The SciFi MMO Elite Dangerous (Steam, PS4, Xbox One) plans for 2021 the major expansion Odyssey. However, the first add-on Horizons was integrated into the base game for free in October 2020. And there is an important reason for that.
What is new? On October 27, the first add-on Horizons was made available for free to all owners of Elite Dangerous. Previously, you had to purchase the expansion for around 30 dollars. Those who buy the game later will automatically gain access to the content.
Horizons brought among other things:
- Landings on planets that can be explored with vehicles
- Multicrew – the ability to control the same ship with multiple players
- Passenger transport
- The Thargoids – an alien race that attacks the players
- New ways to customize the spaceships
- An expansion of the vast galaxy
However, those who purchased Horizons earlier will not go away empty-handed. As a thank you, there is a special color that is supposed to be compatible with all ships in the game. This color will only be available for former buyers of the expansion.
Why is this change so interesting? The major expansion Odyssey is planned for 2021. It will bring some innovations for Elite Dangerous. However, much of it would not work if you do not own Horizons.
Odyssey finally lets you walk on planets
What does Odyssey bring? The new expansion introduces a new form of exploration. Finally, you should be able to explore a planet on foot. This has been one of the most requested features since release.
At the same time, new outposts, settlements, and shooter elements are introduced. There was even a leak about its own base building.
Why is Horizons important for Odyssey? Only those who own the expansion could land on planets until now. Many features that come with Odyssey are built precisely on that.
However, instead of forcing players to buy Horizons, they chose a different path and gave the expansion away for free.
Elite Dangerous is a crowdfunding MMO and is one of the few titles that has managed a successful release and long-term support for the game.
Where the other great crowdfunding MMOs stand in 2020, we at MeinMMO reveal in this list.
