The video provides an early overview of the Nomad, a new ship-launched vessel in Elite Dangerous arriving in Arx early access on June 30th, highlighting its unique boarding mechanics, mothership support, unlimited rebuys, and extensive customization options. Available in three variants and compatible with both legacy and next-gen ships via different hangar types, the Nomad introduces a new gameplay dimension by blending planetary exploration with ship-based mechanics.
The video provides an early look at the new Nomad ship-launched vessel coming to Elite Dangerous’ Arx early access at the end of June. Frontier Developments hinted that the Nomad has unique features beyond what was initially revealed, particularly regarding how players enter and exit the ship when it is landed. Instead of a blue tunnel, players disembark into the rear of the ship, witnessing the sides open upward and the rear hatch fold down into a ramp. Boarding the Nomad involves approaching the cockpit seat from inside the ship, triggering a menu option similar to boarding an SRV. When away from the ship on foot or in an SRV, the doors close and only reopen when you approach again.
The Nomad operates with a mothership that follows it at a safe distance, much like a ship-launched fighter; however, players can dismiss the mothership and explore independently. If the Nomad is destroyed while in use, players respawn in the mothership in orbit, and the Nomad has unlimited rebuys, allowing quick redeployment. Additionally, recalling the mothership while on foot causes it to land, granting access to any SRVs the player might have. The current version of the Nomad features fixed pulse lasers as weapons, and there are three Nomad variants available, suggesting potential for different loadouts in the future.
Functioning as an auxiliary spacecraft, the Nomad can be named and assigned registry numbers, with customizable exterior name displays similar to regular ships in Elite Dangerous. It supports multiple ship kits and paint jobs for external customization, and uniquely, it also allows cosmetic customization of the interior with items like scientific equipment. Initially, Frontier announced the Nomad would require a Mark 2 vehicle hanger, available only on specific next-gen ships like the Caspian, Type 11, and Panther Clipper. However, after player feedback, they introduced a Mark 1 hanger compatible with a broader range of legacy ships, while the Mark 2 remains an option for newer ships with better efficiency.
The Nomad will launch on June 30th, available in three variants: the base model priced at 16,520 Arx, a Stellar variant at 33,000 Arx, and a Galactic variant at 60,000 Arx. These variants include different mixes of internal and external ship kits and paint jobs. The introduction of the Nomad represents the first of a new class of ship in Elite Dangerous, expanding gameplay possibilities by combining planetary exploration with ship-based mechanics. The video promises a more detailed review of the Nomad in the coming days.
Viewers are encouraged to share their thoughts on the Nomad, including their opinions on its availability for legacy starships and their plans to purchase it upon release. The channel invites subscriptions and notifications to catch the upcoming full review. Overall, the video offers an informative glimpse into the Nomad’s features, gameplay mechanics, and customization options, building anticipation for its early access launch.