>-.--'<^>'--.-<


Press Ctrl+f and enter keyword top right to search the guide.



Most issues wrt elite:
Restart steam and/or try again later.
-steam auth servers can be finicky.
(only one account per copy)


Game not installing/starting:
Elite can take a long time to start up due to net & shaders, so it's a good idea to make sure it is not a firewall, antivirus or disc capacity/temp files issue. (there are ~85000 files to download)

(steam mainly; for humble bundle, epic or standalone see * below)
1 Do not close launcher/browser while creating account/verifying. (all)
2 Install the game, create account and link with steam there, then enter verification code.
3 Important: enter verification code, only once! Then close launcher & restart steam.
-do remember to log in with steam on the launcher. ;)

Registration can take a while, in the meantime i recommend reading the manual[hosting.zaonce.net] (you need the information)
Updated version:
https://thecakeisaliegaming.wordpress.com/2015/01/25/getting-started-in-elite-dangerous-a-guide/


"Account does not own Elite Dangerous":
https://steamhost.cn/steamcommunity_com/app/359320/discussions/8/6770657417433259890/?ctp=2#c6770657417439139100 (post #30 p2 in the thread)


"Failed to communicate with server":
First check correct email/account is being used, or log out on launcher then restart steam.
Not all ISPs work well with elite, and in some cases VPN won't work either.
IF your net supports IPv6, enable it INGAME and turn OFF IPv4, restart steam.


* Login failure (orange login box):
https://steamhost.cn/steamcommunity_com/app/359320/discussions/8/592885886403809013/#c592886231027750032

* Login loop / "Verification sent to your email":
Input the code once, close launcher(all windows) and restart steam.


* Play demo/Humble bundle:
https://steamhost.cn/steamcommunity_com/app/359320/discussions/0/2998794978524809206/
You may need to go to https://tools.elitedangerous.com/register, and enter your key.
(no matter what, you need to restart steam after linking if doing so)

"Purchase/Redeem":

Originally posted by frontier support:

""We are aware that this issue has been encountered sporadically before and primarily advise that, should it happen again in the future, you do not take action against your account linking in order to independently fix the issue but await further information via official Elite Dangerous channels.""

More information: https://steamhost.cn/steamcommunity_com/app/359320/discussions/8/5260781909044831442/

* Transfer from epic to frontier:
Guide link (need to buy from frontier directly; ie no steam)
https://steamhost.cn/steamcommunity_com/app/359320/discussions/0/3784750917893388156/

Can't Connect / update issue
Ingame - Options - Network <- make sure settings are correct. Restart after changing.
IF your ISP supports IPv6, disable IPv4 ingame - network, and enable IPv6.
You can also enable portforwarding[customersupport.frontier.co.uk] if you have a static IP.
Flushing your DNS cache can sometimes help: winkey+r, write: ipconfig /flushdns, press enter

Click play nothing happens (gray button; game doesn't start):
First ensure that if using third party AV it has an exception for elitedangerous/launcher.
Otherwise make sure to update MS C++ (2019-22 redist x86/x64) and .net framework.
Last option is to:
Top of launcher, click CMDR name> Settings> Language> English/System> Apply.
Restart steam and it should work.


Elite Launcher scaling issue:
Rightclick edlaunch.exe in the game folder - Select Properties
Select Compatibility Tab > Change high DPI settings
Check the box "Use this setting to fix scaling problems..."
In the list "Use the DPI that's set for my main display when" set it to "I open this program"
In the "High DPI scaling override box " select the check box and set to "System"
Click OK, OK

Horizons/Odyssey blankscreen/infinite loading:
First restart your PC to make sure that it's not a driver hang.
\Elite Dangerous\Products\elite-dangerous-XYZ-64\OptionDefaults
Back up and delete the files in that folder, and then start the launcher.
Start the game.

Menus slow/hang:
Sometimes the routing takes a while to catch up, and it can seem like the game is stopped.
Waiting a bit for the menu will usually route the connection, improving the session.

Neverending "Preparing...":
First try unchecking "Enable Virtual Cache" on the launcher and restart it. (can take a long time)
Otherwise update your graphics driver, or do a rollback. (WHQL is a good option; Use DDU)

Odyssey not showing:
Log in to the elite webpage and re-link with steam there, then restart steam.
That should make Odyssey show up. (sync can take a while so be patient)

"Potato" quality / Frequent crashing:
Turn off FSR ingame - Options - Graphics.
Make sure your GPU&VRAM are up to spec (elite really dislikes misconfigured hardware)
Remove any and all .xml tweaks; consider a configuration file purge next.
Verify & validate game files (both steam & launcher) after.

