Chapter 4 of Beyond is now available for download. The full patch notes are now available via the link below or on the Frontier website here. You can find some important links and information on the latest news for Chapter 4 listed below.
At 12:12pm on the 3rd December 2018 Frontier announced the release date for Beyond: Chapter 4. You can read about it below, or on the official site here. You can get the full lowdown on all of Chapter 4’s contents here. Full patchy notes will be available here on release.
Greetings Commanders,
We’re very pleased to announce that Elite Dangerous: Beyond – Chapter Four will be released on… Tuesday 11 December!
his brand new update arrives just in time for the chilly nights of the winter holidays, and while you might be tempted to stay inside where it’s warm and snug, we will be bringing you a variety of features to get you out there… in space!
Exploration The Analysis Mode with the improved Exploration Discovery Scanner and Detailed Discovery Scanner, is a game-changing, brand new way for all Commanders to explore the Milky Way galaxy. After the initial scan of the system, you will then be able to tune your scanners to find stellar bodies and other phenomena. Not only is this new system a more realistic, satisfying and engaging exploration experience, but now you will be able to make more informed decisions on where to look next, and you will be more rewarded for your time spent exploring. Commanders will now have probes at their disposal to map the planetary surfaces, and planetary rings, in detail, to locate points of interest and leave your mark on the galaxy in a different way.
Mining Asteroid belts and planetary rings are about to get very busy. New tools and mechanics will provide a fresh, exciting and lucrative mining experience for all Elite Dangerous Commanders. Using new exploration mechanics, miners can investigate rings to locate the best spots to start their mining sessions, and then the best specific asteroids to probe and excavate for rewards. With the right amount of skill and expertise, the new Abrasion blaster, Sub-surface displacement missile, and Seismic charge launcher, will provide some exciting and explosive results.
Squadrons Squadrons is a new in-game way of uniting like-minded Commanders to support factions of their choice and compete for top spots in seasonal leader boards. New communication tools, including in-game chat channels, will help you blaze trails together, and leave your Squadron’s mark on the galaxy.
…and so much more!
You can check out all of the upcoming changes and additions via the forum threads here:
At 2:05pm on the 20th November 2018 Frontier announced the details for the final part of the Beyond: Chapter 4 Beta. You can see them below or here on the official website. You can read what Frontier have said about Thargoid Conflict Zones, here. Patch notes will appear in this thread once released by Frontier. There will also be a live stream on the 22nd November at 7pm (UTC) to demonstrate the new Thargoid Conflict Zones.
“We’re pleased to announce that the next set of beta content for Beyond – Chapter Four will be Thargoid Conflict Zones and a brand-new Thargoid-attacked Megaship scenario!
“We will bring the beta servers down at 10:00 (UTC) on 21 November. Following the update, the beta server will be live at approximately 11:00 (UTC) on 21 November. There is a chance that this could run over, so we really appreciate your patience. As usual with these updates we’ll keep you as up to date as possible.
“Slightly different to previous beta additions, this Thargoid content will only be available in the Maia system during the Beyond – Chapter Four beta, though it will be available across all modes.
“Alongside this new content (below), you’ll be able to continue testing all of the previous content!
“To take part in the beta, all you’ll need to do is load up the launcher and select (and update) the following product: Elite Dangerous – Horizons – Beta (3.3). Once that has been completed, you’ll then have access to the Beyond – Chapter Four beta. If this hasn’t appeared, please restart your launcher.
“If you’d like information as the beta progresses, you can also subscribe to our Beyond – Chapter Four Beta newsletter by clicking here.
“We can’t wait to hear what you think of the new Thargoid Conflict Zones and Megaship Scenario!”
“The next beta update will also include various bug fixes and improvements. We’ve made some adjustments to mining itself and all of the details will be available in the patch notes published prior to the beta update.”
