Ricardo discusses the new station color customization feature in Elite Dangerous, which allows players to purchase cosmetic paint jobs for their stations using in-game currency called arcs, roughly equivalent to £10. He highlights that while the feature adds visual personalization and supports the developers, the high costs make it a purely cosmetic choice, encouraging players to decide if it’s worth the investment.
In the video, Ricardo discusses the new feature in Elite Dangerous introduced with the Trailblazer version 3 update, which allows players to customize the colors of their stations and outposts. This feature was teased earlier and is now available, offering players the ability to paint their facilities in different colors, adding a new layer of personalization to the game. Ricardo demonstrates how to access the customization options and highlights the process of selecting and purchasing different paint jobs for stations.
The available paint jobs come at a cost, measured in “arcs,” the in-game currency. Ricardo shows several options, including a more expensive copper gray paint job priced at around 17,000 arcs, which translates roughly to £10 in real-world money. He emphasizes that these customization options are mainly cosmetic and serve as a way for players to support Frontier, the game’s developer, rather than providing any gameplay advantage. The prices vary depending on the station type and the paint job selected.
Ricardo shares his own decision to purchase the copper gray paint for his Coralis starport, considering it a worthwhile way to support the game and add a unique visual touch to his station. He notes that the cost can seem high, especially for more elaborate or larger stations, but for many players, it’s a matter of personal preference and supporting the developers. He also mentions that other station types, like outposts and Orbis starports, have their own color options, often at similar or slightly lower prices.
He points out that the cost in arcs can be converted into real-world money, roughly estimating that a paint job costing 17,000 arcs is about £10. Ricardo suggests that players should consider whether they want to spend real cash on cosmetic upgrades, which are purely visual, or save their resources for other in-game activities. He also mentions that the customization is limited to the station you are currently on, so players can’t paint all their stations different colors at once.
In conclusion, Ricardo encourages players to consider whether they find the station customization feature worth the investment. While it adds a nice visual flair, the high costs may deter some, especially since it doesn’t impact gameplay. He wraps up by expressing his personal enjoyment of the feature and invites viewers to share their opinions in the comments, emphasizing that this cosmetic addition is a way to support the game and personalize the player experience.