What changed in Elite Dangerous in 2018

New star system wide text chat available with a profanity filter.

Added new scenarios with voice over direction and feedback.

Introduced two new ships: Krait Phantom and Mamba with unique specifications.

Discovery Scanner upgraded to include access to the new Full Spectral System (FSS) scanner mode.

Codex added to the ship's internal panel, containing Commander Stats, Discoveries, and Knowledge base.

Detailed Surface Scanner upgraded to include access to brand new planet probes.

Added 'First Mapped By' tag for the first commander to 100% map a stellar body.

Added new lighting model using dynamic exposure and color grading.

Added 3 new mining processes and 4 new mining tools.

Added new megaships and installations that will move location weekly.

This update includes well over 2000 fixes for various issues.

Various improvements to the cockpit UI, including new tabs and filters.

A new in-game feature for uniting Commanders and competing in leaderboards.

A new way to explore the Milky Way galaxy with improved scanners and probes.

New tools and mechanics for a more engaging mining experience.

Announcing the release date for Beyond - Chapter Four on December 11.

A versatile ship with 2 Large and 2 Medium Hardpoints, 8 Internal Optional slots, top speed of 256m/s, and a boost speed of 358m/s.

A fast ship with 1 Huge, 2 Large and 2 Small Hardpoints, 5 Internal Optional slots, top speed of 316m/s, and a boost speed of 387m/s.

Standard mining laser retains functionality on all asteroids.

Highlights asteroids with lucrative deposits upon arrival in a ring.

Can now identify mineral hotspots within planetary rings and map surfaces of planets.

Introduction of group comms and a feed panel for Squadron activities.

Commanders can create a Squadron for 10,000,000 credits with unique names and IDs.

New leaderboards for Squadrons based on various activities like combat and exploration.

Squadrons can align with a Faction and a Power, providing additional information and benefits.

New feature for Commanders to band together for various gameplay activities.

Introduction of new tools like Abrasion blaster, Sub-surface displacement missile, and Seismic charge launcher for enhanced mining.

Allows Commanders to see highlighted locations of deposits on asteroids.

The first discovered bonus has been significantly increased, along with a new First Mapped bonus.

Expansion now considers faction influence and happiness, requiring coordination for successful expansion.

A new way to track findings, progress, and lore in the Elite Dangerous galaxy.

Introduction of markers on bars to represent Security and Economic statuses for factions.

New Megaships with set routes and static Installations have been added to the game.

Exploration data will now be shared across all Commanders once any Commander discovers and sells data about a stellar body.

Factions can now exist in multiple states per system, enhancing complexity in managing faction influence.

Brighter stars, darker deep-space, and new volumetric fog effects.

A new 3D schematic view of the star system's orbits and positions.

Wars, Civil Wars, and Elections now freeze the influence of both factions involved and resolve weekly.

Ability to track signals for Unidentified Signal Sources and Conflict Zones using the Full System Scanner.

New categories for faction states include Economic status, Security status, Conflict, Movement, and Other.

New tools for exploring star systems, including identifying and analyzing signals.

New states like Lockdown, Boom, Bust, Civil War, Civil Unrest, Famine, Outbreak, Election, War, Expansion, Retreat, Civil Liberty, and Investment have been added.

New and enhanced Scenarios provide random events with voice-acting and specific BGS rewards.

New features for mapping planets and rings, including unlimited probes and efficiency bonuses.

Streamlined layout and new features for easier navigation in the cockpit interface.

A new way for players to unite, support factions, and participate in Community Goals.

New tools and mechanics for a more engaging mining experience, including new exploration mechanics.

A new in-game codex for recording findings in a collaborative and individual way.

Introduction of Analysis Mode with improved scanners for exploration, allowing better tracking of stellar bodies and phenomena.

Commanders will have probes to map planetary surfaces and rings in detail.

Upcoming visual improvements and cockpit interface changes.