> Patch Notes
Incursion State
Incursion state added, along with
Thargoid Conflict Zone scenario (“AX Conflict Zones”)
Damaged megaship scenarios
For the Beta, the Maia system has been manually set to the incursion state, and these scenarios should appear there
Comms
Added a toggle to turn off the profanity filter (under the options tab in the comms panel)
Audio Options
Updated audio options:
Default/optimal volume position is now marked, allowing the player to return to default easily
All sliders (apart from the 3 “master” sliders (sounds, music, voice)) can be boosted as well as cut
Note: User volume slider positions will be reset to default on this update (this is a one time only reset)
Bug Fixes and Improvements
Anaconda
Fixed incorrect white lights in cockpit
Background Sim
Added galaxy map filter for the new ‘Civil Liberty’ state
Added text to indicate the happiest system in the ‘Faction Allegiance’ section in Squadrons
Added icons to states listed in the System Map
Pirate attacks and outbreaks will now occur automatically
Fixed Conflict Zones not always spawning in systems at War
Cobra Mk.III
Fixed misaligned thrusters
Codex
Fixed an issue where a planet that didn’t have a terraformed status set would default to being terraformable (when it shouldn’t be)
Fixed overlapping text in the Archive section
Galactic region no longer resets to your location when searching the Discoveries section
Added ‘Distance Traveled in an SRV’ stat
Narration added for “Individuals” knowledgebase articles
Comms
Increased the volume of the background chatter in Conflict Zones
Increased the chat spam limit from 3 to 5 (fixes some Voice Attack issues)
Fixed issue that caused chat messages not to be delivered when the recipient was on main menu
Controls
The binding for entering the vanity cam in ship and SRV can now be bound to the same button
COVAS
Increased the volume of ‘Jefferson’
Crashes/Stability
Fixed a crash that could occur when leaving a Resource Extraction Site
Fixed a crash that could occur when using the Subsurface Displacement missile
Fixed a crash that could occur when jumping to another system
Fixed crash that could occur when opening the Codex
Fixed that could occur when entering a Conflict Zone
Fixed a crash that could occur when players ship is destroyed
Fixed a crash that could occur when using the Pulse Wave Analyser
Fixed a crash that could occur when using the Prospector Limpet
Fixed a crash that could occur when switching ships
Fixed a crash that could occur when in the FSS mode
Fixed holo-me being incorrectly selectable from the SRV, leading to a softlock
Fixed a crash that could occur when switching between 3D modes
Fixed a crash that could occur when opening the Codex after a recent discovery
Fixed a crash that could occur when selling Exploration Data
Fixed instances of “authentication server” disconnections from mission servers
Crime & Punishment
Added clarification to the bounty transaction details, to explain the implications of the Kill Warrant Scanner
Decals
Fixed reversed decal slots on Cobra Mk.III and Imperial Cutter
Exploration
The Detailed Surface Scanner will now auto hide in the fire groups HUD while in normal space
Fixed an audio issue that could cause the scanning sound to get stuck and loop
Fixed an issue which meant players couldn’t buy exploration data when docked at a port
Stopped the ship voice line from needlessly repeating when the system has been fully scanned
Fixed an issue where the info panel would not update to show a planets signals while in the DSS mode
Fixed an issue that was preventing players from firing probes a rings around stars (the star itself can still not be probed, which is intended behaviour)
Bodies now appear when using the FSS mode in non-Horizon versions of the game
Increased the sensitivity range on the FSS movement controls
Added sensitivity control to the spectrum analysis bar
FSS mouse binding now no longer gives a ‘roll’ option
Scanning a nav beacon now returns full system data (ring details were missing)
Fixed issue that could cause ‘false’ signals to appear that couldn’t be resolved
The threat level of a USS is now displayed when zoomed in on it
The system map now indicates if the planet has been mapped or not
Added message when a body is passively scanned
Fixed an issue that was causing some bodies to appear on the system map, but were unable to be discovered using the FSS mode
Fixed impossible to meet efficiency targets
Info panel now has 2 lines to display messages on
Fixed some Thargoid signal sources being identified as Guardian
Federal Corvette
Fixed visual issues on fitted ship kit when using a paint job
Friends and Private Groups
Fixed a hang that could occur when browsing a very large group
General
Fixed issue where dropping out at ports in asteroid clusters wasn’t dropping the player near it
Fixed an issue that meant certain Port contacts were erroneously appearing
Fixed issue where Thargoid probes weren’t spawning correctly
Fixed issue where the left hand panel would become unresponsive when return to the players ship from an SRV
Fixed missing leading reticle for the Flechette launcher
Fixed issue that could lead to the left hand panel becoming unresponsive
Holo-me
Fixed some graphical issues on the avatar portrait
Lighting
Reduced brightness in galaxy map
Localisation
‘Search’ wasn’t translated in the Friends and Private Groups menu
Fixed various typos
Fixed incorrect text on ‘Galactic Powers’ button on the home tab
Fixed truncated text on the ‘Galactic Powers’ button in German
Added translations for Detailed Surface Scanner options
Replaced placeholder text with actual text in Fine description
Mamba
Fixed thrusters not changing colour when applying engine colours
Fixed misaligned vanity preview cameras
Balance pass on boost, speed, and pitch and roll rates
Should now dissipate heat quicker (in line with the FDL)
Megaships
Fixed Z-fighting issue
Mining
Added information on what is inside a motherlode asteroid to the data returned by the prospector limpet
Added extra detail to the Subsurface Displacement Missiles outfitting description, to explain the pull and hold trigger feature
Fixed graphical issue after using a Displacement Missile
NPC ships now use their mining lasers once again
Fixed missing targets, UI and feedback when a multicrew member joins after a prospector limpet has been used
Added extra feedback icons to the areas that represent the different yield ranges when attempting to crack an asteroid apart
Tweaked the pulse wave analyser results to be less broad and more focused at range
Added new, high value materials to the motherlode asteroids (free floating materials and new surface deposits, which are found after cracking the asteroid open)
Increased the ammo capacity of the new mining tools
Stopped depleted asteroids from appearing gold when scanned with the Pulse Wave Analyser
Missions
Removed restriction on in space collect missions, to allow players to take them even if their ships cargo hold is below the amount needed (they will use the Cargo Depot feature)
Multicrew
Fixed the target panel for the gunner role
Fixed issue where select the view report button didn’t take players directly to the screen
Orrery
Fixed incorrect planetary ring orientation
Outfitting
Updated the refinery text to change the refernce of “Mining Laser” to “Mining Tools”
Player Journal
Fixed duplicate scan events
Fixed some wing mission cargo reported as stolen
FSSSignalDiscovered: add USSType info (§6.6)
Add new FSSAllBodiesFound event (§6.4)
Scan events generated automatically when entering system now logged as “ScanType”:”AutoScan” (§6.3)
Add new event MultiSellExplorationData (§6.10)
Faction info in Location/FSDJump: if it’s the player’s squadron faction, add SquadronFaction:true, and flags HappiestSystem:true or HomeSystem:true if relevant (§4.8)
Render
Fixed high res screen shot feature when zoomed into a body in FSS
Fixed some Z-fighting found at Platers’s Tyranny port
Fixed some flickering on glass materials in stations
Make the light diffusion through volumetrics similar in appearance across graphics settings.
