Frontier Developments is updating several older Elite Dangerous ships, including the ASP Scout, Federal Dropship, and Imperial Clipper, enhancing their utility, jump range, speed, and shields to keep them competitive alongside the new Anaconda Mark II. These improvements, aimed at revitalizing interest in classic vessels and maintaining fleet diversity, will be released on October 20th, with a free “Low and Disorder” update following in December.
The recent developer update for Elite Dangerous highlights significant changes to several older ships, coinciding with the arrival of the Anaconda Mark II. Frontier Developments is using this opportunity to enhance the appeal of ships that have struggled to keep up as the game’s fleet has expanded. The update specifically targets a range of vessels including the ASP Scout, Federal Dropship, Imperial Clipper, Type 6, Type 7, Viper Mark V, Sidewinder, Eagle, as well as the Caspian and Manderlay, focusing on improving their utility, jump range, speed, and shield capacities.
The ASP Scout will benefit from additional utility slots, improved jump range, increased speed, and better maneuverability, making it more viable for exploration and other roles. Similarly, the Federal Dropship is set to gain a new size six internal slot along with enhancements in jump range and speed. The Imperial Clipper will receive an extra size seven internal slot, improved jump range, and increased shield capacity, boosting its overall performance and survivability.
For the Type 6 and Type 7 ships, the update introduces additional internal slots and stronger shields. The Type 7 will also see improvements in jump range and thermal performance, which should enhance its utility in long-distance travel and combat scenarios. The Viper Mark V is set to receive stronger shields, increased speed, and better maneuverability, while the Sidewinder will get stronger shields and improved handling. The Eagle will benefit from increased shield capacity, reinforcing its combat capabilities.
In addition to these changes, the Caspian and Manderlay ships will receive improved jump ranges, addressing their limited travel capabilities despite their large sizes. These updates seem designed to prevent the Anaconda Mark II from overshadowing older exploration vessels, maintaining a clear distinction between the new multi-purpose ship and those specialized in exploration and other roles. However, the update does not provide specific numerical values for these improvements, leaving the exact impact somewhat uncertain.
Overall, these revisions aim to revitalize interest in older ships by enhancing their performance and utility, offering players more viable options beyond the Anaconda Mark II. The changes are scheduled for release on October 20th, with the “Low and Disorder” update following in December as a free update for all players. This approach by Frontier Developments reflects their commitment to balancing the game and ensuring a diverse and competitive fleet for all playstyles.