The beta for Chapter Four will be available to all PC players on 30 October.

Fixed various visual issues with hardpoints on Alliance Challenger, Chieftain & Crusader.

Fixed large missile racks being unable to resupply ammunition using synthesis.

Addressed an overheating issue when firing the Lance Guardian Fighter.

Ice Planets and Fleet Carriers will not be included in the Beyond - Chapter Four update, allowing for deeper gameplay mechanics.

A form of free store content will be provided to Lifetime Expansion Pass holders by the end of the year.

Future paid content will be developed instead of releasing new purchasable content this year.

The final update of 2018 and the Beyond season is in final development and will be available for players in Q4.

Significant new gameplay additions for explorers are being developed to enhance the exploration experience.

A full visual upgrade is planned to enhance the game's graphics.

The second of two smaller content updates before Chapter Four.

Small Shock Cannon (turret, gimbal, fixed) added.

A medium sized ship based on the Alliance Chieftain with a fighter bay.

A new ship that acts as a midpoint between the Chieftain and Challenger with a fighter bay.

Trident (XG7), Javelin (XG8), and Lance (XG9) added via Guardian tech brokers.

New weapons added to outfitting and tech brokers, including Large Dumbfire Missiles and Guardian plasma launchers.

New mission types available for players to take on with friends.

New Guardian sites added to space and planet surfaces.

Large Dumbfire Missile, Large Seeking Missile, Large Torpedo Launcher, Large Multi Cannon (turret) added.

Three variants of Hybrid Fighters introduced: Trident, Javelin, and Lance.

Added two new wing mission types: Planetary settlement hack and disable.

New Guardian Beacons discovered, leading to new discoveries and technology.

Small Guardian plasma launcher (turret, fixed), Small Guardian Shard Cannon (turret, fixed), Small Guardian Gauss Cannon (fixed) added.

New Engineers available in Colonia for players who have purchased the Horizons expansion.

Fixed a crash that could occur when dropping from Supercruise into a Covert Combat Mission USS

Fixed a 'Jump Exceeds Fuel Use Limit' discrepancy when using a Guardian FSD Booster with FSD Injection or white Dwarf/Neutron star boosts

Fixed disconnection issues around certain installations

Fixed players not being able to hand in a mission after accepting certain mission 'wrinkles'

Reinstated installations that were causing crashes

Fixed a crash that could occur when dropping from Supercruise into an instance with a military installation

Fixed some missions appearing incorrectly in the 'Requirements Not Met' section of the mission board

Rearranged incorrectly placed internal power modules on the Alliance Chieftain, Alliance Challenger and Krait Mk.II

Includes fixes for crashes related to galaxy map and experimental effects.

Includes Large Plasma Shock Cannon, Large Guardian Shard Cannon, and Large Guardian Plasma Launcher.

New interaction points added to damaged megaships.

The heatsink launcher no longer has an incomprehensible DPS statistic.

Human and Guardian Tech Broker blueprint requirements have been reduced.

Notoriety now decays while the player is docked.

Missions can now direct players to new high threat USS's.

Now awards trade rank to multicrew crew members as well as the helm.

Adjusted to lower erroneous crimes against NPC ships.

Existing megaship interactions are now available at installations.

Current notoriety level displayed in cockpit will no longer be out of date.

Includes fixes for Collector Limpets, visual problems, and various ship-specific issues.

Factions in Colonia have started issuing mission tip offs for the region.

Less prone to accidental assault/reckless weapon discharge crimes.

Targets are no longer limited to spawning within a time window.

Prevents excessively long scans on large Mega Ships and Installations.

Now with improved fuel efficiency.

Fixed issue after exiting Supercruise.

Unlock large weapon versions of existing Guardian tech weapons through missions.

Ability to scan and interact with Space Installations, including turrets and cargo bays.

A frontline combat vessel with stronger armor than the Chieftain.

Now matches the non-Wing variant of this mission.