Cockpit geometry occludes ship schematics now
Fixed some jittering in ring fog
Fixed for brightness of mining related volumetric effects when in shadow of planet
Fixed rendering of glass material behind fog in stations
Ship Name Plates
Text size is now affected when using leading and/or trailing spaces
Squadrons
Randomised the results when browsing
Added a new ‘Mentor’ activity tag
Fixed issue where players could not use the gamepad to select a member to hand over the Squadron to
The members list now defaults to sorting by rank (high – low)
Shortened the invite text to solve truncated text
Tags can now be edited after the Squadron has been created
Fixed the Squadron feed tab being incorrectly reset upon ship destruction
Players can now transfer ownership to players that are not currently online
Faction alligence page now uses current state rather than pending state
After a player is promoted/demoted, permissions are now granted/taken away immediately
Tags can now be used to filter Squadron results
Fixed a transaction server error when sharing a starport or settlement bookmark
Fixed a bug preventing some pre-registered squadrons from changing their faction affiliation
Fixed exploration data and CQC results not always being added to the squadron leaderboards
Stellar Forge
Corrected the orbit of the moon around Earth
Vanity Camera
Stopped the ship cockpit UI rendering through the pilots chair
VR
Ensured the ring scan effect (and hotspots) are correctly occluded by the planet geometry in both eyes.
Fixed issue that causes the camera to clip through the pilots body more than usual
At 11:00am (UTC) on the 14th November 2018, Frontier released the Beta #3 (Ships) release on to the live server for testing. You can see the details here or read full details of the content here. The patch notes can be seen below or on the official site, here. You can find a list of known issues here.
> Patch Notes
New Ships
Krait Phantom (Falcon DeLacy)
With a spacious cargo hold and a relatively generous quantity of hardpoints, the Krait Phantom is a versatile ship suited to a range of roles. It has enough firepower to hold its own against larger targets, and enough straight-line speed to outpace smaller targets. The ship also offers eight internal compartments, allowing the pilot to tailor the ship to their requirements. And while it lacks the firepower and fighter bay of its sister ship, the Krait Mk II, it is both faster and lighter.
2 large and 2 medium hardpoints
8 Internal optional slots
Top speed of 256m/s and a boost speed of 358m/s
23LY laden FSD range
Mamba (Zorgon Peterson)
Based on an unreleased racing prototype, the Mamba is one of the fastest ships in production. It can also deliver a lot of punishment, boasting one huge and two large hardpoints. This emphasis on firepower and speed means the ship can hit hard and fast, vanishing before the target has a chance to react. Comparisons to the Fer-de-Lance, also produced by Zorgon Peterson, will be inevitable, but the Mamba is in fact faster in a straight line, while being slightly less manoeuvrable.
