Executive Summary: "Elite Simulator" is a free, standalone and/or integrated competitive PvP game set in the Elite Dangerous universe. Its purpose is to provide a balanced, accessible combat platform where both new and veteran players can test, refine, and challenge builds and tactics—while simultaneously supplying Frontier Developments with real-time feedback to fine-tune balance in the main game. It can be accessed either as an independent Free-to-Play title or seamlessly within Elite Dangerous as a lore-consistent simulation mode.
Project Goals:
Deployment Formats:
Simulator Features:
Benefits for Frontier Developments:
Conclusion: Elite Simulator is more than a game mode—it's a smart, scalable solution to one of Elite Dangerous' longest-standing challenges. It brings accessibility to complexity, competition to immersion, and might just become the ultimate proving ground for Commanders galaxy-wide.
Proposed by: Lael, Engineer, explorer, and smuggler of the stars. Alongside his ship Hadassa, he dreams of an Elite Dangerous where PvP is as sharp as a railgun to the face.
Project Goals:
- Fix and balance Engineering and PvP in Elite Dangerous.
- Deliver a fair, modern, and engaging competitive experience.
- Attract and retain players with an easy-to-learn, hard-to-master format.
- Generate revenue through ethical monetization: cosmetics, seasonal passes, and esports events.
Deployment Formats:
- Standalone Game (Free-to-Play)
- Instanced PvP in space and on-foot (Odyssey mode).
- Custom ship builds with Engineering unlocked through skill progression.
- Ranking system: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Elite.
- Exclusive cosmetics and community tournaments.
- Integrated Mode in Elite Dangerous
- Accessed via ship/station menus.
- Fully synced with players’ actual ships and modules.
- Feels like a tactical simulator within the in-game lore.
Simulator Features:
- Loadout Importing:
- Players can clone their existing ships and loadouts from Elite Dangerous.
- Skill-Based Engineering Unlocks:
- Engineering options unlock gradually as players climb the ranks.
- Prevents immediate meta abuse and encourages learning.
- Beginner-Friendly Presets:
- Balanced ready-made builds for casual players and newcomers.
- Ship Tier Classification:
- Categories: Light, Medium, Heavy, Capital.
- Game modes can restrict ship tiers to ensure fair matchups.
- PvP Game Modes:
- 1v1 Duels
- Team Battles (3v3, 5v5)
- Capture the Cargo (CTC)
- Zone Control
- Battle Royale
- Combined Arms (SRVs + Odyssey FPS)
- Live Balance Testing:
- FDev can test changes to weapons, engineering, and modules live.
- Community-driven feedback based on real use, not speculation.
- Lore Integration:
- Framed as a Pilots’ Federation tactical simulation.
- Maintains immersion within the Elite Dangerous narrative universe.
Benefits for Frontier Developments:
- New revenue stream without disrupting the main game.
- Increased PvP engagement and player retention.
- Reliable balancing data for the core game.
- Expanded universe without needing massive new content drops.
Conclusion: Elite Simulator is more than a game mode—it's a smart, scalable solution to one of Elite Dangerous' longest-standing challenges. It brings accessibility to complexity, competition to immersion, and might just become the ultimate proving ground for Commanders galaxy-wide.
Proposed by: Lael, Engineer, explorer, and smuggler of the stars. Alongside his ship Hadassa, he dreams of an Elite Dangerous where PvP is as sharp as a railgun to the face.