Alliance Challenger is a medium ship with strong armor; Krait Mk.II is a multi-role ship with speed and firepower.

Thargoids introduce new Scouts that enhance combat efficiency of other Scouts.

A range of new Wing Mission types for players to undertake.

Players can now hand themselves in to security contacts to pay off bounties.

Ships can now access outfitting anywhere except Starports with bounties or fines.

Damage values now more accurately represent damage against human vessels

Players can no longer delete Wing Mission Reward messages until the reward has been claimed.

All bounties detected with the Kill Warrant Scanner are claimed when the ship is destroyed.

Smuggling and altruism missions will now correctly display the rewarded amount.

Automatically ignores any materials which the player does not have the capacity to collect.

Grants a license to kill for any faction bounty linked to the current jurisdiction’s superpower.

NPCs have a chance to be affiliated with factions from nearby systems.

Destroyed ships will be recovered by the faction controlling the jurisdiction.

Attacking Wanted ships (player or NPC) is now legal even if the player does not know they are Wanted.

Superpower bounties are issued once a ship has bounties in 5 or more factions affiliated with a superpower.

Factions that recover destroyed ships will check for criminal debts and deport the player to the nearest detention centre.

A player’s own Power Bounties no longer cause their legal status to appear as 'Wanted'.

Approaching Settlements where Skimmers are spawned will trigger the crime of trespass.

Fix blackmarket availability from stations that changed ownership when their controlling faction retreated.

Outfitting is now locked for players in Hot Ships, cleaning all currently stored modules.

To improve flow robustness and legibility.

With improved effectiveness of anti-ship base weaponry.

Players were unable to collect the reward due to this issue.

Including license to kill if a bounty is detected.

No longer offer the same commodities as rewards that would be required by other local missions.

Stops confusing flow for players trying to wipe low cost fines/bounties.

Missions no longer erroneously direct players to locations where they cannot be completed.

Balanced rewards for Wing Delivery missions and addressed reputation gain issues.

To prevent confusion for players trying to wipe low cost fines/bounties.

To clarify for the player.

It was possible to engineering Guardian Modules when it shouldn’t have been. A compensation package is offered to affected players.

No longer offer the same commodities as a reward that would be required by other local missions.

Collector limpets now automatically ignore maxed out materials.

Makes it clear to the player.

Payouts for skimmer missions exceeded appropriate levels, leading to their temporary removal.

Collector limpets now automatically ignore materials that players have maxed out.

Players were unable to collect rewards due to deletion.

Now shows the % of what resources it contains.

Mining missions offered rewards that could be used to complete additional missions, leading to their temporary removal.

It was possible to engineering Guardian Modules when it shouldn’t have been. Affected players offered compensation.

Now persists across sessions.

Mining missions offered rewards that could be used to complete additional missions, leading to their temporary removal.

Missions no longer erroneously direct players to locations where they cannot be completed.

Now ignore correctly when used by Gunner role.

Payouts for skimmer missions exceeded appropriate levels, leading to their temporary removal.

Improved effectiveness of anti-ship base weaponry.

To improve background simulation and support the new KWS.

Includes license to kill if a bounty is detected.

Balanced rewards for Wing Delivery missions and addressed issues with reputation gain.

Improves flow robustness and legibility.

Collector limpets now ignore correctly when used by Gunner role.

Improves background simulation and supports the new Kill Warrant Scanner.

