Elite: Dangerous standard beta begins next week; last chance to grab lifetime expansion pack

Elite: Dangerous Orbis

Elite: Dangerous has been in premium beta for a while now, offering dedicated backers access to the game for a hefty price tag. From July 29th, the beta will be available for a lower entry fee of $75, down from $150. It will also be the day that the lifetime expansion pass will be withdrawn from sale. Current expansion plans include new planets, boarding other ships and star port combat.

First, here’s a sneak peek at the new Orbis Starport:

The standard beta begins on Tuesday, July 29th. You’ll be able to purchase access for half the price of the premium beta at $75 down from $150. If you’ve backed or purchased the full game, you can gain access to the standard beta at a discounted price.

On the same day, the Lifetime Expansion Pass will be removed from sale. The pass will include all updates and paid for expansions that are released after the game is out. Here’s what you can expect from the expansions:

  • Landing/ driving / prospecting on airless rocky planets, moons & asteroids
  • Walking around interiors and combative boarding of other ships
  • Combat and other interactions with other players and AIs in the internal areas of star ports
  • Accessing richly detailed planetary surfaces
  • Availability of giant ‘executive control’ ships to players

If you have purchased the game and want to get grab the pass before it goes, click here.