In the video, Ricardo discusses the upcoming update 19.01 for Elite Dangerous, which aims to balance the Power Play system by addressing over-rewarding activities and diversifying gameplay. Key changes include fixing exploits, adjusting merit awards, and reducing the damage output of combat drones in the tutorial, though the updates may frustrate players who have invested significant time in the previous system.
In a recent video, Ricardo discusses the updates and balancing changes being implemented in Elite Dangerous, specifically focusing on the Power Play system. Following its launch, Power Play has gained significant traction within the community, with peak player numbers reaching between 6,000 to 9,000. However, the system has faced issues, prompting Frontier Developments to make adjustments to ensure a more balanced gameplay experience. The aim of these tweaks is to diversify the activities players engage in while participating in Power Play.
Ricardo explains that players have been taking advantage of certain game mechanics, allowing them to progress through ranks at an unsustainable rate. Activities such as delivering rare materials or defeating fighters in stronghold carriers have become overly rewarding, leading to a lack of variety in gameplay. Frontier’s goal is to ensure that no single activity feels disproportionately advantageous, preventing a meta that forces players to engage in specific tasks to rank up or participate effectively in conflicts.
The upcoming update, 19.01, is set to address these imbalances by reducing the time and effort required to earn early modules and increase ranks. This change may frustrate players who have invested significant time grinding through the previous system, as it could diminish their achievements. Ricardo highlights that while the adjustments aim to enhance overall gameplay, they may not be welcomed by those who have already achieved high ranks through the previous methods.
Specific changes mentioned in the update include fixing an exploit that allowed players to download Power Play data multiple times, ensuring that certain items are flagged as illegal in the appropriate systems, and adjusting the merit awards for destroying ship launch fighters. Additionally, adjustments have been made to combat drones in the flight tutorial to reduce their damage output, which could help new players feel less overwhelmed during training. These changes reflect Frontier’s commitment to refining the game based on player feedback and gameplay monitoring.
Ricardo concludes the video by acknowledging the community’s mixed reactions to the upcoming changes. While some players are excited about the potential improvements to balance, others are concerned about the impact on their current progress and the removal of merits. He encourages viewers to share their thoughts in the comments, emphasizing that any changes aimed at making the game fairer are ultimately beneficial.