Feature Requests Update #2: We’re Gonna Need Bigger Guns
Combat will be one of the most dynamic and fast-paced activities in Elite: Dangerous and whilst not all of the elements have been ironed out, we are able to at least respond to some of your more unique weaponry requests from the Kickstarter campaign:
Non-lethal Weaponry
Several ideas for non-lethal weaponry were thrown about the forums in the months after the Kickstarter announcement, from viruses that disable other ships to EMP weapons and tractor beams. The team are keen to include a diverse range of weaponry into the game and were happy to confirm that some non-lethal options will be available to players:
Sandy: There will be many options of non-lethal weapons that disable rather than destroy ships.
Michael: We will be looking into non-lethal ship attacks.
David: -Though avoiding frustration for the victim too will be a key factor when looking at classes of damage.
Information is Key
Knowing what you’re up against when engaging another ship will of course give you a tremendous advantage. With this in mind, several people asked if there would be any computer or tech available for your ship, which would give you a technical breakdown of your opponents attack & defence capabilities.
Sandy: There will be something like this – specific details are undecided. This will need a separate discussion.
Michael: Yes, although full details are yet to be determined.
David: Yes – a standard scanner will just show the ship type and name. You will be able to buy a unit that will detail some of the equipment fitted and cargo carried using an ‘active scan’ – but this will alert the victim that they are being scanned.
So whilst the details have not yet been ironed out, expect there to be some sort of tech for your ship that can help you assess your opponents!
...And the Rest
Amongst other requests, where enquiries about cloaking devices, the ability to set booby traps and even the inclusion of something akin to the Genesis Device from Star Trek. Here are the team’s reactions to all three:
Cloaking devices
Sandy: Probably not, although there will be a range of stealth based/related systems available to the player.
Michael: Not explicitly, but there will be mechanisms for improving stealth capabilities.
Booby trap system
Sandy: Mines will be present in the game – not really sure what booby-traps we are talking about though. This sort of thing would likely be a debate with the Design Decision Forum.
Michael: Mines will be present.
Genesis Device
Sandy: No
Michael: No
More Information about more general weaponry will be forthcoming as production continues, but hopefully this update gives you an idea of our stance on some of the more specific requests we’ve had. Thanks again for reading and for backing Elite, I’ll be back with a similar update new week.
Thanks, Ashley