Elite Dangerous truly sets itself apart with its expansive, ever-evolving universe. Unlike Starfield, filled with scripted tales, or Outer Wilds, where exploration is a puzzle, and unlike the survival focus of No Man’s Sky, Elite Dangerous hands you the reins entirely. Your choices––and those of countless other players––shape this dynamic sci-fi realm. After a decade, it’s growing more enormous, and right now, it’s at its most affordable on Steam.
Though it’s been around for ten years, don’t let that deter you from diving in. This game beautifully blends elements of an MMO, FPS, and space simulator, tasking you with navigating an extensive 1:1 recreation of the Milky Way. Your mission? Leave your mark on this continuously evolving world in whatever way you choose. Join factions, embark on missions, and if you know where to search, amass a fortune.
Notably, just a few months back, the game experienced a significant transformation with the Ascendancy update. This rolled out Powerplay 2.0, adding layers of complexity to the interstellar power struggles. Taking control of galactic territories becomes an engaging challenge, but be warned—it also makes you a target. The updated Powerplay 2.0 system is inherently reactive, making the Elite Dangerous universe livelier than ever before.
Frontier Developments has exciting plans lined up as we move into 2025. The focus for the year’s major update is System Colonization, which promises to empower players further with exploration and decision-making capabilities. You’ll venture across the galaxy, staking claims on star systems, constructing space facilities, and pushing the boundaries of human expansion.
Worried about falling behind other players? There’s no need. Astonishingly, 99% of the Elite Dangerous universe remains unexplored. So whether you’re charting the cosmos solo or teaming up with friends, there’s still plenty of uncharted territory awaiting you well beyond 2025.
Currently, Elite Dangerous is available at a whopping 75% discount on Steam until Thursday, January 9, bringing the price down to $4.99 / £3.74. Plus, you can grab the Deluxe Edition at a 65% discount. Check it out right here.
And if you’re looking for more gaming adventures, we’ve got a list of the best simulation and multiplayer games to stack onto your growing backlog. For more on PC gaming, including news, reviews, and guides, follow us on Google News or join our community Discord to stay updated.