1 huge, 2 large and 2 small hardpoints
5 internal optional slots
Top speed of 316m/s and a boost speed of 387m/s
37LY laden FSD range
Scenarios
New scenarios can now be found:
Installations – Raid and Heist
Megaship – Heist
Damaged Megaship – Rescue and Repair
Quality of Life
Added icon to info panel to show players if their ship or SRV lights are on
Bug Fixes and Improvements
Cockpit UI
Fixed some typos in the playlist tab
Fixed the broken ‘Frameshift Active…’ message on the right hand panel
Codex
Fixed missing characters in Russian
Ensure the summary of a discovery entry in the session log matches the detail
Added some missing icons
Fix some unlocalised strings
Fix a cause for codex vouchers sometimes being unsellable
Fix for multicrew crew members discovering things in the wrong star-system
Fix some audio logs not grouping correctly
Give INRA audio logs their own category
Comms
Fixed instances where direct messages from other players where coming through as ‘Unidentified’
Fix some issues for not always being placed into the correct star-system’s chat
Controls
Fixed an issue where some players were unable to bind controls correctly
Added a new default scheme ‘Keyboard and Mouse with Yaw’
Crashes/Stability
Fixed a crash that could occur whilst mining in an asteroid ring
Fixed a crash that could occur when viewing Squadron applications
Fixed a crash that could occur when opening the galaxy or system map
Fixed a crash that could occur when mining with night vision on
Fixed a crash that could occur when jumping into a new system
Fixed crash that could occur when dropping into a ‘Notable Stellar Phenomena’ location
Fixed a crash that could occur when using the FSS mode
Fixed a crash that could occur when exiting the game
Fixed crashed that could occur when dropping out at a weapons fire detected USS
Fixed crash that could occur when changing 3D settings and exiting the graphics menu
Fixed a crash that could occur in hyperspace
Fixed crash that could occur when opening the Codex
Fixed a crash that could occur when in the outfitting screens
Fixed a crash that could occur in a Multicrew session
Eagle MkII
Fixed smoke from over heating going through the cockpit
Engineers
Reduced the grade thresholds of the Colonia engineers
Fixed legacy engineering modifications on DSS module are converted for new ones (and references to old ones are removed)
Exploration
FSS mouse sensitivity control option now works
Fixed some locations that couldn’t be zoomed in on
Fixed probes sometimes going through bodies
Increased the text field for SAA gravity gauge (fixes some localisation issues)
Added surface locations found after probing a body to the system map
Planet surface signals are now targetable outside of Analysis mode
Added the number of bodies info to the ‘Orbital Plane Established’ alert
Fixed the discovery scanner SFX getting stuck looping
Fixed issue where players could zoom in and discover a metal rich body whilst tuned to the asteroid section on the filtered spectral analysis
Fixed missing info panel data when scanning a K class star for the first time
Fixed an issue that could cause the planet map % to decrease whilst probing
Changed the ‘scenarios’ section of the FSA to Concentrated signal sources and Transient signal sources
Fixed surface signals disappearing after logging off
Shortened the “Short Range Composition Scanner” name to “Composition Scanner”
Added support for FSS tuning to be bound to in-outs that don’t auto-center
Changed HOTAS joystick bindings to avoid FSS tuning and movement being on the same hand
Now able to bind enter and exit FSS to the same button
Fixed bodies rendering over their rings after beiing fully mapped
Fixed asteroid clusters reporting high temperatures in FSS
Added ‘First Mapped’ to system map
Clarified the info message that appears when trying to enter FSS mode whilst charging the FSD
Renamed ‘Radio Tuning Minimum Increase/Decrease’ to ‘Increase/Decrease Tuning’ in control options
Updated info message theme when turning off analysis mode
Updated info message when a target is too close to zoom in to from ‘Adaptive Zoom Blocked’ to ‘Target too close’
Ensure the efficiency target can actually be met
Fix a transaction server error when selling a page of exploration data that has zero credits value
Fix some issues with planets not being targetable and not always displaying correctly on the system map or in FSS mode
Factions
Fix some issues when spawning conflict zones in certain star systems
Ensure settlement & codex vouchers correctly affect the faction simulation
Friends Management
Fix some friends not always displaying correctly
General
Fixed unreachable listening post In the “HIP 16753” system
Fixed missing text in the Rhenium material description
Fixed incorrect details title for Chemical processors material description
Automatically fix ships with more than one FSD Interdictor modules
Installations
Added a new space bar, “The Orange Sidewinder” …for real this time
Lighting
Fixed lighting issue on the planet in the Elevate CQC location
Localisation
Updated French translation of ‘High Metal Content World’
Removed the superfluous ‘;’ from the system map when player is wanted
Mining
Increased the cool down on the Pulse Wave Analyser, to allow the results to appear before players can trigger it again
Resource Extraction Sites should now appear in applicable areas of the game
Outfitting text for the Seismic Charge tool now mentions that it is used to break asteroids apart
Missions
Delivery and Smuggle missions now warn players about being cargo laden and reduced jump range
Reduce chance planetary Scan chooses POI owned by mission giver
Added ‘Open Galaxy Map’ option to megaship missions
Fixed issue where disabling defence turrets didn’t update or complete megaship disable missions
Added missing hand in faction information to delivery missions
Fixed race mission wrinkles appearing with very little time to complete them
Night Vision
Fixed some objects still being highlighted whilst in vanity camera
Options
Fixed typos in audio options menu
