Elite: Dangerous
In short: Elite: Dangerous is a simulation game released in 2014 by Frontier Developments, available on PC, PlayStation and Xbox. Our score: 8.5/10 (highly recommended). Lowest price we found right now: $5.12.
A deep space exploration and trading game where players pilot a spaceship, engage in combat, and manage their own businesses across a vast galaxy.
Elite: Dangerous is a space flight simulation game developed and published by Frontier Developments. It is the fourth game in the Elite series, released in 2014. The game is set in a realistic 1:1 scale open-world representation of the Milky Way galaxy, with players starting with a small spaceship and a small amount of credits. Players can engage in a variety of activities including space exploration, trading, bounty hunting, mining, and piracy. The game features a dynamic economy, a player-driven narrative, and a persistent online world where players can interact with each other. The core gameplay loop involves players taking on missions, exploring star systems, and accumulating wealth to upgrade their ship or purchase new ones. The sheer scale of the galaxy, with over 400 billion star systems, makes exploration a significant part of the experience. Each star system offers unique opportunities and challenges, from resource-rich planets to dangerous pirate havens. The game employs a complex flight model that requires skill and practice to master, offering a deeply immersive simulation of space travel and combat. Beyond the core mechanics, Elite: Dangerous offers a rich layer of emergent gameplay. Players can form factions, participate in large-scale community goals, and influence the political landscape of the galaxy. The game regularly receives updates and expansions, adding new ships, features, and narrative elements that keep the experience fresh and engaging. Its commitm…
Game details
- Developer: Frontier Developments
- Publisher: Frontier Developments
- Release year: 2014
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
- Category: simulation
Our review
Elite: Dangerous offers an unparalleled space simulation experience, boasting a truly massive 1:1 scale Milky Way galaxy to explore. The freedom to chart your own course – be it as a trader, explorer, miner, or combat pilot – is incredibly liberating. The core gameplay loop of earning credits, upgrading your ship, and tackling new challenges is deeply addictive. Combat is satisfyingly complex, requiring skill and tactical thinking. While the narrative is largely player-driven and can feel a bit sparse at times, the emergent storytelling fostered by community goals and player interactions more than makes up for it. The graphics are stunning, especially when flying near celestial bodies or engaging in intense dogfights. The sound design further enhances the immersion, making every jump through hyperspace and laser blast feel impactful. Despite a steep learning curve and sometimes repetitive travel, Elite: Dangerous delivers a truly epic and rewarding space odyssey. Its consistent update…
Pros
- Massive, realistic galaxy to explore
- Unparalleled freedom and player agency
- Deep and rewarding simulation mechanics
- Stunning graphics and immersive sound design
- Excellent value with continuous updates
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Can be repetitive for some
- Limited traditional story narrative
FAQ
- Is Elite: Dangerous a single-player or multiplayer game?
- Elite: Dangerous can be played in three modes: Open Play (multiplayer), Private Group (multiplayer with friends), and Solo (single-player). All modes connect to the same persistent galaxy.
- What kind of controller is best for Elite: Dangerous?
- While you can play with a keyboard and mouse or a gamepad, many players find that a HOTAS (Hands-On Throttle And Stick) setup provides the most immersive and precise control for space flight.
- Is there a steep learning curve?
- Yes, Elite: Dangerous is known for its steep learning curve. The controls are complex, and there's a lot to learn about the game's systems. However, perseverance is rewarded with a deeply satisfying experience.
- Are there expansions for Elite: Dangerous?
- Yes, Elite: Dangerous has received several significant expansions, most notably 'Horizons' (adding planetary landings) and 'Odyssey' (adding on-foot exploration and first-person combat). These enhance the gameplay significantly.
- How large is the galaxy in Elite: Dangerous?
- The game features a 1:1 scale recreation of the entire Milky Way galaxy, containing over 400 billion star systems. It's incredibly vast, and only a tiny fraction has been explored by players.
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Last updated: 04/04/2026