Stutters/Freezing:
If you have an nvidia card, open the driver control panel and set "latency" to "ultra".
(newer issue that can also affect certain other games)


VR not working:
In SteamVR developer settings check "enable direct display mode".


Any other issue, go through this list:

Configuration / Graphics issue

• {Windowskey+R}, type %localappdata%, {Enter}.
  \Frontier Developments\Elite Dangerous\Options <-backup & delete as needed.
  (verify game files, then start+close game after; elite often needs restarting after option changes)

General:
Elite Launcher - small arrow top left - log out, restart steam & log back in.
(again, authentication can sometimes take a while, so be patient)

Install / update issue
Rightclick Elite in steam - Properties - Verify Game Files
Rightclick Elite in steam - Properties - Verify dlc winged
Steam - Settings - Downloads - Clear download cache
Steam - Settings - Downloads - Download Region

Elite Launcher - small arrow top left - Settings:

• Check For Game Updates
  
• Validate Game Files

Elite Launcher - small arrow top left - Settings:

• (Uncheck)Enable Virtual cache <- this can fix slow download/working.../updating launcher.
  
• Log out / machine <- restart steam and make sure to log in w steam on launcher.

Over the years, there are periods where the website and/or authentication infrastructure is under maintenance (steam too!), so if it isn't working, assume that. Give it time.


___________________________________________________________
Issue unresolvable: search the forums, both steam & official; send a ticket to support:
https://customersupport.frontier.co.uk/hc/en-us
(login/use search, top right of page)
___________________________________________________________



eop

Do not mistake fdev for frontier .com



General advice:
FDEV webpages needs cookieblockers turned off to work. (recaptcha/login loop)
Elite uses p2p, and not all ISPs fully supports this. (upnp/multicrew/ship error)
Elite does not like misconfigured RAM; XMP is fine tho.
(check your BIOS settings if)



Advanced issues:

• IF you bought the game after april '19 (HumbleBundle may be excepted),
  you won't have a key and need to get the verification code after setting up your fdev acc.
  For some players, clicking "log out machine"(top right - Options) on the launcher, and then restarting launcher+steam has enabled the "steam launch button".
  
  
  
• "AMD Ryzen CPU 16+ core":
  (take note that this is not an elite-only suggestion; you may have to tweak the settings)
  The amount of processors can bork some games which might boot to a black screen or hang.
  Download the AMD Ryzen overclocking tool called "Ryzen Master".
  In the program, check the options such as "Legacy Compatibility Mode" or others.
  You may have to restart the PC after making changes.
  NB. Search the net for instructions on how to use the program properly before applying!!
  
  
• "Controller / Keyboard issue":
  Select/copy-rename your preset as per the instructions below ("Keybinds issue"), and make sure you have turned off the steam controller overlay. (this applies to some keyboards too!)
  (right click Elite in steam - Properties - Controller - Disabled/Off)
  
  
• "Disc write error":
  Originally posted by Crowmire:
  Go to Steam/logs/content_log.txt and open that file in notepad. See if theres error note on a file on the bottom/elite-related. If yes, delete that file. This way I was able to re-install the game.
  
  
• "Error code | COLOUR ł SHIPNAME |":
  1. Main Menu - Help & Info - Stuck Recovery <- can fix saves; restart the game.
  2. It may also be an issue with the graphics driver, requiring a rollback or update.
  3. Else: https://customersupport.frontier.co.uk/hc/en-us/articles/4405945255954-What-does-the-connection-error-I-am-seeing-mean-
  
  
  
• /Advanced+:
  Open the CMD prompt as administrator, type the below, and do not skip the reboots.
  
  ipconfig /flushdns
  netsh winsock reset
  -- reboot --
  netsh int ip reset
  -- reboot --
  nbtstat -R
  -- reboot --
  
  
  
• "Failed to syncronise time with server. The application will now exit."
  Disable IPv6 OR enable IPv6 & disable IPv4. Both ingame & network.
  
