Introduction to the Type-8 Update
The latest Elite Dangerous update, version 18.08, introduces the highly anticipated Lakon Type-8 Transporter. This update is expected to significantly impact gameplay by providing new opportunities for both new and seasoned commanders. The update is scheduled for release on August 7, 2024, with specific deployment times aimed to minimize disruption to players. The highlight of the update is undoubtedly the addition of the Type-8 Transporter, which will be available for early access. Players can also look forward to seeing in-world holo-screen advertisements promoting the new transporter. The update arrives not only with the Type-8 but also includes new pre-built ships available for purchase in the store, such as the Type-8 Transporter Stellar and Standard versions, as well as specialized packages like the Passenger Jumpstart and Bounty Hunter Jumpstart. Additionally, the popular Python MkII will be added to the general Shipyard stock for Odyssey players, broadening the range of accessible ships. This update is packed with significant changes and new content that promise to enhance the Elite Dangerous experience, catering to various playstyles and preferences.
Release Schedule and Availability
The Type-8 Update 18.08 for Elite Dangerous will be available starting Wednesday, August 7th, 2024. The rollout will commence early in the day with in-game messages beginning at 6 AM BST. Following this, the Elite Dangerous Live/4.0 servers will go offline at 8 AM BST to deploy the changes. Players can expect the servers to come back online by around 2 PM BST, at which point the update will be accessible for download. As always, these times are subject to change depending on the deployment process. It is advised to stay tuned to official channels for any potential updates regarding the schedule.
New Features and Additions
One of the most anticipated enhancements in the Type-8 Update 18.08 is the introduction of the Lakon Type-8 Transporter, available through early access. The Type-8 Transporter is highlighted with in-world holo-screen adverts across various starports, making it a highly visible addition to the game. Moreover, there are new pre-built ships now available for purchase in the store including the Type-8 Transporter Stellar, the Type-8 Transporter Standard, the Passenger Jumpstart package featuring the Beluga Liner, and the Bounty Hunter Jumpstart package featuring the Vulture.
Another significant addition is the inclusion of the Python MkII in the general Shipyard stock for players with the Odyssey expansion. This expands the available options for commanders looking to upgrade their fleet with a versatile and robust ship.
The update also brings several new engineer rolls and recipes. Engineer rolls have been adjusted to provide fixed results based on recipe grade and commander rank. This means that commanders can expect more consistent results when upgrading their ships and equipment. Additionally, the availability and payout of engineering materials at Grade 4 and Grade 5 farming locations have been increased. Missions will now reward more engineering materials, making it easier for commanders to gather the necessary resources for advanced engineering projects.
The unlock requirements for certain engineers have been updated to make them more accessible. For instance, Hero Ferrari now requires fewer Settlement Defence Plans, and Yarden Bond requires fewer Smear Campaign Plans. Similarly, Wellington Beck and Kit Fowler have had their requirements for unlocking reduced, making it easier for commanders to access their services.
Overall, Update 18.08 introduces a wealth of new features and additions to Elite Dangerous, providing commanders with more options and opportunities to enhance their gameplay experience. The addition of new ships, updated engineering rolls, and increased material payouts are sure to be welcomed by the community, offering a range of new possibilities for both new and veteran players alike.
Engineering and Backpack Capacity Changes
The Type-8 Update brings numerous changes to engineering and backpack capacity, significantly enhancing the gameplay experience in Elite Dangerous. One of the notable adjustments includes alterations to the engineering ruleset and systems. Engineer rolls have been updated to provide consistent fixed rolls based on the grade of the recipe and the commander's rank with the engineer. This change aims to streamline the engineering process, making it easier for players to predict and plan their upgrades.
Additionally, material availability and payouts at Grade 4 and 5 farming locations have been increased. Enhanced sources of materials, along with higher payouts per source, will make gathering engineering materials more efficient. Missions now offer increased engineering material rewards, with up to 24 materials available depending on mission type, material, and difficulty. Such improvements ensure that players have better access to the resources they need to enhance their ships and equipment.
Unlock requirements for several engineers have been revised to be less stringent, making it easier for players to engage with engineering activities. For instance, Hero Ferrari now requires only 5 Settlement Defense Plans, down from 15, while Yarden Bond’s Smear Campaign Plans requirement has dropped to 5 from 8. These changes are part of the effort to make engineering more accessible to a broader range of players.
