Elite Dangerous review

Elite Dangerous is the cheapest way into a serious space simulation. Frontier Developments recreates the 400 billion star systems of the Milky Way at full galactic scale from real astronomical data, and you can travel to systems no other Commander has visited and drive a Surface Recon Vehicle on some worlds. There are over 35 ships, and every component, weapon and optional module can be changed. You can hunt, fight, mine, smuggle and trade, play solo or with up to three friends in a Wing, and the System Colonisation mechanic lets players claim star systems. It supports SteamVR, and the base game costs $19.99. Ease of setup scores lower because flight and navigation take time to learn and the game requires a broadband connection. Reviews are mixed next to the leaders: 76% of 53,942 English Steam reviews are positive.

Who it is for

Flight sim fans who want realistic piloting in a full-scale galaxy

Price

$19.99 one-time purchase on Steam (US store).

across a 1:1 scale universe. VR Supported $19.99 Buy on Steam
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• 400 billion star systems of the Milky Way at full galactic scale, built from real astronomical data
• Over 35 distinct spacecraft with customizable weapons and modules
• Combat, mining, trading, smuggling and exploration
• Play solo or with up to three friends in a Wing, or join a Squadron
• System Colonisation lets players claim and expand star systems

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: $19.99 is the lowest paid price on this list
• Strength: Supports SteamVR for cockpit play
• Strength: Minimum spec needs 6 GB of RAM and 25 GB of storage
• Weakness: 76% of 53,942 English Steam reviews are positive, lower than most picks here
• Weakness: Steam lists a broadband connection in the minimum requirements
• Weakness: Steep learning curve for flight and navigation

Key facts

• Developer: Frontier Developments
• Released on Steam: April 2, 2015
• Star systems: 400 billion
• Ships: Over 35
• English Steam reviews: 76% positive of 53,942

Where it ranks

Elite Dangerous is No. 4 in our Best Space Games verdict.