Ten Tips for Starting Elite Dangerous

by Fernando Diaz / Elite Dangerous, Game Guides, Tips & Tricks / 17 Jan 2021

Elite Dangerous is a space simulation game set in a vast, procedurally generated universe. It offers players the chance to explore, trade, and engage in combat as they journey through the stars. If you’re new to Elite Dangerous, it can be overwhelming at first. There’s so much to see and do, and it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of ten tips to help you get off to a great start in the game. From selecting your first ship to making your first trades, these tips will help you navigate the vast universe of Elite Dangerous with confidence. So strap in, power up your engines, and let’s get started!

Master the controls

One of the keys to success in Elite Dangerous is mastering the controls of your ship. There are many different ways to fly your ship, including keyboard and mouse, joystick, and gamepad. Each control method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to find the one that works best for you.

To get the most out of your ship, it’s essential to learn how to use the thrusters to maneuver and make precise movements. You’ll also need to become proficient at using the frame shift drive (FSD) to jump between systems, and the weapons and defense systems to fight off enemies.

To practice your control skills, try completing some of the training missions available in the game. These missions will teach you the basics of flying and fighting in Elite Dangerous, and give you the chance to test out different control methods to find the one that feels most comfortable for you.

Utilizing the GalNet News Feed

The GalNet News Feed is a great resource for players looking to stay up-to-date on the latest events and happenings in the game’s universe. You can access it by pressing the “Galaxy Map” button on your in-game dashboard and then selecting the “GalNet” tab. The news feed will provide you with information about everything from new discoveries and exploration sites, to updates on the game’s economy and political landscape. By keeping track of the news, you can stay ahead of the curve and make informed decisions about your next moves in the game.

Master the art of combat

Combat is an integral part of Elite Dangerous. Whether you’re facing off against enemy ships, defending yourself against pirate attacks, or engaging in player-versus-player (PvP) battles, knowing how to fight effectively is crucial to your success. Here are a few advanced tips to help you become a formidable combatant:

Use your shields wisely: Your shields are your first line of defense against enemy fire. Use them wisely by positioning your ship so that your shields are facing the enemy’s weapons. Additionally, try to keep your shields balanced, as having too much energy in one shield can leave the others vulnerable.

Manage your power distribution: Proper power management is key to success in combat. Make sure to distribute your power wisely between your weapons, shields, and engines. For example, if you’re facing a heavily-armed enemy, you might want to prioritize your shields and engines over your weapons.

Experiment with different loadouts: Elite Dangerous offers a wide variety of weapons and modules to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Experiment with different loadouts to find the one that works best for you.

Use your environment to your advantage: The environments in Elite Dangerous can be used to your advantage in combat. For example, you can use asteroids as cover or fly through nebulae to obscure your movements from your enemies.

Managing your inventory and resources effectively

As you progress through the game, you will accumulate a lot of items and resources, such as ships, modules, materials, and credits. Managing your inventory efficiently can help you save time and money, and make it easier to find what you need when you need it. Here are some tips to help you manage your inventory effectively:

Sort your inventory by type and value. This will make it easier to find what you need and sell items that you don’t need.

Keep track of your inventory using the in-game journal or a third-party tool like EDSM (Elite Dangerous Star Map). This will allow you to see what items you have and where they are located.

Don’t keep unnecessary items. If you have multiple copies of the same module, sell the ones you don’t need. This will free up space and credits that you can use to buy other items.

Use the in-game market to buy and sell items. This will allow you to find the best prices and save time by not having to visit multiple stations to buy or sell items.

Learn to use your ship’s various systems effectively

Elite Dangerous is a complex game with many different systems and features, and it can be overwhelming for new players. One of the most important things you can do to improve your skills is to learn how to use your ship’s various systems effectively. This includes things like your weapons, shields, and thrusters, as well as more advanced systems like the Frame Shift Drive (FSD) and the ship’s power distribution.

To get started, make sure you familiarize yourself with the controls for your ship. Each ship has its own unique layout and control scheme, so take some time to get used to how everything works. You should also spend some time experimenting with different configurations for your ship’s systems. For example, you might want to try different power distribution settings to see how they affect your ship’s performance.

Explore the Galaxy

Exploration is a key part of Elite Dangerous, and there are many ways to do it. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Scan planets and stars: Scanning planets and stars is a great way to learn more about the galaxy and uncover valuable resources. Use your ship’s scanners to scan any planets or stars you come across, and be on the lookout for anomalies that could lead to valuable resources or hidden secrets.

Visit space stations: Space stations are a great place to restock on supplies, sell your loot, and learn more about the galaxy. Each space station has its own culture and history, and talking to the locals can give you valuable information about what’s happening in the region.

Mastering the use of the “Frame Shift Drive” (FSD) to jump between systems

The FSD is your ship’s main method of interstellar travel, and learning how to use it effectively can greatly improve your efficiency in the game. You’ll want to pay attention to factors like jump range, fuel efficiency, and jump cool-down times, as well as the availability of “navigation beacons” that can help you plot your course.

Manage your ship’s systems

In order to survive in the dangerous world of Elite Dangerous, you’ll need to be constantly aware of the state of your ship’s systems. This includes everything from your shields and engines to your cargo hold and weapons.

One of the most important systems to manage is your ship’s power distribution. Each ship has a limited amount of power available, and it’s up to you to decide how that power is allocated. For example, you can choose to divert more power to your engines to increase your speed, or you can divert power to your shields to increase your defenses.

You’ll also want to keep an eye on your ship’s various subsystems, such as your weapons and thrusters. These subsystems can be damaged in combat or during a collision, and will need to be repaired using repair limpets or by visiting a station.

Finally, don’t forget about your cargo hold. You’ll need to manage the amount of cargo you’re carrying to ensure that you have enough space for any valuable items you might come across during your travels. You can sell excess cargo at stations to make some extra credits, or you can choose to hold onto it in case you come across a particularly lucrative trade opportunity.

Leverage the power of the black market

The black market in Elite Dangerous is a shadowy place where you can buy and sell illegal goods, such as stolen goods or weapons. While it’s not for the faint of heart, the black market can be a lucrative source of income for players who are willing to take the risk.

To get started on the black market, you’ll need to visit a system with a black market contact. These contacts can be found at certain stations in the game, and they will offer you a selection of illegal goods for sale. You can then choose to purchase these goods and resell them at a higher price in a different system, provided you’re able to find a buyer.

Join a player group

Elite Dangerous is a multiplayer game, and joining a player group can be a great way to get the most out of the game. Player groups, also known as “wings,” are groups of pilots who work together to achieve common goals, such as trading, exploration, or combat.

By joining a player group, you can access new opportunities and resources, as well as receive support and assistance from other players. You can also participate in group activities, such as group missions and organized combat, which can be more challenging and rewarding than playing solo.

To find a player group that’s right for you, you can search for groups on the official Elite Dangerous forums or through online communities. You can also try forming your own group with friends or players you meet in the game.

We hope these tips and tricks help you get the most out of your time in Elite Dangerous. Remember to always be cautious and prepared, and have fun exploring the vast galaxy!

Fernando Diaz

Fernando is doing what he always did, sharing his honest opinions about games whenever he can. The difference is now he is writing and not talking about it.
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