Fixed cases of Data Links not having any audio

Fixed a crash that could occur when in an SRV

Fixed issues with external sounds

Fixed the AX-Remote Flak particles not appearing after impacting with a surface

Fixed issue where material and data capacities reset to 100 after generating an Engineer Blueprint

Fixed a crash that could occur when in an SRV

Engineered AI ships have been added to Assassination Wing Missions to provide more challenge

Fixed Regular Bounties being awarded instead of Power Bounties with Independent Powers

Changes made to the throttle at any point during a hyperspace jump should now be preserved properly

Fixed additional cases of System Authority Ships spawning in Anarchy Systems

Fixed the ammo text position for the Guardian Plasma Charger always appearing on the right

Added info to the Journal's CargoDepot event to indicate if it is a local player collect or deliver, or if it is a wing update

Fixed an issue where outfits you do not own would remain displayed when backing out of a sub menu

Fixed a localisation issue

Fixed the AX-Remote Flak particles not appearing after impacting with a surface

Fixed an issue where a non-Helm Multi-Crew member would occasionally not use the Helm’s resource ignore list

Fixed audio issues in multicrew for the second chair

Fixed an instance of controller button icons being displayed incorrectly

Fixed instances of Pictograms not displaying correctly at Guardian Sites

Fixed a crash that could occur when attempting to quit the game while you have a module selected in the right hand panel

Fixed an issue where the Thargoid Massacre mission would not update correctly

Cargo Wing Mission progress is now written to the Journal

You can now rescue political prisoners at the Search and Rescue contact instead of selling them on the open market

Fixed a cockpit material appearing incorrectly

Remixed engine sounds, which were too loud during combat

Fixed some instances of incorrect integrity and power-draw on some Limpet Controllers

Fixed audio issues in multicrew for the second chair

You can now rescue political prisoners at the Search and Rescue contact instead of selling them on the open market

Fixed Regular Bounties being awarded instead of Power Bounties with Independent Powers

Fixed ship name plates unintentionally allowing line breaks

Wing missions are now indicated in the Journal’s MissionAccepted event

Fixed Thargoid Massacre and Thargoid Massacre Wing missions appearing in the wrong locations

Fixed additional cases of System Authority Ships spawning in Anarchy Systems

Fixed issues with external sounds

Fixed cases of Data Links not having any audio

Fixed a journal player credit balance discrepancy when buying/selling drones

Fixed some instances of incorrect integrity and power-draw on some Limpet Controllers

The status.json file is now updated more often when the longitude/latitude changes when driving the SRV

Fixed an issue where outfits you do not own would remain displayed when backing out of a sub menu

Fixed a journal player credit balance discrepancy when buying/selling drones

Remixed engine sounds, which were too loud during combat

Fixed an instance of controller button icons being displayed incorrectly

Fixed the ammo text position for the Guardian Plasma Charger always appearing on the right

Fixed some collision detection at a Guardian Site

Applying a new blueprint will now correctly update the icon to indicate it's selected

Fixed an issue whereby applying a second blueprint immediately after creating the first caused the game to softlock

Fixed some instances of dark squares on planet surfaces

Fixed some collision detection at a Guardian Site

Fixed various T.Flight Hotas One and T.Flight Hotas 4 conflicts and issues for the default bindings

Fixed instances of Pictograms not displaying correctly at Guardian Sites

Notoriety exemption for murder by ramming now applies everywhere, not just near stations

Added info about the category when a mission reward includes materials

Fixed a cockpit material appearing incorrectly

Cargo Wing Mission progress is now written to the Journal

Added info to the Journal's CargoDepot event to indicate if it is a local player collect or deliver, or if it is a wing update

Changes made to the throttle at any point during a hyperspace jump should now be preserved properly

Fixed an issue where the Thargoid Massacre mission would not update correctly

Fixed some instances of dark squares on planet surfaces

Notoriety exemption for murder by ramming now applies everywhere, not just near stations

Fixed issue where Guardian Blueprints could be incorrectly obtained by scanning a codex

Engineered AI ships have been added to Assassination Wing Missions to provide more challenge

Commodities Markets should now be at stations that have Black Markets

Fixed ship name plates unintentionally allowing line breaks

Fixed a crash that could occur when attempting to quit the game while you have a module selected in the right hand panel

Fixed an issue where a non-Helm Multi-Crew member would occasionally not use the Helm’s resource ignore list

Assigned a CQC scoreboard binding for T.Flight Hotas One and T.Flight Hotas 4 for all platforms

