Back in the mid-1980s there was one video game that absolutely everyone had to play. That game was Elite. Pushing the boundaries of what was possible at the time, it came with a huge open universe to explore, trading routes to take in, and enough narcotics to keep the galactic adventurers happy. It was a bit of a phenomenon. It wasn’t until many years later though, with the launch of Elite Dangerous when the franchise became known to a new generation of gamers. But when it arrived, it did so in style. And ever since that time it has evolved too, with the base game complemented by the huge Horizons expansion to ensure those heading off around the galaxy were well catered for. But now things are getting better still, as Elite Dangerous: Horizons gets set to become freely available for all Elite Dangerous players.
Currently available via the Elite Dangerous: Horizons Season Pass for £19.99, Horizons will soon become free to download for all Elite players, bringing with it additional bringing planetary landings, surface recon vehicles and more. When will this happen? Well, October 27th 2020 is the date you should be putting in your diaries.
It is then when Frontier Developments will push out a major free update for the long running space epic, the highlight of which will include the rich season of content found in Horizons becoming folded in to the base game for free. Players will receive the complete Horizons experience via a free update to Elite Dangerous on Xbox One, PS4 and PC, with those who previously purchased Horizons first in line to receive an exclusive Azure paint job compatible with all 41 ships that are currently available in game.
If you are unaware, Elite Dangerous: Horizons brings planetary landings to the Elite Dangerous galaxy. But it also brings together weapon crafting, ship-launched fighters and exhilarating multicrew co-op action. It is this premium expansion that changed up the base game of Elite Dangerous, also allowing players to put wheels on the ground and explore the galaxy up-close with the SRV Scarab ground vehicle, giving access to many surface star ports and other locations.
With 2020 proving to be a stellar year for Elite Dangerous’ fans, with the launch of the free Fleet Carriers update in June and the announcement of a new multi-arc player driven narrative, the arrival of Horizons for free is just the icing on the cake. These developments will culminate with the launch of Elite Dangerous’ most ambitious expansion yet, Odyssey, which will see players able to combine space flight with first-person on foot gameplay on light atmospheric worlds in early 2021.
Before that, hold tight for the October 27th to roll around, at which Horizons will become free to enjoy for all Elite Dangerous players. Let us know in the comments if that is something which will entice you into galactic navigation. The official launch trailer from Horizons arrival is down below.
