Frontier Developments announces the launch of The Engineers, the new expansion for Elite Dangerous: Horizons, saying that version 1.6 is the game's biggest-ever free update. Here are the patch notes, here's a new trailer, and here's more on what's new in the space shooter:

For Elite Dangerous: Horizons players, The Engineers unlocks a world of customization options that change the way you fly, trade, explore and fight in the Elite Dangerous galaxy. With bases on planet surfaces across the populated galaxy, each Engineer has a unique personality and history, and they just might choose to help you with their custom weapons and specialized modules… for the right price.

• Discover the enigmatic Engineers and earn their trust to unlock powerful upgrades for your ship. Roll out in the SRV Surface Recon Vehicle to scour planet surfaces and shipwrecks for materials, or trade, steal and smuggle to make your ship one of a kind.
• Experience a new degree of customization with unique crafted modules. Forge weapons with unique stats and exotic effects: inflict damage even through shields, knock enemy ships out of control, repair your wingmen in the heat of battle and more.
• Witness the impact of your actions on the galaxy with the all-new mission board. Missions become more personal, making it easier to build relationships and take meaningful decisions that define who calls you friend and who calls you foe.