Exploring Airless Worlds in Elite Dangerous: Horizons – A Comprehensive Guide

The Horizons DLC for “Elite Dangerous” significantly expands gameplay by introducing the thrilling capability of Planetary Landings. Players can now engage with the diverse surfaces of airless planets and moons, allowing for a variety of exploration and engagement activities. Below is a detailed guide on navigating planetary landings and effectively using the Surface Recon Vehicle (SRV).

Planetary Landings Overview

1. Approach and Descent:
– Begin your approach to the planet in Orbital Cruise mode, where you can assess your trajectory.
– When you are within a reasonable distance from the surface, drop out of Orbital Cruise to enter glide mode.
– During glide mode, descend smoothly until you reach an altitude of approximately 7 km, at which point you will transition into planetary flight.

2. Navigating Landing Procedures:
– As you get closer to the surface, pay attention to local terrain features. Some planets feature settlements, forts, rare minerals, and even pirate bases.
– When targeting a docking pad at a planetary base, ensure you request docking permission and approach from the designated outer angle to avoid collisions with surrounding structures and terrain.

3. Engagement Opportunities:
– In addition to exploration, you may encounter combat scenarios both in orbit and on the surface. This includes engaging in skirmishes at surface stations or defending against pirate attacks.

Using the Surface Recon Vehicle (SRV)

The SRV is your primary tool for on-ground exploration, providing capabilities essential for gathering resources and uncovering points of interest:

1. Deployment and Driving:
– Deploy the SRV from your ship once you’ve landed or located a suitable surface point.
– Utilize its off-road capabilities to navigate various terrains—this is critical as terrain can affect handling and speed.

2. Resource Collection:
– The SRV is equipped with a turret gun that can be aimed to shoot at mineral outcrops, allowing you to collect materials.
– After shooting a mineral outcrop, enable your cargo scoop, target the resulting fragments, and drive over them to collect minerals.

3. Scanner Features:
– Utilize the wave scanner to detect nearby minerals and anomalies, making exploration more efficient by helping pinpoint areas of interest.

4. Mission Objectives:
– Missions often require players to engage in exploration, scanning, or combat while using the SRV. Pay attention to mission briefings to successfully complete objectives.

Key Tips for Successful Planetary Landings

– Positioning for Descent:
– Drop from orbital cruise within a designated area, ideally within 5 km of your target.
– Manage your glide angle carefully: too steep may lead to emergency landings and potential ship damage, while too shallow risks premature disengagement from glide.

– Safe Landing Techniques:
– Lower your landing gear and switch to your terrain scanner when under 75 meters to assist with identifying a safe landing spot.

– Docking Procedures:
– Familiarize yourself with the layout of planetary bases. Approach docking pads from the correct direction to ensure a secure docking process.

Conclusion

The Horizons DLC enriches the exploration aspect of “Elite Dangerous” through the exhilarating mechanic of planetary landings and on-surface exploration with the SRV. By mastering these systems, players can delve into the depths of unknown worlds, collect valuable resources, and embark on various missions that expand their adventure in the galaxy. Embrace the exploration spirit and enjoy the vast possibilities that await you on airless planets and moons.