Fixed typos in controls options menu
Orrery
Ensured that all bodies that are discovered and displayed on the system map are also shown in the Orrery view
Removed non-functioning planet map button
Improve the line width scaling
Outfitting
Fixed incorrect value being shown for ‘Limpet Life Time’
Fixed incorrect schematic used for 8A thrusters
Added 1 more ship and 2 more utility stock slots to all markets
Player Journal
FSSSignalDiscovered – if signal is a USS, add a ThreatLevel value; if signal is a station, add IsStation:true; add SystemAddress
Cargo – fix spurious extra events; add a flag to indicate vessel=Ship or Vessel=SRV
CodexEntry: add SystemAddress
json, Flags: add NightVision flag (bit28/0x10000000)
SendText: include a journal entry for text to squadron or system chat
ReceiveText: include a ‘Channel’ parameter to show if message was from squadron or system chat
SAAScanComplete: remove lists of names of discoverers and mappers
Port Services
Ensure ‘Exit’ button in Material Traders takes players back to contacts, not to the Fines and Bounty claims contact
Fixed broken ‘Welcome’ animation when opening the services menu
Fixed typos in search and rescue contact description
Powerplay
Fixed Crime Sweep conflict zones (both powers involved will now be actively fighting)
Rendering
Fixed dust mote popping in ring fog
Squadrons
The list of systems that appear in the Squadron allegiance page is now sorted by name
Fixed the Squadron logo used on the ‘browse more’ option
Added Squadron icon to ‘invite’ option
Remove placeholder text from Squadron invites
Fixed Alliance logo appearing when non Alliance super powers are selected
Can now invite players in local space, that are not friends
Added a popup notification when handing over a Squadron to a different member
Fix some dates not being displayed correctly
Fix some transaction server errors when managing squadron members
Fix for Powerplay leaderboard contributions not being counted
Fix for Powerplay & Political leaderboards not displaying
Fix authored messages not appearing in the squadron feed
Stellar Forge
Removed a ‘phantom’ third ring around “Paesia 2” which was causing players to drop out of Supercruise when nothing was there
Fixed wife dwarf jets cones being visible through bodies
Synthesis
Changed ‘bonus active’ text when refueling the SRV through synthesis
System Map
Ensure a state is shown for each faction listed, even if it is ‘None’
Fixed installations and megaships incorrectly displaying as surface settlements
VR
Increase the thickness of orbit lines in the orrery view
Ensure players can fully zoom into bodies in the orrery view
Fixed the background on intermediate FSS zoom levels warping
Fixed planet rings moving with the headset in FSS mode
Fixed the SRVs full beam lens flare causing visual issues
Fixed graphical errors when switching between FSS and SAA modes
Fixed inverted joystick animations
Fixed missing scan effect in FSS (that highlights areas of interest)
On the 30th October 2018 Frontier released the Beta for Chapter 4 (3.3) of Beyond. This is available to all PC owners of the game (both the base game and Horizons). You can get the full lowdown on the release here, or:
Game Director Laurence Oldham posted this message on the official forum,
Dear Commanders,
It is with a feeling of anticipation and excitement that later today we release Beyond – Chapter Four’s open PC beta, giving you the first opportunity to get your hands on with the biggest Elite Dangerous update of 2018 ahead of its official launch later this year. With that in mind, I wanted to explain how the beta process works for the newest Commanders among you and how we can work together to make this a successful beta phase for Chapter Four.
It’s been a long journey since we first announced our plans for this Chapter at Frontier Expo in October 2017 and we have been hard at work ever since, implementing many ambitious ideas and taking a deep look into aspects like Elite’s Background Simulation, Codex, and Exploration; just a few of the features you’ll be able to test during the first part of our open beta from this afternoon.
However, our journey is not yet complete.
Chapter Four will be the biggest influx of new content for Elite Dangerous in 2018 and it represents the culmination of our combined efforts during many months of development. To ensure the results will be as good as we can possibly make them, we would invite you to join us in this final opportunity to identify and fix any issues together. For us, this open beta is a vital part of the development process and our hope is that you, our dedicated community, will participate, enjoy, and let us know what you experience. Any problems you encounter during your travels, please take the time to report them to us here. Having this one central location for all Commanders to register feedback is very important as it allows us to easily collate and register comments, bugs, and suggestions. We have assigned a dedicated team to track all your reports as they come in and we are committed to improving Chapter Four based on your observations.
As we progress through the weeks, new features and new content will become available for you to try out and report on.
We are currently completing our pre-flight checks and we expect to be ready to launch shortly after 15:00 UTC. All that’s left is to say a huge thank you to everyone taking part, I really hope you enjoy it.
Laurence
The first Beta phase will feature all the features and changes seen in the first two livestreams. You can read all the details known so far about Chapter 4 here. In anticipation of this and with permission from Factabulous on the Official Forum I’ve reproduced the handy Beta FAQ.
> Beta FAQ
The Beta appears as a new option to start in the launcher when it is available, normal game will remain available during beta.
No, consoles don’t participate in the Beta. Yes other games have Beta access on consoles, ED does not.
To reduce the clutter in the launcher you can add the /edh option to your launcher shortcut. You are welcome.