  
• "Framerate/Hash mismatch issue / NULL_POINTER_WRITE_c0000005_Error":
  Disable Crossfire/SLI in driverHQ(if you are not using it) & turn off any exotic hooks/overlays.
  -this includes, and is not limited to: discord, rivatuner, nvidia ansel, asus game first VI etc.
  (there are some specific settings that will make crossfire/SLI run as intended if you are running it; search the net for "AFR compatible/stock profile")
  Example thread: https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/does-elite-dangerous-support-sli-for-two-graphics-cards.579195/
  Graphics Settings walkthrough by Exigeous: https://youtu.be/G7efYzpquIs
  
  
• "Keybinds issue":
  Press windowskey+r, type %localappdata%, press enter
  (folder is hidden by default, so may ask permission)
  
  Navigate to \Frontier Developments\Elite Dangerous\Options\Bindings\
  copy Custom.X.0.binds -> *coolname*.X.0.binds. (and edit name inside file too w notepad)
  Select the *coolname* preset ingame - Options - Controls - Presets(use this from now on)
  (if you can not find a custom.binds file:
  Ingame - Options - Controls - Presets - set a few keys, so the name says "custom")
  
  
• "Multicrew/wing disconnects / Orange sidewinder":
  DMZ your router/modem after a reset; maybe port forward too. Find a way to see if your ISP even supports p2p in the first place bc without that, clients will only have limited connection to each other. (NAT[SYMMETRIC] || NAT[STRICT] -you can find more information on the net)
  Set your router and/or modem to "Symmetric".
  
  
• "Odyssey missing":
  Log out of the launcher(small arrow top left - options), restart steam, and log back in.
  
  
• "Old "Orange Launcher"/Login":
  This can happen on a windows update to older .net versions.
  Find "EDLaunch.exe.config" in main game dir and backup & delete, then verify files via steam.
  
  
• "Shader flushing":
  This applies to various games, and can help with performance after updates.
  Find the folder \steamapps\common\*gamename*\"steam_shader_cache".
  -delete or backup the files there. (for Odyssey it's Products\elite-dangerous-odyssey-64\shadercache)
  Start the game once to let it bake the shaders. Restart game to re-init.
  
  
• "Unhandled exception / Numbered error":
  Disable or uninstall old Microsoft .NET framework and install the most current .NET framework, as well as updated MS VB C++ Redist (7.x & 2015-19 x86/x64, respectively)
  -you may have to apply the edits to EDLaunch.exe.config mentioned above.
  Remember to restart pc after doing this, and check for game updates on the launcher.
  
  
• "VPN problem":
  \steamapps\common\Elite Dangerous\Products\elite-dangerous\
  Backup & delete "AppConfig .xml/AppConfigLocal .xml" file(s) and Rightclick game in steam - Properties - Local files - Verify integrity of game files.
  (this will redownload AppConfig(s) .xml; check ingame - Options - Network)
  
  
• VR:
  On Foot VR in Elite Dangerous Odyssey:
  Running VR wired reportedly gives 90fps.
  The camera suite / free camera enables 3D VR on-foot.
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxzyXsqVzYA (Credits: SPACER NINE NINE/Pouncing Fox)
  
  
  
• /Advanced++:
  Make a backup of your keybinds. (\Frontier Developments\Elite Dangerous\Options\Bindings\)
  Disconnect all USB. (except keyboard and mouse of course)
  Do a clean boot https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/929135/how-to-perform-a-clean-boot-in-windows, and play the game in SOLO.
  Exit the game.
  Restore all services you deactivated, and re-connect your USB.
  Do a normal reboot and you shouldn't have issues anymore.
  Restore your keybinds if needed.
  
  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
  
  This part only applies if you have a key for the game, as otherwise it will be bound to steam.
  
  *IF you don't want to launch the game via steam, you need to enter your information on the fd account page, after creating an account there. (billing address too)
  -first "log out machine" in the top menu of the elite launcher - under "options".
  You then need to get the activation email, and make sure you don't close the browser OR launcher while activating/logging in on the launcher the first time.
  (you don't need to unlink from steam; link enables steam wallet for arx on webpage)
  Enter your login/pass from the frontier development page into the launcher.
  (launcher sometimes needs to restart after activation)
  
  
  That should set you up for just launching Elite via its' launcher without steam.
  (to be sure it works, close steam and run the launcher)

List of Elite Dangerous discords(important)
https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/public-elite-dangerous-related-discord-servers.253560/

Main Support Hub for Elite Dangerous:
https://customersupport.frontier.co.uk/hc/en-us/categories/4404016831378-Elite-Dangerous

Can't get it to work at all?
https://formcrafts.com/a/ed-mainmenu

eop



If this troubleshooter helped you, feel free to give a rating so others can see it.

cheers

'

Playing Elite: Dangerous
Select Elite Dangerous or EH/EO on launcher(s) to play. (VR if you use that)
Use Q/E+WASD/arrow keys to navigate menus and space to select. | Reference | [troynt.github.io]


The rest of this guide assumes you have done the ingame tutorial & training missions, or at least some of them, as they are important for learning the gameplay basics.
(Main game menu > Continue > Training)

