"Elite: Dangerous" players with Lifetime Expansion Pass are now in for some out-of-this world treats from Frontier Developments. The developers are all geared up to promote the Horizons expansion as it's nearing its official landing at the end of the year. But the CQC Championships is set to land first this September.
The Horizons expansion for "Elite: Dangerous" that was first introduced last month at Gamescom will be its first major paid update. Players will be introduced to different planet surfaces and the new Surface Recon Vehicle (SRV) Scarab. These unique worlds offer new surface gameplay opportunities; as players detect signals, crashes ships, mineral deposits, outposts and fortresses, and embark on raids on the surface. The game can be played alone or with friends, on the ground or above the skies with different array of activities -from exploring, mining, engaging battles against hostile forces, to infiltrating strongholds guarding valuable rewards.
Players who have Lifetime Expansion Pass can gain access to all existing and future seasons of "Elite: Dangerous", according to VRFocus. The pass automatically enables players to participate in the game's beta builds, allowing them to have a first-hand look at future releases and exclusive content. This pass privilege will only be available until September 15.
On the other hand, current "Elite: Dangerous" players who purchase the Lifetime Extension Pass will have a $15 loyalty discount and will also get the exclusive Cobra Mak IV when ordered at the Frontier Store. This item will be added to the player's account once the expansion is released.
According to PC Gamer, the $45 price for the Horizons expansion seem to place a disadvantage at existing members, even with the $15 loyalty discount slashed to the retail price. New "Elite: Dangerous" members will pay for the game and the Horizons expansion for only $60. Project Manager Dowie was interviewed at PAX Prime and stood by the price asserting that the Horizons is "an entire season of expansions," and not just planetary landings. He can't disclose any important details yet, as they "don't want to spoil it for everyone."
Meanwhile, as players wait for the Horizons expansion, they have the CQC Championships to attend to first as it is said to be released in September. This new game mode was shown by Frontier Developments at PAX Prime.
According to Tom's Hardware, CQC was originally available for Xbox One players only, but the beta version is out now for PC gamers as well. Different from "Elite: Dangerous" core game, CQC offers a more competitive format. The instant-action combats are positioned in smaller maps; in which players wrestle for online rankings to be the prime commander in the universe.
This module is a separate item from the full game. Executive Producer Ben Dowie said that fans enjoy this split. It was a relief from using ships and building modules that take so much time and money to accomplish. But, there might be a possibility, also, that it CQC might make its way into the large universe.
With these new and different expansions coming up for Elite: Dangerous, no wonder players are getting confused over the add-on features and pricing as well. It's good that Frontier Developments confronted this head-on though. But, the developers should strap on as well as the CQC Championships and other expansions are just on the horizon.
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