Elite Dangerous: Odyssey launches as a true alpha, will run for several weeks

Elite Dangerous: Odyssey, the highly anticipated expansion of Frontier Developments’ cross-platform space game, hits PC alpha on Monday. It turns out this will be a real alpha, not a promotional event. It will include a gradual rollout of new features and will require a lot of testing with the help of the community. Only those who have purchased a Lifetime Expansion Pass or have already pre-ordered the module will be allowed to participate at this time.

Since its launch in 2014, Elite was purely a space flight and driving simulation, putting players in control of exotic contraptions and sending them on their way through a massive simulation of the Milky Way. With Odyssey, players will be able to step onto billions of unknown worlds for the first time – and rampage over AI and each other with new FPS weapons and gear.

But, like most things in Elite, the most exciting parts of this upgrade will require a little patience.

Image: Frontier Developments

“The Elite Dangerous: Odyssey The PC Alpha phase will run over several weeks, ”Frontier said in a press release Monday,“ gradually introducing gamers to new gaming features and increasing the amount of content they can access. This progressive roadmap will give the Dangerous Elite development team invaluable data to adjust and refine the gaming experience before OdysseyThe full release of PC in late spring. “

The first phase will focus on “basic systems and network functionality”. Players will be limited to foot play only and will be limited to a one star system. Several suits and weapons will be available, complemented by “a selection of activities, including rescue, collection and delivery”.

From there, Phase Two will expand into the proper combat with access to the mercenary company Frontline Solutions. In-game showcases will take players to the battlefields of the universe and back again. It is only during the third phase that players can earn “First Footfall” by setting foot on planets. Finally, Phase Four will grant players a copy of their existing in-game accounts to play in a more unstructured manner. This phase will focus on interoperability and combined weapons, combining for the first time aircraft carriers, ship-launched fighters and wheeled surface vehicles.

There is still no firm release date for the PC release of Elite Dangerous: Odyssey outside a window – late spring 2021. Release for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One is currently slated for fall.