How Long To Beat Elite Dangerous

Elite Dangerous: The Game That's Older Than Your Average House Plant

Alright, gather 'round, dear space cadets. I've got a tale to tell about a game that's as vast as the cosmos itself, and as mysterious as the black hole that swallowed your favorite socks. I'm talking about Elite Dangerous, the space simulator that's been around longer than your grandma's favorite baking recipe.

Now, you might be wondering, "How long does it take to beat this interstellar behemoth?" Well, buckle up, because we're about to embark on a journey through the stars, and I promise you, it's not as simple as counting down from three and shouting "Blast off!"

First Things First: What's the Main Course?

Elite Dangerous is a game that's as multi-layered as a triple chocolate fudge cake. At its core, it's a space simulator that lets you explore the Milky Way galaxy, trade, fight, and generally cause (or prevent) chaos among the stars. But here's the thing: there's no traditional 'story' or 'ending'. It's more like a really, really big sandbox where you can do whatever your space-loving heart desires.

So, when we talk about 'beating' Elite Dangerous, we're not talking about a final boss battle or a cutscene that wraps everything up with a neat little bow. No, no, no. We're talking about a journey, a pilgrimage, if you will, through the stars. And like any good pilgrimage, it's all about the journey, not the destination.

So, How Long's This Pilgrimage Gonna Take?

Alright, let's get down to business. The short answer? It depends. The long answer? Well, grab a coffee, because we're about to dive into the cosmic equivalent of a choose-your-own-adventure book.

If you're a casual commander, just dipping your toes into the vast expanse of space, you might spend around 20-30 hours exploring the galaxy, doing some trading, and maybe getting into the odd skirmish. But remember, this is Elite Dangerous we're talking about, not some quick-fix, instant-gratification game. This is a commitment, like adopting a pet or signing up for a gym membership.

On the other hand, if you're a hardcore commander, the kind who's serious about making a name for themselves in the galaxy, you're looking at a time investment that's measured in months, if not years. We're talking about commanders who've spent over 1,000 hours in the game, exploring every nook and cranny of the galaxy, and still finding new things to do.

And then there are the role-players, the ones who take Elite Dangerous' open-ended nature to the extreme. They're the ones who spend hours upon hours creating backstories for their characters, getting involved in complex political plots, and generally living out their own space opera. For them, Elite Dangerous is less a game and more a way of life. (And yes, I'm looking at you, that CMDR who spent a week role-playing as a space trucker.)

But What About the Milestones?

Alright, so we've established that Elite Dangerous is a game that's as time-consuming as baking a soufflé, but what about the milestones? Surely there are some achievements that mark your progress through the game?

Well, yes, there are. Elite Dangerous has a ranking system that goes from 'Harmless' (the rank you start with) all the way up to 'Elite' (the rank you aspire to). Each rank requires a certain number of kills, bounties collected, or trade value, and achieving them is a significant milestone in your space career.

ELITE DANGEROUS - Exploration Guide - Part Six (Complete System Map

But here's the thing: even after you've reached 'Elite' status, there's still so much more to do. You can specialize in different areas, like engineering, combat, or exploration. You can become a member of one of the game's many player groups, like the Canonn Interstellar Research Group or the Pleiades Nexus. You can even become a pirate, a bounty hunter, or a space cop. The possibilities are as endless as the cosmos itself.

But Wait, There's More!

But wait, you say, what about the expansions? Elite Dangerous has had several expansions since its release, each one adding new content and features to the game. And yes, you're right, they do add to the game's length. But here's the thing: they're not required to 'beat' the game. They're just extra content, like the bonus features on a DVD.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you shouldn't play the expansions. They're fantastic, and they add a whole new layer to the game. But they're not necessary to 'complete' Elite Dangerous. It's like having a delicious cake and then deciding to add some frosting and sprinkles. The cake is still delicious without them, but who are we to deny ourselves the joy of frosting and sprinkles?

So, Should I Bring a Blanket and a Thermos?

Alright, so we've established that Elite Dangerous is a game that's as time-consuming as growing a beard (trust me, I've done both), but is it worth it? Well, that depends on what you're looking for in a game.

If you're the kind of player who likes a clear beginning, middle, and end, Elite Dangerous might not be for you. But if you're the kind of player who likes to explore, to create your own story, to be part of a vast, living, breathing galaxy, then Elite Dangerous is the game for you.

So, should you bring a blanket and a thermos? Well, that's up to you. But remember, the galaxy is a big place, and there's no time limit on your exploration. So take your time, enjoy the journey, and who knows? You might just find something amazing along the way.

And if all else fails, you can always blame your lack of progress on the game's infamously difficult controls. I mean, have you seen how many buttons there are on a spaceship?