Frontier announced the sale of pre-built ships in Elite Dangerous for real money, sparking concerns about pay-to-win mechanics. Additionally, they provided details on ongoing engineering adjustments and introduced Power Play 2.0, a revamped system aiming to streamline power objectives and tasks for players to influence the game’s sociopolitical dynamics.
Frontier announced the sale of pre-built ships for real money, sparking concerns about pay-to-win mechanics in Elite Dangerous. The pre-built ships come with minimal engineering but are meant to be starting points for players to build upon through regular gameplay. These ships cannot be used to buy pre-engineered modules for other ships, as the modules are specific to each pre-built ship. Additionally, Frontier provided some insight into ongoing engineering adjustments, such as reducing the number of materials required and increasing backpack capacity, to make engineering more accessible and rewarding.
In a recent livestream, Frontier delved into Power Play 2.0, a system that allows players to influence the sociopolitical dynamics of the game’s superpowers. The existing Power Play system has been clunky and underutilized in the past, mainly serving as a means to access powerful weapons and modules. Power Play 2.0 aims to streamline the system by making power objectives and tasks more accessible and rewarding for players. The new system introduces a leveling system with rewards and a revamped UI to track progress within a system.
Players can expand their chosen power’s influence by performing actions in systems to move them through different states, from uncontrolled to stronghold. Stronghold systems feature a stronghold carrier that serves as a hub for the power, providing equipment and items for commanders. Power Play 2.0 also introduces leaderboards to show players’ standings within their power, with rewards potentially including premium currency. The system encourages meaningful PvP interactions and aims to address issues of disloyalty and lack of incentive for player allegiance.
While Power Play 2.0 is initially being rolled out in the existing framework, Frontier is open to feedback and evaluating the possibility of making it open-play only in the future. The new system seeks to simplify power play mechanics and promote engagement with the game’s endgame content. Players are encouraged to participate in power play activities to progress through levels and unlock rewards, fostering loyalty to their chosen power. Ultimately, Power Play 2.0 aims to enhance player engagement and provide a more rewarding and streamlined gameplay experience in Elite Dangerous.