The Elite Dangerous Type-8 Update (18.8), launching on August 7, 2024, introduces the new Type-8 ship available for purchase with ARX, along with significant changes to the engineering system for improved accessibility and doubled suit capacities for better inventory management. The update also features new rewards for players involved in the Thargoid war efforts, along with various bug fixes, while some known issues remain.
In the latest update for Elite Dangerous, referred to as the Type-8 Update or 18.8, players can look forward to a range of exciting new features and fixes. The update is set to launch on August 7, 2024, with servers going offline at 8:00 a.m. and expected to be back online by 2:00 p.m. The highlight of this patch is the introduction of the new Type-8 ship, which will be available for purchase using ARX, the in-game currency. Additionally, players can now buy pre-built ships like the Beluga liner and Vulture, both priced at 25,500 ARX, which come equipped with special paint jobs and modules.
The patch also includes significant changes to the engineering system, aimed at making it more accessible for players. The requirements to unlock various engineers have been reduced, with the number of spins needed to obtain blueprints now being fixed rather than random. This means that players will have a clearer understanding of the materials required for engineering upgrades, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. The update addresses previous frustrations with the randomness of blueprint acquisition, allowing for a more streamlined process.
In terms of suit capacity, there have been notable adjustments as well. The carrying capacity of most suits has been doubled, improving inventory management for players. However, some suits, such as the Dominator and Altimus, have not seen changes to their data capacity. The Maverick suit, on the other hand, has had its data capacity increased, which should aid players in their exploration and combat endeavors.
The update also includes new rewards for players who contribute to the Thargoid war efforts. By participating in the reclamation of Thargoid-controlled systems, players can earn engineering materials as rewards. The distribution of these rewards is tiered, with the top contributors receiving the most valuable materials. This addition aims to encourage community participation in the ongoing narrative of the game.
Lastly, the update addresses various bugs and issues, including fixes for the Orca ship model and missile racks. However, players should be aware that there are still some known issues, such as the potential for the new Type-8 ship to scrape the top of the Scarab SRV when exiting. Overall, the Type-8 Update brings a wealth of new content and improvements, promising to enhance the Elite Dangerous experience for players.