Frontier Developments now offers
The Guardians, a new expansion for
Elite Dangerous Horizons introducing ship-launched fighters and passenger
gameplay to their space combat game. This comes with a version 2.2 patch for
Elite Dangerous Horizons and a version 1.7 update for Elite Dangerous, saying
these provide quality-of-life upgrades. The
Elite Dangerous forums have a complete change log and a
new trailer shows
things off. Here's word:
The Guardians changes the dynamics of combat,
trading and exploration in Elite Dangerous, and unlocks new opportunities for
every Commander to enrich their experience in the massively multiplayer galaxy,
however they choose to play.
The Guardians offers Commanders the opportunity to install a fighter launch bay
in their larger ships and choose from three different fighter craft to gain an
edge over their attackers. Commanders can hire NPC (non-player character)
crewmates to pilot their ship while flying into combat from the cockpit of their
heavily-armed fighter. With a second ship in every fight, now Commanders can
take what comes and hit back with double.
Passenger gameplay sees the introduction of individuals and groups of NPCs
seeking passage aboard Commanders’ ships, unlocking an all-new career path for
the Elite Dangerous galaxy. Commanders can pilot the new Beluga passenger vessel
or retrofit their existing craft to transport politicians, VIPs and prisoners
across the galaxy for legal and illegal ends. Spectacular destinations await
galactic tourists and dangerous challenges await undercover operatives on
smuggler’s runs.