• 1. Primary:
  (extremely essential)
  
  
  • "Don't fly what you can't rebuy."
    (Codex -> Pilots' handbook)
    
    
  • "Target next system in route."
    (emergency escape button)
    
    
  • "The grind is a state of mind."
    (get a wing, go have fun)
  
  
  
• 2. Secondary:
  (Outfitting basics)
  
  
  • Numbers:
    (CLASS/SIZE) are 1 to 8, with 1 being the smallest; 8 the biggest.
    (not all ships can carry the same sizes; check the ship builder link below)
    
    
  • Letters:
    (GRADE/HITPOINTS) are E to A, with E being the worst; A the best.
    (there are exceptions, like I, G, F; Integrated, Gimballed, Fixed, etc)
    
    
  • D(rated)-modules weigh the least, so are useful when jumping long distances.
    (except FSD; you always want the biggest A-rated FSD asap)
    
    
  • B(rated)-modules have the highest integrity(module hitpoints), and are for combat.
    (they also weigh the most, so are next to useless for travelling long distances)
    
    
  • Engineering: If you want to PVP, and be (somewhat) safe in open, you will need to engineer, and that is going to take a bit of work. So be selective about what you upgrade, and try to always collects as many materials as you can from planets & moons(volcanic), Unknown Signal Sources, Mission Rewards etc. | Engineers | [munkjensen.net]
  
  
  
• 3. Thertiary:
  (good to know)
  
  
  • Fuel; get a fuel scoop for [ABFGKMO]-stars!
    
    
  • Heatsinks; learn how and when to use them properly! | Heat | [elite-dangerous.fandom.com]
    
    
  • High-wake / Low-wake; knowing the difference can save your ship!
    
    
  • Scanning(target & look at) ships while travelling around will often give you data.
    
    
  • Combining data courier missions + small cargo missions is a good way to start out.
    
    
  • Fuel scoops have NO mass, so always try getting the biggest A/B-rated you want to fit.
    
    
  • Travelling and "honking" (firing the discovery scanner) when jumping into new systems, will give you exploration data to sell. | Universal Cartographics | [elite-dangerous.fandom.com]
    
    
  • To get combat practice go to "Resource Site (high)", let the syssecs start the fight and then go in for the kill; easy money, easy practice. | Contacts | [elite-dangerous.fandom.com]
    
    
  • Beacons, Tourist beacons, satellites etc, requires you to jump in at their location and select(target) the grey icon on your radar. Point your ship at it, and wait for it to say "system information updated" etc. | Missions | [elite-dangerous.fandom.com]
    
    
  • Aerobatics. Everything in elite has a sweet spot: ships, SRVs, gravity wells & orbits.
    When fighting, boost-flipping is the #1 thing to learn, followed by Flight Assist off.
    Use CQC to practice Flight Assist Off without fear of rebuys.
    Here is an | FA Off / Rotational Correction Introduction |
    (Credit: CMDR PLATER)
    
    
  • Places worth visiting:
    Carmichael Point
    Dav's Hope
    Pleiades
  .

'
As EO is a bit different from the rest of Elite, it gets it's own section.



(quite a lot of things are explained, and are very useful: Main Menu - Continue - Training)



Generally, on-foot plays a bit like OG thief/deus ex.
There are three types of hangars at stations: Ship, taxi & frontline. Use the signs overhead.

The apex service is quite useful in some cases; especially short-distance missions where you don't want to lose your ship etc.
Bringing your ship / SRV is only recommended once you know what you are doing.

If you get downed doing something you shouldn't, you will have to take a long trip back!!


Pay deliberate attention to all mission details before taking them, and plan ahead!!
(does it give you clearance level, items, how many enemies, threat level, is it clandestine or outright suspicious: fetching an illegal item is still illegal, even if the mission doesn't say so!)

For the fullon assault type go to a system with conflict and find Frontline Solutions.
(Large Ports only)

The NPCs in stations often offer the option to haggle for the payment, and can give higher rewards, as well as varying missions.


Quick-list:

• Sneak, scout patrols, scan/dump permits, turn off defenses & alarms.
  (this will prevent reinforcements, unless the settlement is powered back up)
  
  
• Enemies can be incredibly dangerous, bc they can in some instances oneshot you.
  Consider the SRV a brittle minitank; it can do some missions easy, others it will be dust.
  
  
• Using ships to take out enemy patrols is generally not advised, as the ship is a giant target.
  Smaller ships can be effective in some instances, and takes practice.
  