No, we don’t know how large the beta is yet. CMDR Thrust from Bradford knows, but he’s too busy walking around an Atmos planet on his space legs with his NPC crew. (long standing forum joke)
No, you cannot take anything you find in the Beta out of the Beta
Your commander will be based off a copy of the live game taken during the last few weeks
Values in the Beta may not reflect the final game – often mission spawn rates are changed, and we can expect broker rates to change. Probably.
The beta may restart / become unavailable without notice. It’s a beta. Chillax.
No, you will not keep any unlocked tech broker recipes after the beta.
Anything you do in the Beta does not affect your main CMDR
Make sure you are running the Beta before doing destructive things. Beta often has a watermark so you can check. But double check…
If you are not where you want to be then FD may respond to move requests in the Beta, if you ask nicely.
Or you can kill your ship and respawn at the starter system if you want to get back to the bubble.
You can also reset your CMDR, sometimes Beta resets will set extra money/other things so you can get back to testing – check details in the beta before resetting!
No, you cannot take anything you find in the Beta out of the Beta
You need to remove the beta files after the beta, but it might be worth keeping the around until the full release as the files are allegedly used instead of downloading
No, you cannot take anything you find in the Beta out of the Beta
Report bug as beta tickets. Feel free to add your information onto existing tickets, but they are reports – not discussions.
Talk about the beta in the beta forums. Console users probably don’t want to hear about cool stuff they can’t access yet.
No point in putting in feature requests. Beta means the code is about ready to release, it will get tweaks, but not features (Many will ignore this and get irate)
No, you cannot take anything you find in the Beta out of the Beta.
On the 15th October at 2pm Frontier announced the details of the Beta for Beyond: Chapter 4 along with a short promo trailer. The details can be seen below. Other web pages on this site will be updated to reflect this and any further news. You can see the full details on the official site here, or below including the trailer.
“Hello Commanders,
“With much anticipation, we’re pleased to announce that the beta for Chapter Four will be available to all PC Elite Dangerous and Elite Dangerous: Horizons players on Tuesday 30 October!
“In order to focus the public testing on specific aspects of Chapter Four, we will be unlocking different content over a number of different weeks. You can find out the schedule that content will be added to the beta here:
“We are expecting beta milestones to go live on the Tuesday of each week. However, we will update you in the News and Announcement forums as each update is made available.
“As always we welcome your feedback on our dedicated beta and bug report forums. These reports, and the data provided, by these beta tests are incredibly valuable and useful in the development of Elite Dangerous. You can find a breakdown of Chapter Four’s features below:
Exploration
“The Analysis Mode with the improved Exploration Discovery Scanner and Detailed Discovery Scanner, is a game-changing, brand new way for all Commanders to explore the Milky Way galaxy. After the initial scan of the system, you will then be able to tune your scanners to find stellar bodies and other phenomena. Unidentified Signal Sources and conflict zones will also appear as dotted lines within this mode, allowing you to easily track down interesting or important things within the system. Not only is this new system a more realistic, satisfying and engaging exploration experience, but now you will be able to make more informed decisions on where to look next, and you will be more rewarded for your time spent exploring. Commanders will now have probes at their disposal to map the planetary surfaces, and planetary rings, in detail, to locate points of interest and leave your mark on the galaxy in a different way.
“All of the above, in addition to the new in-game codex where Commanders will see a new way of recording their findings in both a collaborative and individual way, are just a few things coming with the changes to exploration. We’re barely scratching the surface here with the changes to exploration, so make sure to tune in to the livestream on 18 October, to find out more.
Mining
“Asteroid belts and planetary rings are about to get very busy. New tools and mechanics will provide a fresh, exciting and lucrative mining experience for all Elite Dangerous Commanders. Using new exploration mechanics, miners can investigate rings to locate the best spots to start their mining sessions, and then the best specific asteroids to probe and excavate for rewards. With the right amount of skill and expertise, the new Abrasion blaster, Sub-surface displacement missile, and Seismic charge launcher, will provide some exciting and explosive results.
“Want to go deeper with these features and learn more about mining? Tune in to the livestream on 1 November, to find out more.
Squadrons
“Squadrons is a new in-game way of uniting like-minded Commanders to support factions of their choice, take part in Community Goals together and compete for top spots in seasonal leader boards. New communication tools, including in-game chat channels, will help you blaze trails together, and leave your Squadron’s mark on the galaxy.
“Learn more about Squadrons in our livestream on 30 October.
“…and more!
“There’s a number of other huge changes coming to Elite Dangerous, including visual improvements, background simulation updates, and (yet to be revealed) cockpit interface changes, and other features that we can’t wait to tell you about.
“Prior to the introduction of the content on the beta, we’ll be hosting a number of deep-dive livestreams with developer guests, where we showcase the content and you have the chance to voice your questions and comments.