The update also includes significant changes to the backpack capacity, particularly for on-foot suits. The Maverick suit's capacity for goods has increased from 15 to 40, assets from 30 to 60, and data from 10 to 20. The Artemis suit’s goods capacity has doubled to 20, while its assets capacity has risen to 40. The Dominator suit also sees its capacities doubled, with goods going from 5 to 10 and assets from 10 to 20. These enhancements allow players to carry more resources, making on-foot exploration and missions more efficient and rewarding.
These adjustments in engineering and backpack capacities are part of Frontier’s ongoing efforts to balance the game and offer a more engaging experience for players. By making it easier to gather resources and increasing the utility of their suits, players can focus more on exploring and completing missions without frequent stops for resource management.
Thargoid System Engineering Material Rewards
Contributing to the liberation or defense of Thargoid-controlled systems now yields significant rewards in engineering materials, introducing a strong incentive for Commanders to participate in these high-stakes conflicts. These rewards are allocated based on individual contributions within the conflict zone, categorized into three tiers. Commanders in the top 25 percent of contributors can expect to receive up to 120 materials, offering a substantial boost to their engineering resources. Those in the middle tier will receive 60 materials, while participants in the bottom tier will be granted 18 materials. The selection includes a mix of Grade 4 Raw and Grade 5 Encoded or Manufactured materials, ensuring that the rewards cater to high-end engineering needs. It is crucial for Commanders to manage their inventory effectively, as any materials that exceed the storage cap will be lost. Rewards are distributed hourly and communicated through in-game messages, providing immediate feedback on performance. This new system not only enhances the value of involvement in Thargoid system conflicts but also ensures a steady flow of essential engineering materials to support continuous upgrades and modifications.
Bug Fixes and Adjustments
The latest Type-8 update 18.08 for Elite Dangerous includes a plethora of bug fixes and adjustments enhancing overall gameplay experience and stability. Among these fixes, a critical issue with the LOD in Orca models leading to visible holes from certain distances has been resolved, ensuring that visual fidelity is maintained even from afar. The missile rack malfunction which prevented them from firing correctly has also been addressed, reinstating their combat efficiency. A major fix pertains to the Python Mk2 hull and integrity now being repairable, correcting a significant oversight that affected ship maintenance.
Additionally, the update corrected a crash issue that occurred while idling in the pre-built ships store, thereby preventing unexpected game interruptions. The statistics for new Commander packages have been updated to offer more accurate representations of their content, while the release fee for impounded pre-built ships is now calculated correctly, providing clarity on incurred costs. A previous problem where luxury cabins were not recognized as suitable for accommodating lower class passengers has also been fixed, thereby expanding the functionality of these cabins in passenger transport missions.
Further adjustments include the removal of power draw from Experimental Weapons Stabilizer modules, ensuring that players have a clearer understanding of their ship's power consumption without unnecessary miscalculations. An important change was made to the mass lock mechanics of small planets by removing their SCO mass lock, making it consistent with those of medium and large planets. Additionally, SCO module fuel consumption statistics are now visible when viewing the module, providing players with crucial information for better resource management.
Fixed an issue where ships jittered during AutoDock and AutoLaunch sequences, offering smoother docking experiences. Visual effects that failed to play correctly following sabotage at Thargoid spire sites have been rectified, enhancing immersion during such activities. Lastly, orbit lines have been optimized to display cleaner across various scenarios, improving navigation and spaceflight visuals for commanders. These comprehensive bug fixes and adjustments collectively work towards providing a more seamless and enjoyable experience for all Elite Dangerous players.
Conclusion
In summary, the Type-8 Update 18.08 for Elite Dangerous brings a slew of new features and adjustments designed to enhance the gameplay experience for both veteran players and newcomers. The inclusion of the new Lakon Type-8 Transporter, along with its early access and new ship configurations available in the store, offers fresh options for ship enthusiasts. Significant changes to engineering and backpack capacities improve the quality of life for commanders, making materials more accessible and inventory management less cumbersome. The update also introduces engineering material rewards for contributing to Thargoid system activities, adding another layer of incentive for participating in these events. Bug fixes, such as those addressing visual issues with the Orca and resolving problems with pre-built ships, further refine the game's performance. Collectively, these updates reflect the developers' commitment to ongoing improvement and player satisfaction, ensuring that Elite Dangerous continues to be a dynamic and engaging universe.
Useful Links
Elite Dangerous Community Discussions
Lakon Type-8 Transporter on Elite Dangerous Wiki
Frontier Developments Twitch Channel
Original Link: https://steamcommunity.com/app/359320/allnews/