In this edition of Witch Base News for October 10th, 2025, Commander Burr covers several significant updates in Elite Dangerous. The Background Simulation (BGS) system, which manages the dynamic state of the galaxy including wars and expansions, appeared to struggle with the rapid growth of colonized systems following the introduction of colonization earlier this year. Many conflicts remained in a pending state for weeks, frustrating players. However, a sudden update from Frontier Developments (FDev) this week released a backlog of conflicts, resulting in numerous active wars erupting across occupied space, much to the excitement of player factions.
Frontier also released updated colonization statistics showing massive growth since the feature’s launch. Over 101,000 system claims have been made, with nearly 76,000 colonization beacons deployed. The number of constructed starports and outposts has risen to over 73,000, alongside nearly 19,000 surface installations and almost 24,000 space installations like factories and farms. This rapid expansion highlights how players have pushed humanity far beyond the original 500 light-year bubble, effectively thwarting any attempts by the Thargoids to isolate human activity.
In celebration of the Elite franchise’s 40th anniversary, Frontier has reintroduced limited-time ruby-themed paint jobs and decals. These special paint jobs, priced at 8,000 in-game credits each, now cover all ships released up to the Type 11, including some unique ship kits. The ruby decal packs are free but only available until October 23rd, encouraging players to grab them while they last. These cosmetic items provide a nostalgic and festive way for commanders to celebrate the milestone within the game.
A standout highlight in the Elite Dangerous community is the creation of the largest 3D printed ship model to date: a 1:1000 scale Imperial Interdictor capital ship. Created by Anthony Hunt, known for his detailed Elite ship blueprints, this project involves printing 42 separate pieces that will be assembled into a nearly two-meter-long model. The printing process is extensive, with some parts taking up to 46 hours to complete. This ambitious build showcases the passion and dedication of the Elite Dangerous fanbase and the growing popularity of 3D printing within the community.
Finally, Commander Burr reminds players that the current community goal associated with the Type 11 Prospector mining ship ends on October 13th. Players are encouraged to turn in mined ore to maximize rewards before the deadline. The video closes with an invitation for viewers to share their experiences with the BGS changes, colonization progress, and thoughts on large-scale 3D printing projects. The channel promises more updates soon and bids commanders farewell with the customary Elite sign-off.
