Frontier Developments is introducing a new generation of Ship Launched Vessels (SLVs) in Elite Dangerous with the release of the Nomad on June 30th. Unlike previous SLVs, the Nomad is designed primarily for exploration rather than combat and can land on planetary surfaces. It is deployed from a new MK2 vehicle hangar module, which will also be available in a heavier MK1 version compatible with legacy ships, addressing community feedback. The hangars come in sizes 5 to 7, with the smaller size housing one Nomad and the larger sizes accommodating two, alongside other vehicles like SRVs and traditional SLFs.
The Nomad is tailored specifically for the exo-biology sub-community of explorers, equipped with two fixed pulse lasers but not intended for serious combat. It functions as a fully owned auxiliary spacecraft, piloted directly by the player rather than through telepresence, and cannot be used by NPCs or other commanders. Its small size allows it to land in tight spaces within surface settlements, but if destroyed there, it explodes similarly to an SRV, potentially damaging nearby commanders. There is some uncertainty about how rebuys for the Nomad will be handled upon full release, with current preview builds suggesting free infinite rebuys but tooltips indicating a limit of 30.
One of the Nomad’s standout features is its exo-biology scanner, which operates similarly to the handheld biology pulse of the Artemis spacesuit but from the ship’s cockpit. While its scanning range is broad, it only highlights biological objects that have already spawned nearby, making slow and careful flying essential to maximize its effectiveness. This feature, combined with the Nomad’s ability to land almost anywhere—even on steep or rough terrain—revolutionizes the process of discovering and sampling exo-biological signals, which previously required challenging SRV hill climbs and extensive patience.
The Nomad also offers a unique interior experience, described as a “full ship interior” with some caveats. The cockpit and immediate area provide a convincing ship interior illusion, with three large doors allowing players to choose their exit points strategically, especially useful on precarious terrain. The rear interior space is mostly empty but can be customized with ARX-purchased interior kits, such as the “science” kit that adds scientific equipment or the “rambler” kit that decorates the doors with cargo nets. These aesthetic options enhance immersion but do not add functional gameplay elements.
Overall, the Nomad is a game changer for Elite Dangerous, particularly for exo-biologists who struggled with the limitations of previous exploration tools. It makes exo-biology more accessible and efficient, transforming the gameplay loop around discovering and sampling biological signals. The ship’s launch coincides with the Operations Update and early access pricing has been announced. Whether players choose to invest in the Nomad will depend on their interest in exo-biology and exploration, but its innovative features and potential for future development mark a significant evolution in the game’s vessel lineup.
