Okay, so here’s the deal: Elite Dangerous Ships is this ridiculously huge game, right? You’ve got over 400 billion star systems, a million different things to do, and a ton of ships to choose from. Picking the right ship isn’t just about looks (though let’s be real, some of these ships are gorgeous)—it’s about survival. So, in this article, we’re diving into the best Elite Dangerous Ships, the top vessels you need to know.
And trust me, I’ve learned the hard way that the ship you choose can make or break your entire adventure. I remember when I thought my Sidewinder was hot stuff. (Spoiler: It wasn’t.)
Why Your Ship is the Most Important Decision You’ll Make
I can’t stress this enough: Your ship is everything. It’s your home, your fortress, your escape pod when things go sideways (and they will). It’s got to fit your playstyle, whether you’re out there for mining, combat, trading, or something else entirely.
So, what’s the first thing to think about? Well, for one, you need to know your role. Are you here to fight bad guys or help the space truckers haul cargo? There’s a ship for every single task. But, you gotta get it right.
Combat Ships: For When Things Get Ugly
When you’re out there, guns blazing, you need something that’s gonna stand its ground. Sure, you could just bring your old, trusty Sidewinder (again, spoiler: not a great idea), but you’re gonna want something with a little more punch.
Fer-de-Lance – The Heavy Hitter
Now, let me just say it: If you’re looking for a battle machine, the Fer-de-Lance is your best friend. This ship is all about raw firepower, and I learned this the hard way during my first bounty hunting session. The Fer-de-Lance just obliterated everything. Not to mention, the shields? Impressive. It’s got speed, it’s got teeth, and most importantly, it can hold its own.
But here’s the kicker—it does get hot. So, make sure you don’t overdo it with the weapons, or you’ll be sweating harder than I did when I first tried fitting a multi-cannon. Spoiler: I was bad at it.
Vulture – The Dogfighter
Okay, here’s a little secret: If you love a good dogfight (and who doesn’t?), the Vulture is your wingman. It’s fast, maneuverable, and it’ll shred most enemies in your way. Plus, it’s got a lot of firepower packed into a relatively small frame.
This was actually my first real combat ship (I may have lost a few Fer-de-Lances before finally upgrading). Sure, the power distributor is a little slow, but that’s part of the challenge. It’s like driving a sports car—don’t get cocky or you’ll burn out. I did. More than once.
Exploration Ships: For the “Let’s Get Lost” Crowd
Exploring is where the magic happens. You get to see planets, stars, and nebulae that no one else ever has. Sounds like a dream, right? But you’re gonna need a ship that can handle long hauls across the galaxy. No one wants to get stuck halfway to the edge of the Milky Way in a ship that can’t jump worth a damn.
Asp Explorer – The Classic Explorer
Ah, the Asp Explorer. This is the ship that every explorer swears by. It’s got the jump range, it’s got the internals, and, yeah, it looks kinda cool too. This was my first serious exploration ship, and, honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better ride.
The best part? You can fit it out for mining, combat, or even trading if you want. I spent weeks out in the black, exploring the unknown with nothing but the stars and my trusty Asp by my side. (Okay, fine, and a few panic attacks when I accidentally overshot my jump. But, hey, it happens).
Diamondback Explorer – The Budget Explorer
Alright, so here’s the deal: if you’re looking for bang for your buck, the Diamondback Explorer (DBX for short) is the way to go. It might not have the flashy looks of some of the bigger ships, but damn does it have a great jump range. It’s like that one friend who doesn’t try to show off but still somehow gets all the attention. My first DBX run took me from one end of the galaxy to the other, and honestly? I still love it.
I might’ve lost a few DBX’s in my day (I may or may not have accidentally rammed one into a star. Don’t ask), but it’s still a champ for long-range exploration.
Mining Ships: Big Rocks, Big Profits
Mining is one of those things that can be super rewarding—if you’ve got the right ship. You’ve got your standard asteroid mining, but when you really get into it, you’ll want something that can handle deep-core mining or complex asteroid belts.
Python – The Mining Beast
The Python is a beast in mining. This ship can carry so many mining lasers that, honestly, I felt like I was about to start a new space laser show.
It’s got the internal space, it’s got the guns (just in case things go sideways), and it’s tough enough to take on bigger asteroids without breaking a sweat. But here’s the catch: you need to mod it right. Trust me, I learned that after running out of fuel in a mining belt. It wasn’t fun. At all.
Type-9 Heavy – The Cargo Mammoth
If you’ve got a serious mining operation and you need to haul tons of minerals, then the Type-9 Heavy is your ship. I remember my first time in a Type-9. I thought I was a big deal because I had all the cargo space, but then it dawned on me… it’s so slow, it’s practically a flying brick.
Still, if you’re in the business of mining and you need to haul, this is the big daddy. But remember—no one’s gonna be winning any races in this thing.
Best Trade Ships: For All the Space Truckers
Trading is the most chill way to make money in Elite Dangerous Ships. You load up on cargo, jump to a station, sell your goods, and repeat. But don’t be fooled—there’s strategy involved. And you can’t do it with just any ship.
Type-7 Transporter – The Mid-Range Trader
If you’re getting serious about trading, the Type-7 Transporter is where it’s at. It’s not the best at fighting, and it’s not the flashiest ship out there, but it gets the job done. It’s like the reliable old pickup truck of Elite Dangerous Ships.
When I first started trading, I made all the rookie mistakes—loading up on cargo that didn’t sell, underestimating the market—yeah, I lost credits. A lot of credits. But the Type-7 kept me afloat. Eventually, I became the go-to trader in my system. (Okay, fine. Maybe just my station.)
Imperial Cutter – Luxury and Load
Now, if you’re looking to trade in style, the Imperial Cutter is your luxury yacht in space. It’s got the cargo space, the firepower, and the smooth, shiny exterior that just screams “I’ve made it.” But let’s be real: This ship doesn’t come cheap.
I got mine after grinding for ages to unlock the Imperial rank. And, honestly? Worth it. Not only does it carry tons of cargo, but it also packs enough firepower to make sure no one messes with your hauls.
Elite Dangerous Ships for Multi-Roll Players
So, you’re the type of player who likes to do it all. You mine, you fight, you trade, and, occasionally, you just like to mess around. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Some ships are built to do everything—and do it well.
Krait Mk II – The Swiss Army Knife
When I first started using the Krait Mk II, I thought it was a one-trick pony. Nope. This ship can handle almost any task. I’ve used it for everything from combat to exploration, and honestly? It doesn’t disappoint.
It’s like that one multitasker in your office who gets everything done, somehow, and does it better than anyone else.
Anaconda – The Flagship
The Anaconda is legendary. It’s big, it’s fast (kinda), and it can do pretty much anything. I remember upgrading to an Anaconda and feeling like I could take on the entire galaxy. Until I tried landing at a tiny station and overshot the pad by like, 10 kilometers. Oops.
But yeah, if you’ve got the money, this is the top-tier Elite Dangerous Ships ship.
Conclusion: Your Journey, Your Ship
In the end, the best Elite Dangerous Ships are the ones that match your playstyle. Whether you’re a combat junkie, an explorer, or a space trucker, there’s a ship out there waiting for you.
