Between No Man's Sky, Star Citizen, EVE Online, Starfield, and smaller-budget efforts like FTL and the Jump Ship, there are a lot of ways to virtually explore the deepest recesses of the cosmos. The spectacular sequel to David Braben and Ian Bell's 1984 PC classic, Elite Dangerous has presided over its particular corner of the genre galaxy since 2014. In the last decade, myriad updates, patches, and mechanical overhauls have reshaped the MMO and flight simulator, but now, inspired by from players, Frontier is taking Elite Dangerous into a new era. Alongside the new Mandalay ship, the entire Powerplay system, which shapes who controls the universe and how it's governed, is being upended and remade.
Part Elite Dangerous lets you side with one of multiple different factions, either the Empire, the Alliance, the Federation, or the more democratic Independents. In its previous version of Powerplay, you could complete assignments for your chosen group in an attempt to boost its presence across the galaxy. Powerplay 2.0, which arrives today, Thursday October 31, as part of the Ascendancy update, builds on that dynamic significantly.
Driven by and input from the Elite Dangerous community, in Powerplay 2.0 the competition between different factions to gain supremacy over a region is suddenly more complex. When ing a faction, you can check the status of target regions. If they're uncontrolled, that means your side has barely stepped ship in there before, and has no presence. Complete a few missions, and the region's status will change to 'expansion,' signalling that your faction is considering a more focused ingress into the area.
Eventually, the status switches to 'contested' when multiple factions are vying for control. Keep pushing and the region will become 'exploited,' which means your allies are earning some resources from their would-be territory, but still have only a precarious lead. Eventually, though, that territory can become 'fortified' and then finally a 'stronghold,' whereby you've made it completely yours, and can plunder it at will.
Concourse branding will change to reflect the new government and you will earn rewards and resources exponentially. Most importantly, however, establishing a stronghold paves the way for Stronghold Carriers – enormous vehicle transporters that only of the ruling faction can use. Compared to basic ports, Stronghold Carriers offer access to improved outfitting facilities and ship inventories. If players from opposing factions are feeling brave, Stronghold Carriers also make for high-value targets…
Alongside Powerplay 2.0, Ascendancy introduces the new Mandalay ship into early access. Rather than outright combat, the Mandalay is designed as a long-range exploration vessel, and boasts strong maneuverability and high fuel efficiency. You will be able to buy the Mandalay using in-game credits in the near future.
The Elite Dangerous Ascendancy update is out today, Thursday October 31. If you want to try the space game for the very first time, you can get it on Steam right here.
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