The video explores the upcoming introduction of squadron carriers in Elite Dangerous with the Vanguards update in summer 2025, highlighting their massive size, customization options, and potential to serve as hubs for large-scale group activities. While many details remain uncertain, the carriers are expected to significantly enhance community interaction, strategic gameplay, and galactic influence, sparking curiosity and questions within the player base.
The video discusses the upcoming introduction of squadron carriers in Elite Dangerous, set to launch with the Vanguards update in summer 2025. These colossal vessels are expected to be significantly larger than standard fleet carriers and will serve as hubs for group activities such as trading, colonization, and combat missions. The update is shrouded in some mystery, with many community questions about how these carriers will function, their capabilities, and their impact on gameplay. Frontier Developments has revealed some details, but much remains speculative and open to interpretation.
Ownership and management of squadron carriers are expected to be hierarchical, with a single commander acting as the owner and leader, while management responsibilities can be delegated to trusted squadron members based on ranks. These carriers are envisioned as massive ships capable of holding up to 50,000 tons of cargo and ships, facilitating large-scale operations and collaboration among squadron members. Features like shared resources, including a squadron bank for credits and resources, will promote a collective approach to funding and managing activities such as missions, trading, and colonization.
Customization options are likely to be expanded for squadron carriers, including designing logos with multiple visual layers, applying paint jobs, and customizing interior elements like seats and communal areas. The potential for unique icons and additional cosmetic options could enhance squadron identity and pride. Frontier might also introduce exclusive modules and services, such as command rooms and mission planning consoles, to support squadron operations and make carriers more personalized and functional.
Operational mechanics like jump range, fuel consumption, and maintenance costs are still uncertain. Standard carriers have a 500-light-year jump range, but whether squadron carriers will match, exceed, or fall short of this remains unknown. Given their size, they will likely require significant fuel and financial upkeep, possibly involving weekly costs that could reach into the tens of millions of credits. How players will acquire these carriers—whether through missions, campaigns, or other means—and how they will be maintained and upgraded are key questions yet to be answered.
The potential impact of squadron carriers includes enhancing galactic power projection, influencing economic balance, and increasing player engagement, especially for newcomers. Frontier may introduce exclusive modules, services, and persistent squadron missions, turning carriers into hubs for multi-week campaigns with branching outcomes. The video emphasizes that much of the detailed gameplay mechanics are still unconfirmed, but the feature promises to bring a new level of community interaction and strategic depth to Elite Dangerous. The community is encouraged to share whether they plan to create their own squadron or join existing ones once the update launches.