Considering getting Elite Dangerous

Indoraptor27

Indoraptor27
So, exactly what the title says. I'm thinking about getting this game. As you can see from my profile picture, I've I'm already a player of a Frontier-made game, and don't worry, I know Elite a VERY different genre than Planet Zoo, and management games in general. Still, it's a genre I'm a bit interested in. Just a few questions.

First of all, what platform should I play it with? I have a PC that's pretty bad for gaming. I do have GeoForce Now, meaning graphics aren't going to be too terrible, it's mostly general performance that I'm concerned about. If I need a good computer for playing on PC to be viable, I also could get it on Xbox instead, although I'd rather not if possible, due to personal preference, and the fact that console is always a bit neglected in the world of gaming.

Second, controls. As far as I'm aware, most people either play with a controller or flight stick. I like keyboard and mouse, but should I take the controller route? I've only seen one person claiming keyboard and mouse is easy, everyone else seems to think it's a pain.

Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions, and have a nice day.
 

ZAKALWEINC8876

ZAKALWEINC8876
Hi potential CMDR!

I am on PS and i do not think many would argue the game is better on PC than either console. But i have no idea what PC specs even are let alone what ones you would need to play to achieve what you require🤷‍♂️
I believe KB+Mouse is the easiest way to fly (dons tin hat), you cannot use that on PS.
You can get one working Hotas Flight stick on PS, which is a terrible piece of easily broken plastic imo.
Not sure about XB tbh.

Good luck if you get the game, never fly without a rebuy👍

o7
 

MishaTX

MishaTX
I don't know what kind of rig you have, but it runs like a dream on my ancient i5-2550k/GeForce 970 combo. Another way to look at it is that it runs fine on consoles, so unless you have a 1994 x286, you should be fine (PC master race ;) ) Seriously, though, it's not that hardware intensive.

Controls? I've never played it KB/M, but there are quite a few very, very competent players out there that use it. I'd recommend at least a cheap stick with a throttle control. HOTAS is better, but mainly because they've got so many buttons that you rarely ever have to switch from them to the keyboard. Controllers? Never played a PC game on a controller, that's sacrilege (OK, I have, but those were console ports), so I'm no authority on that either.
 

rootsrat

Volunteer Moderator
rootsrat
Imo PC version, if you want to have a better choice of 3rd party apps and the ability to modify the game files (I.e. to change the HUD colour, which can't be done on a console).

PC also has better volumetric effects than console (per Frontier).

However part of the thing about Elite is how great it looks, so if you have a potato PC, then I'd consider that. Nothing wrong with playing on a lower spec PC and it will run just fine, but I honestly think that Elite should be experienced with all the bells and whistles.

As for controller, it's preferential. Many people play with M+K and they like it. HOTAS gives you +100 to immersion though so... ;)
 

Xenith

Xenith
The PC version definitely looks a lot nicer, and runs a lot smoother, if you have the rig for it. I have the game on both PC and Xbox, and the latter definitely isn't on the same level as the former.

As for controls, the PC version works well with virtually any set-up you'd care to use. I personally use an Xbox One controller, and find it a lot more comfortable than keyboard and mouse.

It's definitely a game worth playing, regardless of the platform.
 

sandkid

S
Indoraptor27 said:
So, exactly what the title says. I'm thinking about getting this game. As you can see from my profile picture, I've I'm already a player of a Frontier-made game, and don't worry, I know Elite a VERY different genre than Planet Zoo, and management games in general. Still, it's a genre I'm a bit interested in. Just a few questions.

First of all, what platform should I play it with? I have a PC that's pretty bad for gaming. I do have GeoForce Now, meaning graphics aren't going to be too terrible, it's mostly general performance that I'm concerned about. If I need a good computer for playing on PC to be viable, I also could get it on Xbox instead, although I'd rather not if possible, due to personal preference, and the fact that console is always a bit neglected in the world of gaming.

Second, controls. As far as I'm aware, most people either play with a controller or flight stick. I like keyboard and mouse, but should I take the controller route? I've only seen one person claiming keyboard and mouse is easy, everyone else seems to think it's a pain.

Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions, and have a nice day.
Click to expand...

Console commander here, I left the PC Master Race many years ago and have yet to bother spending the cash to get back in.

All that said...Elite plays really well on PS4, but you sacrifice VR if that's a thing you want (if money is an issue, I'm assuming not).

