Elite Dangerous: Operations - Available Now

Getting Started

Operations can be initiated either by a lone Commander or a fully formed squad, with optional matchmaking available to fill any remaining positions. Once an Operation has been launched, all Commanders are transported aboard the new Operation Runner, a specialised deployment vessel that carries the team directly to the designated scenario system.

The Operation Runner

The Operation Runner acts as the central hub for each mission, serving as the squad's primary deployment point and anchoring the flow of the Operation.

If a Commander is defeated during an Operation, they will quickly return to the fight with no penalties for redeploying. In space scenarios, Commanders are returned to the Operation Runner or the last operation-specific dock, while on-foot missions see them redeployed directly back to their ship, fully prepared to re-enter the action immediately.

This minimises downtime and keeps mission pacing fast, ensuring Commanders can stay engaged in the Operation from start to finish.

Ways to Play

Operations can be undertaken in either Mercenary Mode or Powerplay Mode.

Mercenary Mode is the standard option, carrying no Powerplay effects or consequences and remaining fully accessible to any Commander who meets the requirements of the selected mission.

Powerplay Mode adds a layer of strategic depth by allowing squads to undermine a chosen Power as part of the Operation, as long as that Power is not represented by a Squad member. Eligible systems are determined by the squad's power alignments, and restrictions ensure Commanders cannot target their own Power or those of their Squad members. Unaligned participants may still join these scenarios, but they will not earn any Merits.

Mitigated Loss

Before entering an Operation, a Commander's bounties, fines, and bonds are temporarily stored to prevent unintended penalties arising from repeated deaths or mission failures. This allows Commanders to focus fully on the mission at hand.

Where They Take Place

Operations take place within bespoke, isolated instances, within any system that meets the necessary critera. Each location is selected to meet the specific environmental and gameplay needs of the selected scenario.

Operation Types

Operation Name	Recommended No of Players	On Foot/In Space	Difficulty	Recommended Gear (Easy)	Recommended Gear (Hard)
Terminal Prosecution A criminal element is causing trouble in the system, they've been raiding for weeks now, it's your job to clear them out.	2 - 4	Both	Easy / Hard	A Rated Ship (Low Level Engineering)	Full Grade 5 Engineering
Tactical Takedown The client's megaship has been compromised by a rival faction, you will need to board the ship and fight your way through the command deck to obtain the flight records and trace the origin of the attack. Then you'll want to bring your firepower to bear on the general responsible for the attack at their home base.	3 - 4	Both	Easy / Hard	Grade 1/2 On Foot | A Rated Ship (No Engineering)	Grade 5 On Foot | Full Grade 5 Engineering
Firestorm Rescue There are hostages trapped in a burning station, break the siege and evacuate those that remain. You will need to manage the stations heat to buy enough time to complete the rescue while dealing with the hostile forces trying to stop you.	3 - 4	Space	Easy / Hard	A Rated Ship (Two players in an evac ship, one in combat ship)	Grade 4/5 Engineering (Two players in an evac ship, one in combat ship)
Rapid Response A planetary port has come under attack, there are still some trapped personnel inside that need rescuing, but you can't delay, a huge hostile enemy fleet is on the way, if the evacuation isn't complete in time there will be no hope for those still trapped inside	3 - 4	Space	Easy / Hard	A Rated Ship (Two players in an evac ship)	Grade 4/5 Engineering
Reclamation Point The megaship has been hijacked, your job is to eliminate all hostile forces in and around the megaship so the client can recover it. You'll need your best gear and ship to accomplish your goal.	2 - 4	Both	Easy / Hard	Grade 1/2 On Foot | A Rated Ship (No Engineering)	Grade 4/5 On Foot | Grade 4/5 Engineering
Biohazard Takedown A group of researchers are developing a dangerous weapon, you need to assault the ship, obtain the location and IDs of the researchers and take them out.	2 - 4	Space	Easy / Hard	A Rated Ship (Low Level Engineering)	Full Grade 5 Engineering

What You'll Earn

Completing an Operation grants a range of rewards, including Credits, Materials, Merc Coins, and when undertaking Powerplay Operations - Merits.

These rewards are not redeemed through a single dedicated store. Instead, Merc Coins can be spent across existing vendors found at spaceports and key locations throughout the galaxy. From these, Commanders can purchase Ship Modules through Outfitting, and Blueprints from Engineers.

All equipment is obtained at a base level and can be upgraded by visiting the appropriate Engineer, allowing Commanders to improve their loadouts overtime.

The scale and distribution of rewards are influenced by the Operations difficulty. With two options available, Commanders taking on the most challenging missions can expect the greatest value of rewards.

For a deeper look at Operations, including a look at the roadmap ahead and answers to frequently asked questions, you can check out the June Dev Log.

Launching alongside Operations, Faulcon DeLacy introduces the Nomad - a compact, ship-launched utility vessel designed to expand surface exploration. With nimble thrusters, responsive handling, and rapid deployment capability, the Nomad excels at navigating challenging planetary terrain, while its integrated Discover Scanner allows Commanders to detect biological signals directly from the cockpit.