How to Make Money in Elite Dangerous in 2023

by Falagar / Elite Dangerous, Game Guides / 20 Jan 2022

Elite Dangerous is a space simulation game that allows players to explore, trade, and engage in combat in a vast and immersive galaxy. The game offers a variety of ways for players to make money, but it can be challenging for newcomers to know where to start. In this article, we will provide seven advanced tips and tricks for making money in Elite Dangerous in 2023 for players who are just starting out in the game.

Learn the Meta

One of the key ways to make money in Elite Dangerous is to stay up-to-date with the current “meta” of the game. This refers to the most profitable activities and strategies at any given time, which can change as new updates are released and player behavior evolves.

To stay informed about the meta, there are a few things you can do:

Join online communities and forums dedicated to Elite Dangerous, such as the official forums, Reddit, and Discord channels. Here, you can find discussion and analysis of the current state of the game, as well as advice from experienced players.

Follow content creators and streamers who play Elite Dangerous. These individuals often share their thoughts on the meta and their own experiences making money in the game.

Keep an eye on in-game news and announcements. The game developers often release patch notes and other updates that can affect the meta, so it’s important to stay informed about these changes.

By staying aware of the meta, you can focus your efforts on the most profitable activities and avoid wasting time on less lucrative endeavors.

Bounty Hunting

Another effective way to make money in Elite Dangerous is by becoming a bounty hunter. As a bounty hunter, you’ll be tasked with tracking down and capturing or destroying wanted ships in exchange for a reward. To get started, you’ll need to visit a station with a bounty hunting mission board and choose a target to hunt. You’ll then need to track down the target, either by following the mission’s clues or by scanning ships in the area to see if they match the description of your target.

To be successful as a bounty hunter, you’ll need to have good combat skills and a well-equipped ship. You’ll also need to be careful, as many of the ships you’ll be hunting will be dangerous and well-armed. It’s a good idea to invest in shields and weapons that can withstand a lot of damage, as well as modules that can help you escape if things go south.

As you complete missions and collect your rewards, you’ll be able to upgrade your ship and equipment and take on tougher targets. With time and practice, you can become one of the most feared bounty hunters in the galaxy.

Trade route optimization

One of the most lucrative ways to make money in Elite Dangerous is by trading goods between different star systems. To maximize your profits, it’s important to find trade routes that are both profitable and efficient. This means looking for routes that have a high profit margin and a low risk of being interrupted by pirates or other hostile forces.

To find the most profitable trade routes, you can use third-party tools like EDSM or Inara, which allow you to see the current market prices for different goods in different systems. You can also use these tools to see which systems have a high demand for certain goods, and which have a surplus of those goods. Once you’ve identified a potentially profitable trade route, you can use your ship’s FSD (Frame Shift Drive) to travel between the two systems and make the trade.

Mining

Mining is another popular way to make money in Elite Dangerous. To start mining, you will need to purchase a mining laser and some refinery modules. These can be fitted to your ship and will allow you to extract valuable minerals and materials from asteroids and planetary bodies.

To find the best mining locations, you can use the in-game galaxy map or external tools such as EDDB or EDSM. These tools will show you the locations of asteroids and planets with high concentrations of valuable minerals and materials.

To maximize your profits, it’s important to choose the right asteroid field and to focus on mining the most valuable minerals. For example, Painite, a rare mineral found in certain areas of the galaxy, can fetch a high price on the market. You can use the in-game galaxy map to find the best places to mine and to see current market prices for different minerals.

In addition to mining asteroids and planets, you can also collect materials from the wreckage of ships. To do this, you will need to equip your ship with a salvage beam, which can be purchased at most space stations. Salvaging can be a risky activity, as it requires you to get close to potentially hazardous debris, but it can also be very rewarding.

Piracy

While piracy is not for everyone, it can be a lucrative way to make money in Elite Dangerous if you are willing to take on the risks and challenges. Here are some tips for successful piracy:

Know your targets: Not all ships are worth attacking. Some may be carrying low-value cargo, while others may be heavily armed and difficult to take down. Be selective in your targets and choose ships that are likely to yield a good profit.

Use stealth: If possible, try to approach your target stealthily and attack from a distance. This can help you avoid attracting the attention of nearby ships or authorities and increase your chances of success.

Know your escape routes: If things go wrong, it’s important to have a plan for getting away. Have multiple escape routes planned in advance and be prepared to jump to another system if necessary.

Exploration and data selling

Another way to make money in Elite Dangerous is by exploring uncharted systems and discovering new phenomena. As you explore, you’ll come across various points of interest, such as abandoned ships, ancient ruins, and anomalies. By scanning these objects and selling the data to interested parties, you can earn significant sums of money.

To maximize your earnings from exploration and discovery, you’ll need to invest in a high-quality scanner and a fuel scoop. You’ll also want to familiarize yourself with the game’s galaxy map and look for areas with a high concentration of unexplored systems.

It’s worth noting that exploration can be a risky endeavor, as you’ll be venturing into unknown territory and may encounter hostile forces. Therefore, it’s important to be prepared and make sure you have adequate supplies and equipment before setting out.

Specialize and Niche Down

While there are many different ways to make money in Elite Dangerous, it’s often more efficient to specialize in a specific area and become an expert in it. This can involve choosing a specific trade route or commodity to focus on, or specializing in a particular aspect of the game such as mining, bounty hunting, or exploration.

By specializing and niche-ing down, you can become more efficient at your chosen activity and be better able to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. It can also help you stand out in the crowded space of Elite Dangerous players, as you’ll have a unique area of expertise that sets you apart from the competition.

In addition to specializing in a particular activity, it can also be helpful to focus on a specific region of the game. For example, if you’re a trader, you might choose to focus on a particular set of systems that offer high demand for certain goods. Or if you’re a bounty hunter, you might choose to specialize in a particular type of criminal activity or operate in a specific part of the galaxy.

Overall, making money in Elite Dangerous requires a combination of patience, persistence, and strategy. By focusing on trading or combat, and taking the time to learn the game and develop your skills, you can become a successful and profitable player in the game.

Falagar

He is the founder and editor of Magic Game World. He loved gaming from the moment he got a PlayStation 1 with Gran Turismo on his 7th birthday.
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