Elite plays well on controllers, but you sacrifice agility usually because you can't easily map all six axis. Most folks give up horizontal thrust. However, if you've got a spare $60 or so (on top of buying the game), a HOTAS for console is a real game changer. Elite really is best with one, but there are plenty of streamers (and better players than I) that swear by controller. As for mouse and keyboard, plenty are fine with that, too.

Personally, I wouldn't go PC unless you want to invest in a good rig. Personally. I'm big on aesthetics and graphics, so part of the reason I don't play PC anymore is all I have is a Surface tablet...which isn't exactly a gaming beast. You'll get solid graphics on console (not the best, of course) so it's a safe bet if aesthetics and sound matter to you. If you're looking for a reason to buy a nice PC...Elite might be the game to convince you. Do some research on youtube, search "Elite max graphics" for an idea of what you could get.

Hope that helps!
 

Indoraptor27

Indoraptor27
Thank you for all the replies. I think I will get it on Steam this weekend, and if it looks bad, and/or KB and M is too much of a pain, I can return it (as long as it's been under two hrs) and try it on console.
 

GroG79

G
It is not harder with kb/mouse. Nor easier. You will need to adjust both to your liking and that will take some time/trying out.
There are good video's out there on tips on setting up your hotas/kb/mouse

I suggest not play the meta game. There is lots to learn that you will miss out on if you watch too many tutorials.


Regarding gaming performance; I think the zoo series is harder on the cpu compared to Elite (due to visitors) So you might find that the game is even more smooth on performance if you are cpu bottlenecked.
 

yelboc

yelboc
KBM is very popular, although I play Hotas - the Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas is excellent value, and mine has done me for several years on ED. KBM seems to suit those who like snipey builds of ships as its easier to point the ship accurately than a hotas.Hotas is more intuitive to me for general game-play as I don't do much PvP.

ED is not an instant gratification game, so if you like playing for the long haul, you'll love it. Because of that, you will have the time to master whatever controls you decide to choose.
 

CptArcher

CptArcher
I have the game on both PC and Xbox and much prefer it on console. The Xbox plays the game just fine and I much prefer playing this game from the comfort of my couch instead of messing with all the wires, headset, extra apps, etc... to keep up with the Jones'es in the PC world. I have an excellent PC setup as well, maybe someday I'll go back to it, but I just prefer the game on console, because on console, everyone is level and forced to used approved apps and controllers. It is a perfect game for the console. The game is not neglected on console at all.
 

Deleted member 182079

D
CptArcher said:
I have the game on both PC and Xbox and much prefer it on console. The Xbox plays the game just fine and I much prefer playing this game from the comfort of my couch instead of messing with all the wires, headset, extra apps, etc... to keep up with the Jones'es in the PC world. I have an excellent PC setup as well, maybe someday I'll go back to it, but I just prefer the game on console, because on console, everyone is level and forced to used approved apps and controllers. It is a perfect game for the console. The game is not neglected on console at all.
Click to expand...
I would say though that if the OP goes for the PC version, they still have the choice - limiting themselves to console means they're stuck with that.

Playing on PC doesn't mean you're tied to an office desk these days (my set up is, but I prefer it that way, and the TV is free for my wife to use).
 

Northpin

Northpin
Indoraptor27 said:
First of all, what platform should I play it with?
Click to expand...

I started on XB - im a couch potato and couch gaming is as convenient as it can get
Then when ED was on sale (12.5€ for the full package including Commander Pack) i picked it too - with the idea that i can play on notebook as an alternate/mobile option.

On XB i play with the controller
On Laptop i play with KB/M - definitely you'll have to rebind/shuffle around some controls but it's playable (enable relative mouse, bind space to pitch up, move yaw on mouse and roll on q/e and vertical/lateral thrusters on wsad).

Point is, on XB i'm rather crap with fixed weapons, on PC quite the opposite. General flying experience is great on controller, but precision not so much.
But all this is very subjective - there are commanders that really rocks the controller including flying with Flight Assist off and using fixed weapons.

In the end, it's a matter of practice and good hand/eye coordination.

One more thing - most of the players are on PC, consoles are less populated and there is no cross play.
Granted, the galaxy is unique and no matter the platform, you can still affect the galaxy no matter the platform or the mode, but multiplayer is platform only.
So if you are in for the social part - PC has the most players
There are big squadrons on XB too, but still...

One other advantage on XB - you can start as many Commanders as you want - just change the XB profile with another email address and you are set.
On PC you are limited on one Commander per account (per game purchased)
The big disadvantage on XB is you need a Live Gold subscription to be able to join the game in Private Group or in Open (the social modes). Without Live Gold, you can only play in Solo mode.
 
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