The Chapter Four content reveal livestreams will be on the following dates: Exploration, Codex and Visual Improvements – 18 October (19:00 BST) BGS and Scenario Interactions – 25 October (19:00 BST) Squadrons – 30 October (19:00 GMT) Mining – 01 November (19:00 GMT) The Ships – 8 November (19:00 GMT)
“If you’re not able to catch the streams, don’t worry! We will be posting a recap of the all the content unveiled shortly after each livestream.
Today, Tuesday the 28th August will see Frontier release the Chapter 3 update in the free Beyond series of updates. The game servers are expected to go down around 9am (BST) for around 7 hours. Once the patch notes and an official trailer are released they will appear in this post. You can also read about Chapter 3 content, here.
Frontier have released the patch notes for Chapter 3. You can see them below, on the official forum here or in the Patch Notes section (re-named from ‘Current Features’) of this website, here.
Chapter 3 – Patch Notes
Weapons
The following weapons have been added to outfitting (where applicable):
Large Dumbfire Missile
Large Seeking Missile
Large Torpedo Launcher
Large Multi Cannon (turret)
The following weapons have been added to the Human Tech Broker:
Small Shock Cannon (turret)
Small Shock Cannon (gimbal)
Small Shock Cannon (fixed)
The following weapons have been added to the Guardian Tech Broker
Small Guardian plasma launcher (turret)
Small Guardian plasma launcher (fixed)
Small Guardian Shard Cannon (turret)
Small Guardian Shard Cannon (fixed)
Small Guardian Gauss Cannon (fixed)
Ships
Crusader : Latest member of the Alliance ship group. A medium sized ship based on the Alliance Chieftain, with the additional space to carry a fighter bay.
Guardians
New Guardian sites added to space and planet surfaces for players to investigate.
Three Guardian fighters added (via Guardian tech brokers):
Trident (XG7) armed with a Plasma Auto Cannon
Javelin (XG8) armed with a Shard Launcher
Lance (XG9) armed with a Gauss Focus Cannon
Engineers
Players will now be able to work with a variety of Engineers across the Colonia region.
Wing Missions
Added two new wing mission types:
Planetary settlement hack
Planetary settlement disable
Fixes and Improvements
Art
Fixed some misaligned geometry at Pavlov Beacon
Audio
Increased the volume of the Archer COVAS pack
Galaxy Map/System Map
Renamed some systems that had duplicated names
General Fixes & Tweaks
Fixed some German localisation issues
Fixed some localisation issues with the unlock messages for Guardian technologies
Fixed issue where ships hitcheck is missing when player is in an SRV
Installations/POIs/USSs
Fixed a rare issue causing a resource extraction site to be incorrectly positioned outside an asteroid belt
Added missing interaction objects to Agricultural Installation
Fixed some improperly placed Guardian pylons
Fixed Skimmers not spawning correctly at Bova Point+
Missions
Fixed some instances of mission targets not appearing in mission specific signal sources
Fixed an issue with completing Source and Return missions
Fixed mission objectives not spawning for Dark Wheel Wetwork mission
Fixed some instances of Assassination missions not updating correctly when scanning a Nav Beacon
Fixed missing text in some mission messages
Fixed wing depot text incorrectly appearing in a non-wing variant
Powerplay
Fixed the 20% discount on Corrosion Resistant Cargo Racks not applying at an Edmund Mahon controlled station
Ships & SRV
Anaconda
Fixed the Pulse paintjob displaying incorrectly when your ship is damaged
Imperial Clipper
Improved some areas of the Military paintjob
Krait Mk. II
Fixed antenna that could only be seen from inside the cockpit
Fixed the order of the dashboard bobblehead slots
Fixed missing boost and thruster audio when in vanity camera
Fixed description inconsistencies
Fixed outfitting camera issues whilst in VR
Fixed missing UI audio for multi-crew members
Federal Drop Ship
Fixed incorrect name plate outfitting cameras
Stability Fixes
Fixed a memory related crash for Xbox One
Fixed a rare crash that could occur when in an Remote Engineer Workshop
Fixed a rare Galaxy Map crash
Fixed Xbox One crash that could occur when disconnecting a controller
Fixed a crash that could occur when activating data points at Penal Colony BV-2259
Fixed a crash that could occur when swapping modules
User Interface
Fixed the landing pad number being truncated when playing the game in Brazilian Portuguese
Weapons & Modules
Fixed Guardian Modules being listed incorrectly when playing the game in Russian
Fixed an issue whereby the turreted version of the Flechette Launcher would not show in outfitting if unlocked before the fixed version
Server Fixes and Tweaks
Demand for mined commodities during mining community goals should now be displayed in the commodity market’s demand column
Fix Commander module storage limits occasionally breaking when swapping multiple modules between storage & ship
Premium guardian synthesis recipes now use guardian materials, like the basic & standard guardian recipes
Markets at risk of being affected by Thargoid Sensor interference should more clearly advertise their increased demand for meta alloys
Update @ 5.50pm: Chapter 2 is now available to play, weighing in at about 1.8gb.
