In this edition of Witchspace News for August 22, 2025, CMDR Buur covers several important updates and community developments in Elite Dangerous. The recent Vanguards update has already received two patches, including a server-side update that activated some previously offline carrier facilities like Pioneer Supplies and Vista Genomics, though the bar area remains inaccessible. Additionally, the maximum squadron size was increased from 500 to 600, a welcome but insufficient boost for very large squadrons such as the Fatherhood. Frontier also temporarily disabled the Squadrons Cargo Insurance perk to fix an ongoing issue, while promising a further patch requiring a three-hour downtime.
The latest patch notes revealed several fixes and improvements, including enhanced profanity filtering for squadron mottos and recruitment messages, allowance for commas and accented characters, and a fix for fuel transfer limpets being destroyed on launch. Visual improvements were made to fleet carrier hangar bay lighting, and adjustments were implemented to prevent top economies in systems from consuming their own goods, which previously led to commodity shortages. These changes aim to improve gameplay quality and economic balance within the game.
A significant community concern has emerged regarding the new squadron browser system, which currently makes all squadron members’ activities fully visible to anyone, including combat bonds, bounty vouchers, colonisation claims, and exploration first footfalls, along with their locations. This transparency has raised worries about potential sniping of exploration discoveries and blocking of colonisation attempts. The community remains divided on the issue of gameplay visibility and accountability, with Frontier yet to clarify whether this level of exposure is intentional or an oversight. Players are encouraged to share their opinions via an official issue tracker.
The month-long Brewer Corporation Community Goal (CG) to restock Trailblazer Colonisation Megaships concluded with record-breaking participation. Tied to the release of the Panther Clipper, the largest hauling ship in the game, the CG offered lucrative rewards including unique engineered cargo racks that increase capacity beyond previous limits. Over 48,000 commanders participated, shattering the previous record of 20,000 from the last major CG involving the destruction of a Thargoid Titan. These exclusive cargo racks are currently unobtainable by any other means, and Frontier has no plans to change that.
Lastly, the video highlights a remarkable piece of Elite Dangerous community art: the History of Expeditions Poster by CMDR Qohen Leth. This detailed poster visually documents all major expeditions with five or more participants since the game’s launch year 3300, including solo pioneer efforts and mission patches. The poster offers a stunning and comprehensive look at the game’s exploration history, inviting players to explore its intricate details. The video closes with a reminder about the upcoming Frontier Unlocked livestream and invites viewers to share their experiences and thoughts in the comments.
