Elite Dangerous | An Update on Operations

After careful evaluation, we have made the difficult decision to delay the release of Operations, which will now be arriving in June. We know this news is disappointing, and would like to apologise to our amazing community for the further delay of this major game update. We're incredibly grateful for your patience and understanding as the squad takes time to ensure Operations is delivered with the quality and care that our Commanders deserve.

As a thank you to our Commanders, and to share our appreciation of their continued support, the Standard edition of the latest Ship arriving to Elite Dangerous next week (28 April) will be available for all Commanders immediately for in-game credits. Further options will be available to purchase a Stellar or Galactic upgrade pack through ARX, at a reduced cost.

First lets take a peek at what is arriving in April, before taking a deeper look at the Operations update and what Commanders can expect to see in June.

Journey Together: Meet the Lynx Highliner

Entering into the passenger liner market for the first time, Zorgon Peterson introduces the Lynx Highliner. This impressive medium-class vessel sets a new benchmark for high-capacity travel, accommodating up to 225 passengers. Destined to become the centrepiece of everyday space travel, the Lynx Highliner features both Economy and Business class and can be outfitted with advanced Mk II cabins. What’s more, multiple landing ramps ensure boarding and disembarking are swift and seamless, while Commanders are treated to their own exclusive front and rear entrances.

Built from the ground up for passenger comfort and safety, the Lynx Highliner has a durable defence system with one Large and four Medium Hardpoints, positioning it as the most secure passenger liner currently available. When optimised for pure defence, the Lynx Highliner’s shield and hull strength make it the ideal choice for transport and rescue encounters. The Highliner sports a utilitarian visual style, in stark contrast to existing passenger liners which sit at the luxury end of interstellar travel. Zorgon Peterson’s latest vessel is set to shake up the options for Pilots moving a large number of passengers safely around the galaxy.

"The Lynx Highliner is the first passenger-focused ship in this new wave of vehicles, and it’s been exciting to create something for Commanders who want to support the flow of populations around the galaxy. Previous passenger liners have been centred around ultra luxury, almost akin to super yachts, so for the Highliner, we’re excited to offer a true ‘airliner’ built to transport lots of passengers in safety. The Lynx really differentiates itself through that ability to defend itself and is more than capable of repelling attackers until support can arrive. We've accentuated this with the more 'utilitarian' style of design, which is very in keeping with the idea of a passenger transport." - S pokesperson for Zorgon Peterson Technical Spec:

Hardpoints:

• 1 x Large Hardpoint

• 4 x Medium Hardpoint

Core Internals:

• Size 5 Power Plant

• Size 6 Thrusters

• Size 5 FSD

• Size 6 Life Support

• Size 5 Power Distributor

• Size 3 Sensors

• Size 5 Fuel Tanks

Optional Internals:

• 1 x Size 1

• 1 x Size 2

• 1 x Size 3

• 2 x Size 4

• 2 x Size 5

• 3 x Size 6

What are Operations in Elite Dangerous?

This new multi-stage Operation system is designed for squad-based gameplay, allowing up to 4 Commanders to take on a variety of increasingly difficult challenges, completing goals and earning rewards across the galaxy.

Operations will be accessible via the Mission boards when docked at Starports, Fleet Carriers and Squadron Carriers.

There will be two modes for Operations:

• Mercenary Mode: This is the default mode