How to Make Money Exploring in Elite Dangerous
Elite Dangerous, the vast and immersive space simulation game, offers players a plethora of ways to earn credits. One of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of the game is exploring the galaxy. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or just starting out, here’s a detailed guide on how to make money while exploring the stars.
Choosing the Right Ship
Your ship is your gateway to the galaxy, and the right ship can significantly impact your earnings. Here’s a breakdown of the types of ships you might consider:
| Ship Type | Speed | Armor | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freighter | Slow | High | Low |
| Corvette | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Frigate | Fast | Low | High |
Freighters are great for carrying cargo, but they’re slow. Corvettes offer a balance between speed and armor, making them versatile for various tasks. Frigates are fast but have low armor, so they’re best suited for more aggressive exploration.
Exploration Bounties
One of the most straightforward ways to make money while exploring is by completing exploration bounties. These bounties are available from various factions and can be found in the galaxy map.
Here’s how to get started:
- Open the galaxy map and select the “Bounties” tab.
- Choose a bounty that matches your ship’s capabilities.
- Accept the bounty and follow the instructions to complete it.
- Upon completion, you’ll receive a significant amount of credits and sometimes rare items.
Resource Gathering
Resource gathering is another lucrative way to make money while exploring. The galaxy is filled with valuable minerals and elements that can be harvested and sold for a profit.
Here’s how to get started:
- Open the galaxy map and select the “Planets” tab.
- Choose a planet with valuable resources.
- Land on the planet and use your ship’s mining tools to extract the resources.
- Return to a station and sell the resources for credits.
Trade and Smuggling
Trade and smuggling can be highly profitable, but they also come with risks. You’ll need to be aware of the market prices and the legal implications of smuggling.
Here’s how to get started:
- Research the market prices for various goods.
- Identify high-demand items and low-supply planets.
- Buy the items on low-supply planets and sell them on high-demand planets.
- Alternatively, you can engage in smuggling by transporting illegal goods between planets.
Joining a Corporation
Joining a corporation can provide you with additional opportunities to make money while exploring. Corporations often have contracts and missions that can be lucrative.
Here’s how to get started:
- Join a corporation by visiting their recruitment office.
- Complete the required missions and tasks to earn reputation and access more contracts.
- Participate in corporation events and activities to further boost your earnings.
Conclusion
Exploring the galaxy in Elite Dangerous can be a thrilling and profitable endeavor. By choosing the right ship, completing exploration bounties, gathering resources, engaging in trade and smuggling, and joining a corporation, you can make a significant amount of money while exploring the stars. Remember to stay cautious and adapt to the ever-changing galaxy.
