In the video, Ricardo explores subsurface mining in Elite Dangerous, focusing on the use of subsurface displacement missiles to extract richer deposits from asteroids. He highlights key insights about deposit sizes affecting yields and shares details about valuable finds like low-temperature diamonds, inviting viewers to share their own mining experiences.
In the video, Ricardo discusses the topic of mining in Elite Dangerous, a game he has been playing for a long time. He acknowledges that while some players find mining boring, others enjoy it for its potential to earn significant amounts of money and power play merits. The focus of the video is on subsurface mining and, specifically, the use of subsurface displacement missiles, which he admits he was not fully aware of until now.
Ricardo explains that subsurface displacement missiles are specialized hardpoint modules used in mining that launch missiles deep into asteroids to access subsurface deposits. These missiles allow players to manually detonate them when they reach the desired depth, ejecting the mined materials into space for collection. He notes that a refinery is also necessary to process the materials collected from these deposits, and that subsurface deposits tend to be richer than those obtained through surface mining.
One of the key insights Ricardo shares is that the size of the deposit impacts the yield from subsurface mining. He explains that smaller deposits, represented by shorter bars in the game, tend to release more ore when mined. Conversely, larger deposits yield less, as they are easier to extract from the rock. He emphasizes that he had not considered this aspect before, highlighting a learning moment for him and potentially for other players as well.
Additionally, Ricardo discusses the mechanics of subsurface mining, noting that players have between two and nine chances to extract ore from a deposit, depending on its integrity. He mentions that failed attempts count against the total chances available, and that there may be instances where a deposit allows for more chances than there are actual deposits, which could be adjusted in future game updates.
Finally, Ricardo touches on the specifics of low-temperature diamonds, which are a rare and valuable find in subsurface mining. He explains that these deposits can yield between eight and fifteen tons of ore, significantly more than standard deposits, but emphasizes their rarity. He wraps up the video by inviting viewers to share their own mining experiences and preferences in the comments, reflecting on whether they find mining relaxing or only engage in it when necessary.