Elite Dangerous is continuing its expanse by adding new gameplay features and a continuing storyline involving the Thargoid’s increased presence in known space. The next chapter in the Beyond series will launch soon, with a staged beta coming on October 23.

Beginning October 23, a staged beta for Beyond – Chapter Four will be available to all PC Elite: Dangerous and Elite: Dangerous Horizons owners. Over the course of the beta, players can get hands-on with all key aspects of the update, including:

Exploration

A new 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 galaxy. After an initial scan of the system, players will then be able to tune their scanners to find stellar bodies and other phenomena. Unidentified Signal Sources and conflict zones will also appear, allowing players 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 also provides players with the freedom to make more informed decisions on where to look next, and be ultimately better rewarded for time spent exploring. Commanders will now have probes that can be arced onto planetary surfaces, and planetary rings, to map them in detail, locate points of interest and leave their mark on the galaxy in a new 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. With the right amount of skill and expertise, Commanders can create an awesome asteroid detonation before sweeping up the spoils.

Squadrons

Squadrons is a new way of uniting like-minded Commanders in Elite: Dangerous. Players will be able to take part in Community Goals together and compete for top spots, and bragging rights, in weekly leaderboards. New communication tools such as in-game chat channels and a new web portal, give players the freedom to manage their Squadron and collectively blaze their trail across the galaxy.

To prepare for the eventual launch of Chapter Four, Frontier Developments will hold several live streams covering a variety of topics. The schedule is set as follows:

  • Exploration, Codex, and Visual Improvements – 18 October (19:00 BST)
  • BGS and Scenario Interactions – 25 October (19:00 BST)
  • Squadrons – 30 October (19:00 BST)
  • Mining – 01 November (19:00 BST)
  • The Ships – 8 November (19:00 GMT)

The beta will run in stages spanning a four week period as outlined in the graphic above. If you’ve taken some time away from Elite: Dangerous, now may be the perfect time to revisit it!