In this episode of Witch Base News, Commander Burr discusses recent updates in Elite Dangerous, focusing on a server-side patch that restores the tradeability of Thargoid Titan Drive components. These rare components, recovered from Thargoid vessels, are essential for unlocking advanced drives in the game. Previously, a bug prevented these components from being listed on fleet carrier markets, making them difficult to acquire. The latest patch fixes this issue, allowing players to buy and sell Titan Drive components once again, though their spawn rate remains intentionally low to maintain rarity.
Frontier also released another server-side update addressing various issues related to fleet carrier commodities, cargo transfers, and economic link failures in specific scenarios. These fixes do not require a client update but are important for players involved in fleet operations or economic activities. The patch notes highlight improvements that should enhance stability and functionality within the game’s economy and logistics systems, benefiting players engaged in trading and fleet management.
The episode then covers the return of a significant community goal centered around mining platinum from gas giant rings, which proved highly lucrative for participants. The goal rewarded players with large sums of credits, potentially filling fleet carriers with wealth, and provided special pre-engineered abrasion blasters for those who contributed. Frontier also publicly recognized the top contributors on each side of the goal, celebrating their massive efforts in mining and hauling. This community goal is part of Frontier’s annual pattern of organizing large-scale credit-generating events.
A fascinating discussion follows on the immense scale of ships and objects in Elite Dangerous. Commander Burr emphasizes that even smaller ships like Eagles and Vipers are comparable in size to space shuttles, while medium-class ships like ASPs and Federal vessels are akin to Boeing 747s or larger. The size of ships like drop ships and assault vessels dwarfs most surface settlements, making their deployment and use in ground combat scenarios a logistical challenge. Community-created visual comparisons, including videos and Reddit posts, help illustrate just how colossal these ships are compared to familiar real-world objects.
Finally, Burr highlights new resources that help players better understand ship sizes and the scale of objects in the game. A 2021 video by Preferred Image and recent Reddit comparisons showcase how ships like the Python, Type-8, and Panther Clipper compare to everyday objects, providing perspective on their true size. As new ships are introduced, the scale continues to grow, exemplified by the upcoming Panther Clipper M2. Burr encourages viewers to share their experiences with Titan Drive components, fleet carriers, and their impressions of the ship sizes, ending with a reminder to stay vigilant and enjoy the vastness of Elite Dangerous.