  
• Ground shields work like in space; thermal to take them down fast; then kinetic for hull.
  -plasma works equally well vs both but is slower.
  
  
• Do what you can to learn about the different armaments and tools at your disposal.
  
  
• There are rare, upgraded equipment pieces to be bought, so scout around at shops.
  -these reset at maintenance thursdays, so take note if you find lucrative places.
  
  
• Equipment can be upgraded with levels+mods. (test mods on level1 weapons first)
  -the mats for this is scattered in various places, both missions(Sort: Materials) & POIs.
  
  
• Exobiology is it's own part, you can also scavenge signals on planets.
  -you need to get the artemis suit, and collect the right amount of samples for a full item.
  (this usually requires three different samples, and can be a bit tricky due to distances on planets; you need a DSS ship module (Detailed Surface Scanner) to scan planets from orbit)
  Use the scan overlay to get an impression of types / biomes.
  -some plants only grow in the dark, or in certain temperatures.
  (polar caps, tundras, dark valleys, equator, etc)
  
  
• Use your ship or your SRV as your luggage: boarding will transfer loot to it.
  -you can of course also grab supplies from there without boarding.
  (transfer menu on the right side (Internal Panel {4} when in cockpit))
  
  
• Carrying illegal items, weapon at the ready and other hostile things will of course not sit well with settlement residents. Be extremely mindful of guard patrol patterns, and if they want to scan you. (there is an issue where guards may scan from other levels; walk to them or stand still)
  
  Should it bug out, always be prepared to turn on your shield and run for the hills like you stole it; there you will recall your ship which you of course sent to orbit beforehand. =)

Familiarize yourself with area layouts and terminals; it can make or break a mission.
(make ample use of the compass marker(s) you can put on things by clicking them in the terminal)

The innermost ring on the minimap is where NPCs are in scanning range.
-walk, don't run or jetpack until you are 100% on patterns.

The overcharge + crouch, is used for stealth takedowns.
(only works when shields are not up; ie not alert)

A very helpful and interactive guide to Odyssey settlements:
Odyssey Map Guide[www.quizengine.co.uk]
Credit: CMDR Quizengine


That's it for the basic introduction for now; suggestions are welcome.

.

<Elite official customer support>

• Concise Protips:
  (do your best to learn these concepts fast)
  
  • [+] Target next system in route[forums.frontier.co.uk]
    
  • [+] Advanced Maintenance (top answer is correct)
    
  • [+] Hull Mass/Shields (D2EA guide)
    
  • [+] Module Priorities[elite-dangerous.fandom.com]
    
  • [+] Interdictions[elite-dangerous.fandom.com]
    
  • [+] Heatsinks[elite-dangerous.fandom.com]
    
  • [+] Mines[elite-dangerous.fandom.com]
    
  • [+] Chaff[elite-dangerous.fandom.com]
    
  • [+] ECM[elite-dangerous.fandom.com]
  
  
  
• Important links for later:
  (optional links once you get started)
  
  • Canonn Science - Exploration Hub[canonn.science]
    
  • CMDRs toolbox - Guides[cmdrs-toolbox.com]
    
  • Coriolis - Ship Builder[coriolis.io]
    
  • EDHM - Elite Hud Mod (colours for your HUD)[forums.frontier.co.uk]
    
  • EDSM - Galaxy Map[www.edsm.net]
    
  • Inara - Community Hub[inara.cz]
    
  • Wiki - Search Database[elite-dangerous.fandom.com]
  
  
  
• Really important HUD information:
  (basic information also explained in the Elite manual[hosting.zaonce.net])
  
  .
  • Press numbers on the keyboard
    
  • ingame, to open panels below:
    
  • Left Menu = External Panel {1}
    
  • Top Menu = Comms Panel {2}
    
  • Bottom Menu = Role Panel {3}
    
  • Right Menu = Internal Panel {4}
  
  
  Bonusinfo for those who read this far:
  Alt+F10 saves an extreme hi-res screenshot in pictures (only in solo mode)
  Ctrl+Alt+G turns off the hud completely (try it on-foot for that no-HUD mode)
  
  
  
  Lastly, the most comprehensive guide on the net:
  
• New CMDRs Welcome Pack
  [imgur.com]
  
  
  
  Nota bene: use "Codex", "Help" & "Pilots Handbook" ingame to get more information!
  (listen to news/things from the Codex ingame: Select & click -> "Add to Playlist")
  Many things in Elite has sub-menus when selected & clicked!
  
  
  
  Follow the greens, fly in the blue & remember your limpets!
  
  Fly safe CMDR o7
  
  
  
  .