Elite Dangerous — Is It Worth Playing?

Take control of your own starship and blaze your trail in an ever-changing galaxy.

Apr 2, 2015Shooterby Frontier Developments$4.99
Quick verdict Elite Dangerous holds 77% positive across 81,470 Steam reviews. It's on our trending radar. If you enjoy Shooter games like Enter the Chronosphere, GET OUT! – A Very Bad Dreams Story, MECH OPS 2092, it's an easy one to check out.

About Elite Dangerous

Discover the next chapter of the legendary Elite saga. Elite Dangerous is the definitive massively multiplayer space epic, bringing gaming’s original 1984 open world adventure to the modern generation with a seamless, connected galaxy, a player‑shaped evolving narrative, and the entire Milky Way recreated at full galactic scale. Against this vast backdrop, take to the stars in your own starship and do whatever it takes to survive in an ever-changing futuristic galactic sandbox. Acquire wealth and power, develop your skills and knowledge, and earn the right to stand tall among the ranks of the iconic Elite. In an age of galactic superpowers and interstellar war, your story influences the connected experience and handcrafted evolving narrative. From discovering new worlds, to exhilarating space combat and a fully-realised economy for trade, the galaxy is waiting. The 400-billion star systems of the Milky Way form the vast and dynamic stage for Elite Dangerous' open-ended gameplay. Constructed using real astronomical data, the stars, planets, moons, asteroid belts, and black holes of our galaxy are rendered at true galactic scale. Chart a course through star systems never before visited by other Commanders and explore the surface of strange and unfamiliar worlds with a Surface Recon Vehicle. Over 35 distinct spacecraft are ready for you to command, from lightweight exploration vessels to gigantic behemoths ready for battle. Build a diverse collection of ships and outfit them to match your playstyle. Customise every component, weapon and optional module to enhance and alter your ships’ capabilities. Hunt, explore, fight, mine, smuggle and trade across the galaxy. Forge your path solo or with up to three friends in a Wing. Join a Squadron full of like-minded Commanders and share the highs and lows of your interstellar adventures together. With the System Colonisation mechanic, the power to claim and expand your very own star systems is in your hands. Whether creating a thriving new economy, a bustling trade hub, or a new port of operations, the galaxy awaits your vision. The Elite Dangerous galaxy revolves around players’ actions. In an age of galactic superpowers and interstellar war, every player’s personal story influences the space simulation and handcrafted, evolving narrative. Co-operate with fellow Commanders in pivotal Community Goal events that can permanently alter the state of the galaxy, earning exclusive rewards and recognition for your contribution in the process. Align with a galactic superpower and alter the interstellar landscape with Powerplay. Support your power or undermine a rival through a variety of means, from hacking starport advertisements to attacking gigantic Stronghold Carriers. Every contribution matters. Experience unpredictable encounters with other players in a vast, massively multiplayer space. Experience the connected galaxy alone in Solo mode or with players across the world in Open Play, where every pilot you face could become a trusted ally or your deadliest enemy. The universe of Elite Dangerous continues to grow and expand with new features and content. Regular major updates provide new opportunities and gameplay for you to discover and change the way you play.

Description via Steam.

Key Stats

24h peak players
8,168
Steam reviews
77% · 81,470
Genre
Shooter
Developer
Frontier Developments
Release
Apr 2, 2015
Price
$4.99

Should You Play Elite Dangerous?

Who it's for: fans of Shooter games like Enter the Chronosphere, GET OUT! – A Very Bad Dreams Story, MECH OPS 2092.

Discover the next chapter of the legendary Elite saga. Elite Dangerous is the definitive massively multiplayer space epic, bringing gaming’s original 1984 open world adventure to the modern generation with a seamless, connected galaxy, a player‑shaped evolving narrative, and the entire Milky Way recreated at full galactic scale. Against this vast backdrop, take to the stars in your own starship and do whatever it takes to survive in an ever-changing futuristic galactic sandbox. Acquire wealth and power, develop your skills and knowledge, and earn the rig…

Elite Dangerous is co-op and multiplayer on Steam and runs on Windows. It's on our trending radar right now.

▶ Get Elite Dangerous on Steam →

Opens the official Steam store page.

System Requirements & Platforms

View PC requirements & supported platforms

Platforms: Windows

Minimum

OS *: Windows 8/10 64-bit · Processor: Quad Core CPU (4 x 2Ghz) · Memory: 6 GB RAM · Graphics: Nvidia GTX 470/AMD R7 240 · DirectX: Version 11 · Network: Broadband Internet connection · Storage: 25 GB available space · VR Support: SteamVR. Keyboard or gamepad required

Recommended

OS *: Windows 8/10 64-bit · Processor: Intel Core i7-3770K Quad Core CPU or better / AMD FX 4350 Quad Core CPU or better · Memory: 8 GB RAM · Graphics: Nvidia GTX 770 / AMD Radeon R9 280X · DirectX: Version 11 · Network: Broadband Internet connection · Storage: 25 GB available space · Additional Notes: Supports SteamVR, Oculus Rift and TrackIR

Elite Dangerous — Frequently Asked Questions

When does Elite Dangerous release?
Elite Dangerous released on Apr 2, 2015 and is available now on Steam.
What kind of game is Elite Dangerous?
Elite Dangerous is a Shooter game. Take control of your own starship and blaze your trail in an ever-changing galaxy.
Is Elite Dangerous multiplayer or co-op?
Yes — Elite Dangerous supports co-op and multiplayer on Steam.
Is Elite Dangerous on Steam Deck or consoles?
Elite Dangerous runs on Windows via Steam; Steam Deck compatibility has not been confirmed. No console release has been confirmed.
How much does Elite Dangerous cost?
Elite Dangerous is priced at $4.99 on Steam.
What are Elite Dangerous's system requirements?
The developer has not published detailed system requirements yet.
Is Elite Dangerous worth playing in 2026?
Mostly yes — 77% of Elite Dangerous's 81,470 Steam reviews are positive. A solid pick in 2026 if the genre appeals to you.
Who made Elite Dangerous?
Elite Dangerous is developed by Frontier Developments.
What games is Elite Dangerous similar to?
Elite Dangerous sits alongside Shooter games such as Enter the Chronosphere, GET OUT! – A Very Bad Dreams Story, MECH OPS 2092.
What platforms is Elite Dangerous on?
Elite Dangerous is available on Windows.

Data & media via Steam · updated 2026-07-17 · all trending games →