Fixed the retro drives not being audible when inside the cockpit

Fixed a localisation issue

Adjusted the mission flow for the ‘Docking and Travel’ tutorial for clarity

Fixed an issue where clicking on the list of experimental effects consumed materials

Fixed the retro drives not being audible when inside the cockpit

Commodities Markets should now be at stations that have Black Markets

Adjusted the mission flow for the ‘Docking and Travel’ tutorial for clarity

Fixed issue where Guardian Blueprints could be incorrectly obtained by scanning a codex

Fixed issue where material and data capacities reset to 100 after generating an Engineer Blueprint

Wing missions are now indicated in the Journal’s MissionAccepted event

Added info about the category when a mission reward includes materials

Assigned a CQC scoreboard binding for T.Flight Hotas One and T.Flight Hotas 4 for all platforms

Fixed an issue where clicking on the list of experimental effects consumed materials

Fixed a crash that could occur when shooting surface rocks with a missile

Fixed an issue whereby applying a second blueprint immediately after creating the first caused the game to softlock

Fixed various T.Flight Hotas One and T.Flight Hotas 4 conflicts and issues for the default bindings

Fixed Thargoid Massacre and Thargoid Massacre Wing missions appearing in the wrong locations

Fixed some instances of Inbox text overlay

Inventory materials with a quantity of zero are now omitted from being written to the Journal at startup

Inventory materials with a quantity of zero are now omitted from being written to the Journal at startup

The status.json file is now updated more often when the longitude/latitude changes when driving the SRV

Fixed a crash that could occur when shooting surface rocks with a missile

Applying a new blueprint will now correctly update the icon to indicate it's selected

All new improvements to Trade Data, Crime and Punishment, and Megaship interactions.

All new improvements to Trade Data, Crime and Punishment, and Megaship interactions will be introduced.

Players will be able to jump into the cockpit of the new Chieftain ship.

Elite Dangerous: Beyond - Chapter One will be released on Tuesday 27 February.

Players will be able to jump into the cockpit of the new Chieftain on launch day.

Players will have access to the Tech Broker and Material Trader.

New features including the Tech Broker and Material Trader will be available.

Elite Dangerous: Beyond - Chapter One will be released on Tuesday 27 February.

Includes issues with single planetary scan missions and massacre mission distribution.

More maneuverable than ships of similar size and weight, designed for both offense and defense.

The beta is free of charge for all eligible players.

Filters for Thargoid & Guardian sites and station services.

Players will have their main game saves duplicated for use in the beta.

A new maneuverable ship designed for combat.

Added new Wing Missions that can be shared across a Wing and completed as a group.

Allows players to unlock new weapons and modules in return for specific materials and commodities.

The beta for Elite Dangerous: Beyond - Chapter One will go live on January 25, 2018.

Includes Advance Tactical Response (ATR) and new crime types.

Added to controller bindings and audio options.

A specific forum for reporting bugs found during the beta will be opened.

Added missions that can be shared and completed as a group.

Progress made during the beta will not carry over to the main game.

The beta for Elite Dangerous: Beyond - Chapter One will go live on January 25, 2018.

For some setting configurations.

Players can now access the beta through Steam for the first time.

A dedicated forum for reporting bugs found during the beta will be opened.

Added as an alternative to Verity.

Includes Advance Tactical Response (ATR) and new crime recognized: 'reckless weapons discharge'.

Elite NPC crew members would use voice responses meant for Elite targets with targets of all ranks.

For some setting configurations.

All PC/Mac players can participate in the beta, regardless of owning the Horizons Season Pass.

Players can view trade data and trending trade routes.

Added as an alternative to Verity.

Added new alien attack craft.

The Elite Dangerous: Beyond - Chapter One beta will be free to all eligible players.

The engineering system is updated to ensure progressive improvement with static penalties and visible upgrades.

Engineering gains a significant update focused on progressive improvement with static penalties and visible upgrades.

