The video explains that Elite Dangerous’s Vanguards have been renamed to Squadrons, which will be released in summer 2025 and focus on enhancing community engagement through customizable features, shared resources, and large fleet carriers. The update introduces tools for squadron creation, management, and branding, aiming to foster multiplayer cooperation, faction support, and in-game collaboration.
The video discusses the rebranding and updates to Elite Dangerous’s squadron system, clarifying that the previously announced Vanguards will now be called Squadrons, maintaining the familiar name to players. The new Squadrons system is scheduled for release in summer 2025 and aims to enhance community engagement within the game. Frontier Developments is focusing on making the system user-friendly and inclusive, encouraging both new and returning players to participate in squadron activities.
The process of creating a squadron involves choosing a name, ID, motto, and battle cry, along with a free text description. Players can select multiple activities, align their squadron with a superpower (Alliance, Empire, Federation, or independent), and support a specific faction. The system also introduces primary and secondary perks, which can influence gameplay aspects like rewards, colonization costs, and profits, thereby fostering a sense of identity and purpose for each squadron.
A significant feature is the logo creator, allowing players to design multi-layered, multicolored logos for their squadron, which can be displayed on ships via decals. Players can also search for, join, or apply to squads based on specific criteria such as activity type or faction alignment. Once accepted, squadron members gain access to a bulletin board for communication, leaderboards for activity tracking, and a detailed roster showing member statuses and roles, all aimed at strengthening in-game community and coordination.
The update introduces a comprehensive squadron management interface, including ranks, permissions, and a squadron bank for storing credits, ships, and commodities. The bank system allows for communal resource sharing and controlled access, which can be used to fund activities like rebuy costs or support colonization efforts. Additionally, the system will feature a massive new fleet carrier, much larger than standard ones, capable of holding ships, credits, and commodities for the entire squadron, although details on costs and ship customization are still undisclosed.
Overall, the new squadron system aims to deepen multiplayer interactions, enhance community-building, and support large-scale collaborative efforts within Elite Dangerous. The updates also tie into the ongoing evolution of Power Play and system colonization, potentially allowing squadrons to play a significant role in the game’s background simulation. With more details expected before release, players are eager to see how these features will impact gameplay and the overall in-game universe.