Elite: Dangerous will get its first major update early next month, first in beta form and then in a full release once all the creases have been spotted and ironed out.
Update 1.1 will introduce “a new way to collaborate with other players in the galaxy in preparation for 1.2’s major Wings update.” Hmm. What could that mean?
“Currently beta testing will be available for those who already have beta access for the main game,” executive producer Michael Brookes writes. “For players participating in the beta tests there will be a separate mechanism for playing so testing does not affect your game and that you can continue to play the retail version as well.
“Options for players currently without beta access to be able to purchase beta access will be available. Details will be made available nearer the time. Depending on how the update Betas go in test, we expect them to be released to everyone a week or so after the Beta release.”
As well as that mysterious new method of teaming up with other players, patch 1.1 will see a significant increase in the maximum distance for the route planner. “We’re currently looking at extending this to 1,000 light years!”, Brookes claims.
And the content won't stop there. Brookes reveals that patch 1.2 for the space sim will enter beta testing in the first week of March, focusing on Wings (no, not the band, the game's version of player parties) and “other multiplayer goodness”.
