This video from Commander Burr provides an in-depth preview of the upcoming “Operations” feature set to launch in Elite Dangerous on June 30, 2026. Operations introduce new cooperative PvE missions for two to four players, accessible from anywhere in the galaxy where docking is possible, including starports, outposts, and fleet carriers. The initial release includes six distinct operations, blending ship-based combat, on-foot missions, or a combination of both, and requires the Odyssey expansion. Players can choose to complete missions either as mercenaries without affecting the main game or contribute towards power play objectives, earning credits, engineering materials, and a new currency called Merc coin, which unlocks exclusive modules and blueprints.
Accessing operations is done through the right-hand panel in the ship’s interface, where players can join public lobbies or host private games, though private groups are currently limited to inviting friends rather than specific squads. Upon starting an operation, players are spawned aboard a unique frontline solutions operations runner vessel, where they receive guidance and updates from an AI operations director dubbed “Motivational Marvin.” The operations vary in style and objectives, including space combat, mega ship infiltration, evacuation missions, and assassination tasks, designed to offer diverse and engaging gameplay experiences.
The video highlights that while operations are exciting and some of the most fun content in Elite Dangerous, they are also quite challenging, especially in the preview build. Missions are balanced for teams of two to four players, with difficulty levels labeled easy and hard, but even easy mode demands highly engineered ships and suits. Players face waves of well-equipped enemies both in space and on foot, often with limited resources and intense combat scenarios. The content is clearly aimed at endgame players, and solo or duo players may find some missions very tough without optimal gear and tactics.
Commander Burr also discusses some areas for improvement, such as better difficulty scaling, more granular difficulty options, and the ability to restrict open lobbies to friends or squadrons to foster better team coordination. He notes that some mechanics, like infinite enemy respawns and mission timers, may not appeal to all players. Despite these challenges, the operations offer tactical depth and excitement, encouraging teamwork and strategic planning. Frontier Developments plans to continue expanding the operations content, potentially including non-combat missions like mining, to cater to a broader range of playstyles.
Finally, the video covers the rewards system, emphasizing the value of Merc coins earned through operations, which can be spent on unique engineering blueprints and pre-engineered ship modules unavailable elsewhere. While the current selection is limited, Frontier intends to add more options as the feature matures. Overall, Commander Burr praises the operations update as a strong and promising start that delivers thrilling gameplay moments, and he looks forward to seeing how the community embraces and shapes this new content in Elite Dangerous.
