The Vanguards update for Elite Dangerous reimagines the Squadron system by introducing extensive customization, new perks, and enhanced management features such as a squadron bank, hierarchy, and improved communication tools, all aimed at making squadron management more accessible and community-focused. Scheduled for release in summer alongside the Panther Clipper M2, this update seeks to strengthen squadron identity, cohesion, and social interaction within the game.
The video provides an in-depth overview of the upcoming Vanguards update for Elite Dangerous, revealed during the Frontier Unlocked live stream. The update is a reimagining of the existing Squadron system, aiming to improve user-friendliness, reduce friction, and give squads a stronger identity within the game. Despite initial considerations of renaming the system, the name Vanguards was retained to maintain clarity, while the core concept of squadrons remains unchanged. Game designer Curtis Griffiths explains that the overhaul focuses on making squadron management more accessible and meaningful for both new and veteran players.
Vanguards introduces a comprehensive UI overhaul, allowing squad leaders to customize their groups with new visual elements, including a squadron logo, motto, and mission statement. These elements help foster a unique identity for each squadron, with options to choose activities, affiliations with superpowers, minor factions, and Powerplay factions. The update emphasizes personalization and community ethos, making squads more distinct and recognizable both in-game and on the squadron homepage. This customization aims to strengthen squadron cohesion and appeal to players seeking a more organized social experience.
One of the key features of the Vanguards update is the addition of perks for squad members, which can be primary or secondary. These perks offer tangible benefits such as increased rank gains, better mining yields, or improved combat rewards. The secondary perks are system-dependent, activated only when members are in systems controlled by the squad’s aligned factions. The update also enhances squadron identity through customizable logos and decals, which can be displayed in-game and on squadron pages, helping players easily identify and choose squads that match their interests and playstyle.
The system also expands the management hierarchy with up to 15 ranks, allowing more granular control over squadron operations. A significant new feature is the squadron bank, which stores credits, commodities, personal assets, and ships—though ships cannot hold engineered modules. This bank facilitates resource sharing among members and supports large assets like fleet carriers. The new fleet carrier is notably larger than personal carriers, with at least 32 landing pads, and will be controlled via squadron ranks with associated costs and upkeep, likely funded through squadron resources or affiliated faction activities.
Communication within squadrons is set to improve with the addition of an internal bulletin board and integrated chat, replacing the current reliance on external platforms like Discord. These features will enable better coordination, message pinning, and sharing of goals and updates among squadron members. Overall, the Vanguards update aims to bring squadron management in Elite Dangerous closer to the systems found in MMO guilds, making it more engaging and functional. The update is scheduled for release in summer, alongside the Panther Clipper M2, with further details to be discussed in upcoming live streams.