All PC/Mac players are eligible to participate in the beta, regardless of Horizons Season Pass ownership.

Players can change their COVAS voice at Starport Services and for SRVs, starting with the new voice Victor.

A new Materials Trader contact allows players to exchange materials at set rates, enhancing material gathering.

Players will have their main game saves duplicated for use in the beta.

Players can now listen to GalNet audio while flying, with options to curate playlists and automatic fading.

Players can now listen to GalNet audio while flying, with options to curate playlists and automatic fading.

Players can customize their COVAS voice, starting with Victor, and can also change the COVAS for their SRV.

Instructions provided for downloading the beta via Steam for the first time.

New contact called Materials Trader allows players to exchange materials at set rates, enhancing material gathering.

Progress made during the beta will not carry over to the main game.

Notoriety increases with each murder crime and affects rebuy costs.

Special authority ships that target repeat offenders of crimes.

Criminals respawn at detention centres and must pay for crimes committed.

Allows wing members to collect and deliver part of the mission's total required cargo.

Introduction of crimes attached to ships, bounty changes, and detention centers.

A new medium-sized ship designed for combat and maneuverability, featuring three internal military compartments.

Improvements to the commodities markets and galaxy map for easier profitable trade identification.

New missions designed for up to four players to share and complete together.

Introduction of crimes attached to ships, bounty changes, and detention centers.

Added gameplay interactions at megaships, requiring scanning before interaction and introducing new gameplay options.

New feature allowing wing members to collect and deliver parts of mission cargo.

Overhauled the surface material system for rocky, high metal content, and metal-rich planets, improving contrast and variation.

Kill Warrant Scanner will now reveal the single largest bounty.

Added gameplay interactions at megaships requiring scanning before interaction, with various new interaction types.

New dealers in rare technologies and items located in various stations, allowing players to unlock items through set requests.

Superpowers will issue Interstellar bounties for repeated transgressions against aligned factions.

New missions designed for up to four players to share and complete together.

Updated trade data mechanics to help players find profitable trades more easily, including new interface options.

A new medium-sized ship designed for combat and maneuverability, featuring three internal military compartments.

New bounties for 'Power' crimes that can only be seen and claimed by pledged ships.

Kill Warrant Scanner will now reveal the single largest bounty.

Revamping of murder bounties and introduction of a Notoriety level for Commanders.

Superpowers issue bounties against Commanders who transgress against aligned factions.

Criminals respawn at detention centres and must pay for crimes committed.

Bounties are no longer dormant, and murder bounties include fractions of rebuy costs.

Crimes are attached to ships, making them 'hot' and limiting access to services.

Crimes are attached to ships, making them 'hot' and limiting access to Starport services.

Overhauled the surface material system for rocky, high metal content, and metal-rich planets, improving contrast and variation.

Introduction of ATR ships that target criminals committing repeated crimes.

New dealers in rare technologies and items, allowing players to unlock items based on personal narrative.

Catch up on the latest news from across the galaxy without leaving the action.

Catch up on the latest news from across the galaxy without leaving the action.

Introduction of the first planetary visual improvements, enhancing the vibrancy of the galaxy.

Commanders can access trade data from previously visited systems for better shipping decisions.

Players can now take on wing missions with fellow Commanders, sharing efforts and rewards.

Commanders can access trade data from previously visited systems for better shipping decisions.

Players can now take on wing missions with fellow Commanders, sharing efforts and rewards.

Enhancements to engineering mechanics, mission rewards, and crime and punishment systems.

Introducing the Alliance Chieftain, a maneuverable ship designed for combat.

First of the planetary visual improvements to enhance the galaxy's vibrancy.

Elite Dangerous Horizons Commanders can pilot the new Alliance Chieftain, designed for combat and maneuverability.

Enhancements to core mechanics including accessibility improvements to engineering, mission rewards overhaul, and changes to crime and punishment.