Frontier have announced that the servers for Chapter 2 will be down from 8am BST on the 28th June for a minimum of 9 hours. Updates will be given if this changes. PC Commanders should back up their key binds. Patch notes are at the bottom of this post and on the Elite: Dangerous – Current Features page. Whilst you’re waiting you can watch the Chapter 2 Live stream, here.
If you’ve not yet seen what will be coming in the Chapter 2 update you can view the trailer below or read about it here.
> PATCH NOTES >
CONTENT
Missions and Scenarios
Added new wing mining missions
Added new high threat USS’s, and missions that can direct players to them
Megaship and Installation Interactions
Added existing megaship interactions to installations
Added Escape Hatch interaction points to damaged megaships
Crime and Punishment
Players can now hand themselves in to security contacts, if they have outstanding bounties, and a zero notoriety rating. Players that hand themselves in will pay off the bounty and be deported to the nearest detention center
Relaxed the friendly fire thresholds against NPC ships, to lower the amount of erroneous crimes being handed out
Notoriety now decays whilst the player is docked
Players current notoriety level displayed in cockpit will no longer be potentially out of date
Relaxed the rules for Multicrew gunners so that they are less prone to accidental assault/reckless weapon discharge crimes
Horizons-only Content
Weapons
New weapons now available at applicable Tech Brokers:
Large Plasma Shock Cannon (Fixed, Gimbal, Turret)
Large Guardian Shard Cannon (Fixed, Turret)
Large Guardian Plasma Launcher (Fixed, Turret)
Modules
The Guardian FSD booster is once again available at the Guardian Tech Broker, now with improved fuel efficiency
Ships
Alliance Challenger – a medium sized ship, based on the Alliance Chieftain, that boasts a generous compliment of hard-points, whilst retaining the Chieftains characteristic agility. It also has stronger armour.
Krait Mk.II – a medium sized, multi-role ship, that trades defensive capability for speed, fire-power and maneuverability. The Krait Mk.II has space for two crew members and is capable of carrying a fighter bay
Narrative
New planetary sites added, with audio logs
Fixes and Improvements
Art
Fixed some missing effects on Guardian Artifacts
Audio
Fixed audio cutting out in supercruise near neutron stars
Background Simulation
Fixed war missions incorrectly offering influence rewards (influence during a war state has no actual effect)
Ensure that faction effects are the same from selling exploration data for pages as well as individual star systems, and balance those faction effects to have roughly the same galactic impact as before this release
Controls & Control Devices
Prevented Flight Assist from automatically re-enabling after exiting Supercruise
Engineers
Fixed an issue with fading text in the Engineers Cost help window
General Fixes & Tweaks
Numerous performance optimisations for hangers
Resolved some minor typos
Fixed some cut off text in material descriptions
Local news top 5 bounty list should ignore breaking characters from ship names
Fixed situations where ‘Last main sequence star’ info message can appear incorrectly
General stability fix for incorrectly replicated data between players
Holo-Me Creator
Fixed an issue that prevented players from saving their avatar with the Frontier Expo suit equipped
Installations/POIs/USSs
Implemented a maximum scan time multiplier to prevent excessively long scans on large Mega Ships and Installations
Fixed an underground destructible panel at a Guardian Structure
Missions
Removed the timed element from assassination missions, so that targets are no longer limited to spawning within a time window. Players can scan the systems local nav beacon to find the targets location.
Fixed Mentor missions showing incorrect reward choice upon completion
Raised pay-out rate for Elite Rank Mining Missions
Updated Salvage missions so that factions cannot be duplicated as both giver and target
Updated the mission timer for Massacre Thargoid Wing Missions so it matches the non-Wing variant of this mission
Fix wing mission rewards from trade missions to award trade rank to multicrew crew members as well as the helm
Colonia factions have started issuing mission tip offs for the region
NPCs
Ramming a guardian sentinel will no longer give you a bounty
Outfitting
Fixed long description texts for experimental modules not appearing properly under the “Read More” section in Outfitting
PlayStation 4
Fixed an issue that could occur when playing the combat tutorial while background installation is in progress
Fix for an issue where the “Put Your Fighters Up” Trophy was not being awarded when fighter ships were launched from your ship by an AI pilot
On Tuesday the 25th June 2018 at 7pm BST Frontier will host a pre-launch stream for the upcoming Chapter 2 release in the Beyond series. A Frontier post on the official forum read,
Hello Commanders,
So, you’ve heard the news? No? Well, we’re pleased to announce that, in the 3.1 update (coming this Thursday), the long-awaited Krait MK II will be making an appearance!
Commanders across the galaxy will soon be in the cockpit of the Krait MK II… but, before any of that, Ed and I will be taking to the stars in a Krait of our own, showing it off in all of its awesome glory!
Join us live on 26 June at 7:00 PM BST on our YouTube channel, where we’ll be taking a closer inspection of the latest ship coming to Elite Dangerous!
Elite: Odyssey 