- Steam pricePrice
- $19.99
- Release
- April 2, 2015
- Session GoalsGoals
- Modes
- Platforms
How co-op works
Up to four commanders form a Wing, each piloting a ship in the persistent galaxy. They synchronize jumps and targets for combat, mining, trade, exploration, colonization, and Community Goals; there is no shared campaign save, and each commander retains their own ships, credits, and progression.
About this game
Elite Dangerous drops you into the cockpit of your own starship and sets you loose in a 1:1 recreation of the Milky Way galaxy. You can fly solo or team up with other commanders to tackle missions, explore deep space, mine valuable resources, or hunt down rival ships. The game blends open-ended MMO design with flight simulation, letting you carve out your own path as a trader, combat pilot, explorer, or miner.
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Co-op coordination shines when you need a wingmate to cover your back in combat zones or split roles during multi-stage missions. Voice communication and spatial awareness become essential as you coordinate jumps, share target data, and manage shield cells under fire. The persistent galaxy and evolving faction wars give every session a sense of consequence.
Elite Dangerous runs on Windows with VR support, and you can join friends online for cooperative wings or cross paths with thousands of other players across the galaxy. Sessions range from quick trade runs to marathon exploration expeditions, rewarding patience, planning, and tight crew communication.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does co-op work in Elite Dangerous?
You can form a wing with up to three other commanders to fly together across the galaxy. Wings let you tackle missions cooperatively, share combat targets, mine in the same zones, or explore as a group. You'll need to coordinate hyperspace jumps and stick together, so voice chat is highly recommended for managing flights and combat scenarios.
Can I play the entire game cooperatively with friends?
Yes, most activities support cooperative play. You can team up for combat missions, trade routes, mining operations, and exploration. Some missions are designed for wings and offer bonuses for group completion. The persistent MMO structure means you'll also encounter other players in populated systems, but you can focus your session on playing with your chosen wingmates.
Do I need a flight stick or special controller to play?
No, Elite Dangerous has partial controller support and can be played with keyboard and mouse or a gamepad. A HOTAS flight stick enhances immersion and precision but isn't required. The game also supports VR if you want a more immersive cockpit experience.
How long does a typical co-op session take?
Sessions are flexible and can range from quick 30-minute trade runs or bounty hunting sorties to multi-hour exploration expeditions or mission chains. The open-ended design lets you set your own pace, so you can jump in for short bursts or commit to longer coordinated operations with your wing.