The recent Frontier livestream revealed details about the Cobra Mark 5 ship in Elite Dangerous, highlighting its three-seater cockpit, enhanced specifications, and versatility as a multi-purpose vessel. Additionally, a new system colonization feature was introduced, allowing players to claim and develop systems by deploying colonization beacons and delivering materials to construct starports, significantly impacting the game’s economy and exploration dynamics.
The recent Frontier livestream unveiled significant details about the upcoming Cobra Mark 5 ship and the new system colonization feature in Elite Dangerous. The Cobra Mark 5 is classified as a small vessel, similar to its predecessors, the Cobra Mark 3 and 4, but it boasts a three-seater cockpit designed for both passengers and multi-crew gameplay. This ship is notable for its capability to support super Cruise overcharge, making it the first small landing pad-capable ship with this feature. Unlike other Next Generation vessels, the Cobra Mark 5 is designed as a generalist, multi-purpose ship rather than being aimed at a specific role, offering versatility and maneuverability in normal space.
In terms of specifications, the Cobra Mark 5 includes four utility mounts, an increase from the two found on the Cobra Mark 3. Its hardpoint configuration carries over from the Mark 3, but with an additional Class 2 hardpoint, totaling three Class 2s and two Class 1s. The ship’s core internals are similar to the Mark 3, but it features an upgraded Class 4 power distributor. The optional internals have also seen improvements, providing a range of configurations that enhance its jack-of-all-trades theme. The cockpit design has been completely revamped, offering improved visibility for the pilot and passengers, and the ship is set to enter Early Access on December 10th.
The livestream also introduced the system colonization feature, which is poised to be one of the most significant updates in Elite Dangerous. Players will interact with a colonization contact in inhabited systems to purchase claims on systems within a specified distance, currently set at 10 light years. Once a claim is made, players will receive a colonization beacon and have 24 hours to deploy it in the chosen system. Successful deployment allows players to select a primary starport, leading to the arrival of a large colonization ship that will facilitate the construction of the starport.
The colonization process involves delivering specific materials to the colonization ship, which will function similarly to existing Community Goals but will be entirely player-driven. Once the required materials are delivered, the starport will be constructed and will initially operate in an under-construction phase before becoming fully operational. Players who establish a new system will become the system architect, controlling what can be built in that system and influencing its development within the game’s economy.
Overall, the system colonization feature is expected to launch early next year, following a public beta test due to its complexity. The developers envision that this feature will significantly impact the game’s landscape, fostering the creation of smaller micro economies in remote areas of the galaxy. As players engage with this new system, the dynamics of Elite Dangerous will evolve, leading to exciting possibilities for exploration and development in the game.