Elite Dangerous: Trailblazers – Available Now

Expand the Bubble in the Elite Dangerous: Trailblazers update. With the brand-new System Colonisation mechanic launching into Beta, the power to claim and expand your very own Star Systems is in your hands. Whether creating a thriving new economy, a bustling trade hub, or a new port of operations, the galaxy awaits your vision.

We're proud and excited for you to start making the Milky Way your own with Trailblazers and we can't wait to see you place your flags in the history of Elite Dangerous' world!

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A First Point Of Contact

The System Colonisation process begins with the new Colonisation contact. Found in populated systems, these contacts allow you to make that crucial claim on an unpopulated Star System.

A Galaxy's Worth Of Choice

In a galaxy this big, making the right choice of Star System is crucial. Use the new Galaxy Map and System Map UI to inform your decisions - do you select a system in a convenient part of Space for your next expedition, or pick one with a range of planets ready to house a bustling economy?

Humble Beginnings or Grand Entrances

Beginning the claim process will also permit you to select the primary port for the system! This is an important decision, do you add a simple outpost for refueling before moving on or begin the system with a large Coriolis that will be the center of a grand economy?

Stake Your Claim

Once you've found the perfect system and selected the primary port, it's time to stake your claim! From this moment, you have 24 hours to deploy a Colonisation Beacon in that system before it becomes available to other Commanders again.

A Signal Of Intent

The true first step towards establishing control of a system. Once deployed, your Colonisation Beacon sets the stage for the arrival of a Colonisation Ship.

Titans of Industry

These behemoths are the backbone of your early expansion efforts and serve as an initial base of operations in a system.

Supply and Demand

Deliver essential supplies and materials to complete the construction process of the primary port - with the requirements changing depending on what you chose to construct.

Strong Foundations

There's no better way to establish your presence than by constructing your first station. Once construction is completed, your station will be fully online following the next server maintenance period.

Until then, your new station will be in a unique state, in which not all services will be available.

Your New Empire

After your first station, you may decide to construct further within the system, with a range of options both planetside and in orbit for you to choose from.

Lay The Groundwork

Leverage the topography of a planet and construct a wide array of settlements with extensive freedom of placement.

Stellar Foundations

Tailor the construction of space stations to suit your needs, with various slots available throughout the system, and a variety of station types to choose from.

A Base Camp In The Black

Turn your system into a gateway to the unknown - a perfect home base for your expeditions into the black.

A Growing Economy

Create a thriving economy with a focus on trade goods to take advantage of local routes.

A Nexus Of Opportunity

Become a destination for Commanders looking to make a name for themselves in a bustling hub for missions.

What's In A Name?

Put your stamp on the galaxy. Utilise the existing naming system to find a suitable name for your settlements and stations, or enter a fully custom name using ARX.

Along For The Ride

The third faction in a newly colonised system will be the one the System Architect's squadron is aligned to - giving you a direct way to spread BGS factions further outside the bubble.

Refining The Process

The new Refinery Contact can be found in Refinery markets and Industrial settlements - this contact allows you to turn your mined resources into a refined product, including the new mineral, haematite, found in rocky asteroid fields that can be refined into the new commodity, steel.

Reap The Rewards

Receive a regular income from your systems, with the amount depending on how developed they are!

You will also receive a small discount to ships and outfitting when purchased in one of your systems with 10 or more facilities.

New Asteroid Stations

Introducing the Ice and Metallic Asteroid Station variants!

These new variants of Asteroid Stations are made by constructing a starport at a planetary ring or asteroid cluster. The station will automatically match the type of asteroid field it is placed in.

The Stars Are Yours

The Trailblazers update is available now, giving you the power to build and expand humanity's reach. The galaxy is vast and full of opportunity - see you out there, Commander!