Elite Dangerous has launched a new mystery trail centered on exobiologist Terry Torah and the permit-locked HIP 87621 system, hinting at the discovery of a unique space-based life form linked to the upcoming Type 11 Prospector mining ship. This community goal signals a major upcoming expansion in the game’s exobiology, potentially introducing new lore and gameplay focused on anomalous life within planetary rings.
The recent mystery trail introduced in Elite Dangerous has sparked considerable excitement within the community, hinting at a significant upcoming development in the game’s exobiology field. The trail revolves around an exobiologist named Terry Torah, who uncovered a groundbreaking discovery linked to the October Consortium but mysteriously disappeared before revealing full details. Players have been engaged in a challenging puzzle that rewards credits and cosmetic items, with guides available to assist those participating. This storyline suggests that something mind-blowing is on the horizon, potentially transforming the current understanding and gameplay related to exobiology.
Initially, speculation centered on possible upgrades to the Supra Artimus space suit, especially its genetic sample tool, which has been a point of contention due to its limited functionality—only allowing one genetic sample at a time. The tool’s history includes a disliked mini-game that was removed after Odyssey’s release, and while Frontier hinted at revisiting it, no updates have materialized so far. Given the October Consortium’s involvement in Supra’s development, an upgrade seemed a logical next step. However, the recent developments suggest the mystery might be far more profound than just a hardware or tool enhancement.
A new community goal (CG) has emerged, sponsored by the wealthy character Zachary Rakom, focusing on exploration data from the permit-locked star system HIP 87621, which lies at the center of the mystery trail. The CG highlights that at least one world in this system exhibits anomalous exobiological readings, implying the discovery of a new form of life. This shifts the narrative from equipment upgrades to potentially unveiling a previously unknown life form, which could significantly impact both the game’s lore and gameplay. The CG emphasizes rocky and high metal content worlds, aligning with the nature of the planets and moons in HIP 87621.
Interestingly, none of the primary worlds in HIP 87621 are landable, though many moons are, mostly consisting of mundane rocky terrain. Three moons have atmospheres but are non-landable, raising questions about where the anomaly truly resides. Since the anomaly is unique to this system, it suggests a narrative or gameplay element focused on this specific location. One notable detail is that all five primary worlds in the system are ringed, which could be crucial. This aligns intriguingly with the upcoming release of the Type 11 Prospector, a mining ship designed to operate within planetary rings, hinting that the anomaly might be a new space-based organism inhabiting these rings.
The timing of the community goal and the introduction of the Type 11 Prospector strongly suggests that the mystery will be resolved soon, possibly revealing this new exobiological entity and integrating it into gameplay through mining activities. This development could represent a major expansion of exobiology in Elite Dangerous, moving beyond traditional planetary exploration to include space-based life forms and new mechanics. Players are encouraged to participate in the community goal and share their theories and hopes for future exobiology content, as the game continues to evolve a decade after its launch.