface mining vehicle with advanced mining tools, new mining resources, and improved mechanics exclusive to the Odyssey version, enhancing the planetary mining experience. Additionally, it features a new combat operation called “Under Siege,” various cosmetic bundles, and multiple bug fixes, with some issues pending resolution in upcoming hotfixes.
The Rhino update for Elite Dangerous, released by Frontier Developments, introduces a significant new surface mining vehicle called the Rhino, designed specifically for industrial mining roles on planetary surfaces. Unlike previous SRVs like the Scarab and Scorpion, which were more general-purpose or combat-focused, the Rhino is equipped with specialized mining equipment including a planetary mining deposit scanner, an onboard refinery, and a mining rig deployment module. This allows players to prospect, deploy mining rigs, extract and refine resources directly on the planet, creating a more immersive and continuous mining gameplay loop.
The Rhino comes in three different bundles: Galactic, Stellar, and Standard, each offering various cosmetic items and pre-built vehicles purchasable with in-game currency called Arx. The Galactic bundle is the most comprehensive, including multiple ship kits, decals, and a special avatar skin called the Motherload Galactic Miner. The Stellar and Standard bundles offer fewer cosmetics but still provide valuable items for players interested in surface mining. Additionally, the Rhino is integrated with the Type 11 Prospector Galactic mining pack, giving players further options for mining-focused gameplay.
Frontier has also introduced new mining resources such as rubies, sapphires, bastonite, and several others, expanding the variety of commodities players can collect. The update includes adjustments to mining mechanics like base mining time, resource yield, and efficiency based on environmental factors such as temperature and deposit density. The surface scanner has been updated to detect planetary mining locations, but these features are exclusive to the Odyssey version of the game and not available on legacy consoles like Xbox or PlayStation.
Beyond the Rhino, the update adds a challenging new operation called “Under Siege,” where players respond to a distress call at a planetary settlement under threat from hostile forces. This mission tests players’ combat and tactical skills as they fend off attackers both on-foot and in space. The update also addresses numerous bug fixes, including crash issues, graphical improvements, and fixes related to Mercenary gear. However, some issues remain, such as incomplete on-foot wing UI and limited mining chunk collection, which Frontier plans to resolve in a forthcoming hotfix.
Overall, the Rhino update enhances Elite Dangerous by deepening the surface mining experience with a purpose-built vehicle and new gameplay mechanics, while also expanding content with new missions and quality-of-life improvements. Players interested in industrial mining will find a fresh and engaging way to gather resources, and the various cosmetic bundles offer customization options to suit different playstyles. Frontier continues to support the game with ongoing fixes and updates, promising further refinements in the near future.