Ability to auto pilot to previously explored locations

[onionman]

There's just too many times that I would like to play Elite, but just haven't felt like making the 30 minutes of jumping it would take to see different friends.
Most other games have a way to auto-travel to previously explored locations, and so what I'd propose is a module (it can be class 5 or such to discourage use from traders)
that would auto-pilot you on a route you've already traveled before, but only if you would have enough fuel to make all the jumps.

That would add a lot of value to exploring, as you'd be gaining something very tangible with each discovery, and you'd be less discouraged by knowing you'd have to make the trip back.
Also I feel like this is tech that *should* exist, we have auto-pilot in planes today. You might still be interdicted or such while traveling, but at least this way you could concentrate on
other things while making the pilgrimage.

 

[Psycho Romeo]

Most other games

You lost me here. This isn't most other games. ED has a lot more consequence than most games. It goes hand in hand with the cutthroat nature of the galaxy and is a main attraction to many.

When you want instant action with friends, there's CQC. When you want a punishing (kinda) galaxy, there's live.

 

[onionman]

There is a difference between challenging and time consuming!

 

[Psycho Romeo]

There is a difference between challenging and time consuming!

It doesn't all need to be challenging, or even engaging. A lot of it is just punishment for not taking a ship that could jump better, such as a multipurpose over a combat ship. This inconvenience creates meaning for multipurpose ships.

 

[CMDR Byr Goefin]

There is a difference between challenging and time consuming!

So explain why we

should have time sinks at all? Why not just put jumpgates everywhere, or give infinite jump range to every ship?

 

[onionman]

I feel like needing to travel from location to location fits well with the simulator theme, and does a good job to give the sense of scale of the galaxy. Also gets you to see the cool sights and such you wouldn't otherwise know about.
Jumping from gate to gate would feel a little too gamey for me. Most simulators do give you an option to automate the traveling process though, rather than needing to do it all manually.