Dear Frontier Developments Team,
Thank you for your dedication in bringing Elite Dangerous to life. This game has captured the imaginations of space enthusiasts and gamers a like, offering an unparalleled scale and depth. As a passionate player, I wanted to share some ideas for the game’s evolution—suggestions that could enrich the galaxy with even more immersion, purpose, and excitement.
1. Squadron 2.0: Enhanced Fleet Management, Colonization, and Financial Systems
The current Squadron system is a great foundation for team-based gameplay, but there is potential to deepen its role in ways that could profoundly strengthen community engagement. A Squadron 2.0 update could allow squadrons to jointly own and manage Fleet Carriers, which members could upgrade, fund, and defend together. Beyond Fleet Carriers, introducing player-driven colonization would enable squadrons to claim and develop planetary settlements or space outposts, creating bases that not only serve strategic purposes but also strengthen the economic fabric of the game.
Each squadron-colonized base could generate funds through tax systems, giving leaders a treasury to invest in defensive upgrades, trading posts, and other assets that bring in resources or enhance members’ experiences. This type of base-building mechanic would add strategic depth and make squadrons vital players in the galaxy’s development.
2. Explorable Ship Interiors: Making Vessels Feel Like Home
Elite Dangerous offers players beautifully crafted ships, but being able to actually walk around inside them would enhance immersion and make each ship feel like a true personal sanctuary. Explorable interiors would give players access to various compartments like engineering rooms, cargo holds, and quarters, offering the feeling of a personal space and allowing for greater customization.
By including customizable interiors, players could add personal touches, making each vessel unique and creating an environment they feel attached to and want to return to after every mission.
3. Unique Stations: Expanding Variety and Atmosphere
While docking stations are impressive, introducing unique station designs based on their economic status, location, and faction could greatly enhance the sense of diversity in the galaxy. Wealthier systems might have polished, modern stations, while more remote outposts could feel rugged and industrial. This diversity would make exploration and docking feel fresh and interesting, with each new port of call offering a unique setting and atmosphere.
Further, interactive hubs within these stations—like bars, marketplaces, and lounges—could serve as social points, making the stations feel alive and giving players a reason to explore beyond just refueling or docking.
4. Player-Built Bases: Establishing Personal and Team Outposts
Allowing players to establish bases on planets, asteroids, or even in deep space would be a groundbreaking addition. These bases could be created through event-based construction, with players gathering or crafting materials needed to build and expand their personal or team outposts. Base locations could serve as storage points, defensive positions, or safe havens in dangerous areas.
Whether nestled on a planet’s surface or embedded in an asteroid, these bases would enable players to claim parts of the galaxy, creating a personal sense of ownership while offering strategic advantages. Squad or personal bases could also host defensive capabilities or even small NPC outposts, enriching the in-game universe with new layers of activity and purpose.
5. XL/Huge Ships and Specialized Docking Facilities
Adding XL or Huge-class ships would be a game-changer for players seeking larger roles in exploration, combat, or trade. These massive ships could offer unique capabilities but, due to their size, would require specialized docking facilities that players would have to help construct through Community Goals. The need for custom-built docks or orbital stations would encourage teamwork, and the slow, deliberate nature of piloting such a vessel would add gravitas and tactical planning to gameplay.
These ships would introduce new possibilities—massive cargo haulers, dreadnoughts, or mobile command centers—and their distinct role in the galaxy could transform large-scale missions or squadron efforts.
6. Team Mechanics: Raising Limits and Balancing Ship Counts
Finally, the current wing and team player limits can sometimes restrict strategic options. Raising the player limits in wings would make larger operations possible, allowing more coordinated gameplay. To maintain balance, each wing could be limited to a maximum of five ships, while the number of players scales with specific mission demands. This adjustment would bring greater flexibility to group play without risking overpowered teams.
Final Thoughts
These proposals—a more robust Squadron 2.0 system, explorable ship interiors, player-built bases, unique stations, XL/Huge ships, and refined wing mechanics—each represent a step toward making Elite Dangerous an even richer, more immersive world. By expanding opportunities for cooperation, creativity, and strategic planning, these changes would offer players more meaningful choices and more ways to leave a personal mark on the galaxy.
Thank you for considering these ideas. We look forward to seeing how Elite Dangerous will evolve and are excited to continue our journey in this extraordinary universe.
