Frontier's space sim models the Milky Way at 1:1 scale, roughly 400 billion star systems, and starts every commander in a Sidewinder with 1,000 credits. There is no story path, only careers: hauling cargo, hunting bounties, mining, exploring, sampling alien plant life on foot, or fighting Thargoids. The learning curve is the game itself, and most of it is systems knowledge rather than stick skill.
Resource management and crafting determine how quickly your power scales. This guide covers what to prioritize, where to farm, and how to avoid wasting resources on the wrong upgrades.
Crafting Priority List
The order you should invest resources:
| Priority | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Primary equipment | Biggest damage increase per resource spent |
| 2 | Core build gear | Enables your build's key combinations |
| 3 | Defensive upgrades | Survivability for boss fights |
| 4 | Secondary equipment | Situational options for specific content |
| 5 | Consumables | Temporary boosts for hard content |
Resource Farming by Area
Sol
Key resources: Federal shipyard access, the Earth flyby every commander wants Farming efficiency: Low value per run, but safe and consistent
Focus on gathering materials for Multi-cannon upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Shinrarta Dezhra
Key resources: 10 percent discount on ships and modules at Jameson Memorial Farming efficiency: Good early-game farming spot
Focus on gathering materials for Multi-cannon upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Deciat
Key resources: Frame Shift Drive Increased Range up to grade 5 Farming efficiency: Best mid-game farming, worth revisiting
Focus on gathering materials for Multi-cannon upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Colonia
Key resources: Colonia engineers, a full station network far from the bubble Farming efficiency: High-value materials for late-game upgrades
This is where you farm materials for Beam Laser max upgrades. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Sagittarius A*
Key resources: Exploration data payout, the game's most recognised destination Farming efficiency: Best resources in the game, requires strong build
This is where you farm materials for Beam Laser max upgrades. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Upgrade Path
Early Game (Sol to Shinrarta Dezhra)
- Upgrade your starting equipment to functional level
- Craft basic defensive gear
- Save specialty materials, since you'll need them later
- Focus on Multi-cannon once accessible
Mid Game (Deciat)
- Push Multi-cannon to mid-level upgrades
- Start collecting materials for Beam Laser
- Craft situational consumables for boss fights
- Upgrade build-specific gear pieces
Late Game (Colonia to Sagittarius A*)
- Max out Beam Laser. This is your top priority
- Complete your build's core gear set
- Craft endgame consumables
- Optional: upgrade secondary equipment for variety
Crafting Mistakes to Avoid
- Spreading upgrades across multiple equipment: Focus one weapon to max before diversifying.
- Hoarding materials: Use them. The game provides enough if you farm efficiently.
- Upgrading the wrong gear: Check our builds guide before investing.
- Ignoring Deciat farming: This area has the best resource-to-time ratio in mid-game.
- Crafting consumables too early: Save specialty materials for late-game recipes.
Resource Efficiency Tips
- Unlock Felicity Farseer in Deciat before any other engineer. She needs exploration rank Scout and a donation of one Meta Alloy, and a grade 5 Increased Range Frame Shift Drive changes every other activity you will ever do.
- Farm Deciat during mid-game for the best return on time
- Check the walkthrough to know when each resource becomes available
- Match your farming route to your build. Some classes farm faster in certain areas
More Elite Dangerous Guides
- Elite Dangerous Elite Dangerous Overview
- Elite Dangerous Best Builds
- Elite Dangerous Tier List
- Elite Dangerous Walkthrough
- Elite Dangerous Beginner's Guide
- Elite Dangerous Tips & Tricks
- Elite Dangerous Weapons Guide
- Elite Dangerous Combat Guide
- Elite Dangerous Boss Guide
- Elite Dangerous Maps & Locations
- Elite Dangerous Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Elite Dangerous, check out these related guides:
- Stardew Valley Crafting Guide: simulation game with similar mechanics
- Satisfactory Crafting Guide: simulation game with similar mechanics
- The Sims 4 Crafting Guide: simulation game with similar mechanics
