Welcome, Commander! If you’re new to Elite Dangerous in 2025, you’re about to embark on a thrilling journey across the vast, open galaxy—one filled with endless possibilities. However, getting started in Elite can feel overwhelming due to the game’s depth and complexity. Don’t worry; this guide will help you get the best start possible, whether you want to be a trader, explorer, combat pilot, or something in between.

Step 1: Complete the Tutorials

The first thing you should do is complete the in-game tutorials. These tutorials cover essential aspects of gameplay, such as:

• Basic Flight Controls: Learn how to maneuver your ship.
• Combat Training: Get familiar with weapons, targeting, and combat maneuvers.
• Docking and Supercruise: Mastering docking procedures and travel mechanics is crucial.

Taking the time to complete these will give you a solid foundation and reduce frustration when you start playing in the open world.

Step 2: Choose Your Starting Path

Elite Dangerous offers various career paths. Here are some popular options for beginners:

1. Trading:

   • Buy low, sell high. Trading goods between stations is a great way to earn credits early on.
   • Look for trade routes with high-profit margins, and upgrade your cargo hold as soon as possible.

2. Mining:

   • Mining can be very lucrative, especially with the right tools and in the right systems.
   • Focus on finding hotspots for valuable resources like Painite and Platinum.

3. Bounty Hunting:

   • If combat is your thing, start by taking low-level bounty missions.
   • Stick to systems with a high security rating to reduce the risk of being overwhelmed by enemies.

4. Exploration:

   • If you love the idea of venturing into the unknown, equip a ship with a Detailed Surface Scanner and start scanning unexplored systems.
   • Exploration can be a peaceful and profitable path, especially with bonuses for first discoveries.

Step 3: Get the Right Ship for the Job

Your starting Sidewinder is a great all-around ship, but you’ll want to upgrade as soon as you can afford it. Here are some recommended early-game ships based on different roles:

• Hauler: Perfect for trading and transportation missions.
• Eagle: A nimble ship ideal for combat beginners.
• Adder: A versatile ship suitable for both trading and light combat.
• Cobra MkIII: A fantastic multipurpose ship that can handle trading, combat, and exploration.

Step 4: Earn Credits and Reputation

In Elite Dangerous, credits are essential for upgrading ships and equipment. Reputation with different factions also plays a key role in unlocking missions and perks.

• Missions: Start by accepting missions from the mission board. Look for ones that match your chosen career path.
• Community Goals: Participating in community-driven goals can offer significant rewards.
• Passenger Missions: Once you have a ship with passenger cabins, these missions can be highly lucrative.

Step 5: Why Finding a Mentor is a Great Idea

Elite Dangerous is a complex game with a steep learning curve. One of the best ways to accelerate your progress is by finding a mentor—an experienced player who can guide you through the intricacies of the game.

Benefits of Having a Mentor:

• Personalized Guidance: A mentor can help you understand complex mechanics, such as engineering, Powerplay, and background simulation.
• Efficient Progression: With a mentor’s advice, you can avoid common pitfalls and focus on activities that yield the best rewards.
• Combat Training: Practice with a mentor can greatly improve your combat skills, from dogfighting tactics to outfitting your ship.
• Community Integration: Mentors can introduce you to player groups and events, helping you feel more connected to the game’s community.

Join Our Mentor Program

At ED Social, we believe in building a strong community where new commanders can thrive. That’s why we’ve launched the ED Social Mentor Program—a dedicated initiative to pair new players with experienced commanders.

How It Works:

1. Sign Up: New commanders can sign up through our mentor program page.
2. Get Paired: Based on your preferred playstyle (trading, combat, exploration, etc.), we’ll pair you with a mentor who specializes in that area.
3. Start Learning: Once paired, you can communicate with your mentor through our forums, live chat, or direct messages.

Become a Mentor: If you’re an experienced commander who loves helping others, consider becoming a mentor! It’s a great way to give back to the community and share your knowledge with the next generation of commanders.

Final Tips for New Commanders

1. Fly Safe: Always have enough credits for the insurance cost of your ship. Never fly without a rebuy!
2. Stay Curious: Elite Dangerous is a game about exploration and discovery—both of the galaxy and of its mechanics.
3. Get Involved: Join community events, forums, and discussions. The more you engage with other players, the richer your experience will be.

Welcome to the galaxy, Commander. Your journey is just beginning, and the stars are waiting. With the right start, a great mentor, and the support of the ED Social community, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.

Fly safe, and see you among the stars!