With deep appreciation,
CMDR AKDT
Thank you for your dedication in bringing Elite Dangerous to life. This game has captured the imaginations of space enthusiasts and gamers a like, offering an unparalleled scale and depth. As a passionate player, I wanted to share some ideas for the game’s evolution—suggestions that could enrich the galaxy with even more immersion, purpose, and excitement.
1. Squadron 2.0: Enhanced Fleet Management, Colonization, and Financial Systems
The current Squadron system is a great foundation for team-based gameplay, but there is potential to deepen its role in ways that could profoundly strengthen community engagement. A Squadron 2.0 update could allow squadrons to jointly own and manage Fleet Carriers, which members could upgrade, fund, and defend together. Beyond Fleet Carriers, introducing player-driven colonization would enable squadrons to claim and develop planetary settlements or space outposts, creating bases that not only serve strategic purposes but also strengthen the economic fabric of the game.
Each squadron-colonized base could generate funds through tax systems, giving leaders a treasury to invest in defensive upgrades, trading posts, and other assets that bring in resources or enhance members’ experiences. This type of base-building mechanic would add strategic depth and make squadrons vital players in the galaxy’s development.
2. Explorable Ship Interiors: Making Vessels Feel Like Home
Elite Dangerous offers players beautifully crafted ships, but being able to actually walk around inside them would enhance immersion and make each ship feel like a true personal sanctuary. Explorable interiors would give players access to various compartments like engineering rooms, cargo holds, and quarters, offering the feeling of a personal space and allowing for greater customization.
By including customizable interiors, players could add personal touches, making each vessel unique and creating an environment they feel attached to and want to return to after every mission.
3. Unique Stations: Expanding Variety and Atmosphere
While docking stations are impressive, introducing unique station designs based on their economic status, location, and faction could greatly enhance the sense of diversity in the galaxy. Wealthier systems might have polished, modern stations, while more remote outposts could feel rugged and industrial. This diversity would make exploration and docking feel fresh and interesting, with each new port of call offering a unique setting and atmosphere.
Further, interactive hubs within these stations—like bars, marketplaces, and lounges—could serve as social points, making the stations feel alive and giving players a reason to explore beyond just refueling or docking.
4. Player-Built Bases: Establishing Personal and Team Outposts
Allowing players to establish bases on planets, asteroids, or even in deep space would be a groundbreaking addition. These bases could be created through event-based construction, with players gathering or crafting materials needed to build and expand their personal or team outposts. Base locations could serve as storage points, defensive positions, or safe havens in dangerous areas.
Whether nestled on a planet’s surface or embedded in an asteroid, these bases would enable players to claim parts of the galaxy, creating a personal sense of ownership while offering strategic advantages. Squad or personal bases could also host defensive capabilities or even small NPC outposts, enriching the in-game universe with new layers of activity and purpose.
5. XL/Huge Ships and Specialized Docking Facilities
Adding XL or Huge-class ships would be a game-changer for players seeking larger roles in exploration, combat, or trade. These massive ships could offer unique capabilities but, due to their size, would require specialized docking facilities that players would have to help construct through Community Goals. The need for custom-built docks or orbital stations would encourage teamwork, and the slow, deliberate nature of piloting such a vessel would add gravitas and tactical planning to gameplay.
These ships would introduce new possibilities—massive cargo haulers, dreadnoughts, or mobile command centers—and their distinct role in the galaxy could transform large-scale missions or squadron efforts.
6. Team Mechanics: Raising Limits and Balancing Ship Counts
Finally, the current wing and team player limits can sometimes restrict strategic options. Raising the player limits in wings would make larger operations possible, allowing more coordinated gameplay. To maintain balance, each wing could be limited to a maximum of five ships, while the number of players scales with specific mission demands. This adjustment would bring greater flexibility to group play without risking overpowered teams.
Final Thoughts
These proposals—a more robust Squadron 2.0 system, explorable ship interiors, player-built bases, unique stations, XL/Huge ships, and refined wing mechanics—each represent a step toward making Elite Dangerous an even richer, more immersive world. By expanding opportunities for cooperation, creativity, and strategic planning, these changes would offer players more meaningful choices and more ways to leave a personal mark on the galaxy.
Thank you for considering these ideas. We look forward to seeing how Elite Dangerous will evolve and are excited to continue our journey in this extraordinary universe.
With deep appreciation,
CMDR AKDT
