Frontier Developments has announced the Trailblazers update for Elite Dangerous, introducing system colonization and a new contact called The Refinery, along with the Zorgon Peterson Mandalay ship and the upcoming Gutamaya Corsair. The roadmap for the year includes these features and hints at a significant Vanguards update in 2025, aimed at enhancing group play and player collaboration.
Frontier Developments has unveiled extensive details about the Trailblazers update and the roadmap for Elite Dangerous in the upcoming year. The highlight of the Trailblazers update is the introduction of system colonization, allowing players to claim ownership of empty star systems near the bubble around Sol. This feature is currently in a beta phase, which is unique in that players’ progress will not be wiped at the end of the testing period. Instead, it aims to gather accurate data on player engagement and usage. Players can colonize systems within 16 light years of populated ones, and the process includes deploying a colonization beacon and constructing an initial starport.
To begin the colonization process, players must select a system, pay a fee of 25 million credits, and deploy a colonization beacon within 24 hours. Once the beacon is deployed, a countdown to the arrival of a colonization vessel begins, which will serve as a hub for delivering necessary construction materials. Players have four weeks to complete the construction of the starport, or the effort will fail. Successful colonization allows for further upgrades and construction of additional facilities, which can enhance the system’s economy and population.
In addition to colonization, the update introduces a new contact called The Refinery, which allows players to convert mined raw commodities into other types. This addition emphasizes the importance of mining as a gameplay activity. The update also includes new customization options for starports and the long-awaited arrival of the Zorgon Peterson Mandalay ship, which can now be purchased in-game. Furthermore, a new ship kit for the Mandalay has been added to the store.
The next new ship revealed is the Gutamaya Corsair, a medium-sized vessel designed for multi-role functionality with impressive cargo capacity and speed. It features size seven thrusters and is expected to be available in early access in April. The Corsair’s design has a unique aesthetic, and it promises to be a viable option for explorers, enhancing the game’s variety of ships. The roadmap for the year includes the Trailblazers update, the Corsair’s release, and additional new ships and features scheduled throughout the year.
Looking ahead to 2025, Frontier is planning a significant update called Vanguards, which aims to revamp the current Squadron system. This update will introduce new features to enhance communication and gameplay collaboration among players, including a potential guild bank for sharing resources. The Vanguards update is intended to improve the overall experience of group play, making it easier for new players to engage with the game. Overall, the future looks promising for Elite Dangerous, with an exciting lineup of updates and features set to reinvigorate the player community.