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.
Elite Dangerous features distinct areas with increasing difficulty. This guide covers every major location in progression order: what to do, what to get, and when to move on. For the step-by-step path, see our walkthrough.
Area Progression Order
| Order | Location | Difficulty | Key Rewards | Recommended Build |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sol | Permit locked, Federal Navy rank required | Federal shipyard access, the Earth flyby every commander wants | Bounty hunter |
| 2 | Shinrarta Dezhra | Elite rank in any career | 10 percent discount on ships and modules at Jameson Memorial | Bounty hunter |
| 3 | Deciat | Early game, exploration rank Scout | Frame Shift Drive Increased Range up to grade 5 | Trader |
| 4 | Colonia | Mid game, requires a long range ship | Colonia engineers, a full station network far from the bubble | Trader |
| 5 | Sagittarius A* | Long range exploration | Exploration data payout, the game's most recognised destination | Trader |
Sol: Starting Area
Humanity's home system, permit locked behind a Federal Navy rank. Earth, Mars and the outer planets are all modelled, and it remains one of the most visited destinations in the bubble.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Permit locked, Federal Navy rank required |
| Key Rewards | Federal shipyard access, the Earth flyby every commander wants |
| Recommended Build | Bounty hunter |
| Key Equipment | Multi-cannon |
What to Do Here
- Learn the basics of Frame Shift Drive travel. This is where you practice without heavy punishment.
- Collect starting resources and your first equipment upgrade.
- Clear all main content before moving to Shinrarta Dezhra.
- If you're struggling, read our beginner's guide.
Shinrarta Dezhra: Early Game
The Founders World system, permit granted when you reach Elite rank in combat, trade or exploration. Its Jameson Memorial station sells effectively everything at a discount.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Elite rank in any career |
| Key Rewards | 10 percent discount on ships and modules at Jameson Memorial |
| Recommended Build | Bounty hunter |
| Key Equipment | Multi-cannon |
What to Do Here
- Focus on mastering Ship outfitting and rebuy. It's critical from this point on.
- Farm for Multi-cannon if you don't have it yet.
- Complete all objectives for maximum rewards.
- Prepare for the difficulty spike in Deciat.
Deciat: Mid Game
Home of Felicity Farseer, the Frame Shift Drive engineer and the single most important unlock in the game. Access needs exploration rank Scout and a donation of one Meta Alloy.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Early game, exploration rank Scout |
| Key Rewards | Frame Shift Drive Increased Range up to grade 5 |
| Recommended Build | Trader |
| Key Equipment | Multi-cannon |
What to Do Here
- This is the main skill check. Bring an optimized build.
- Beam Laser becomes accessible here. Prioritize getting it.
- Master Engineering modifications for the boss encounters.
- Check our boss guide if you get stuck.
Colonia: Late Game
The second inhabited region, roughly 22,000 light years from Sol and built out from Jaques Station after its famously botched jump. It has its own engineers and its own economy.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Mid game, requires a long range ship |
| Key Rewards | Colonia engineers, a full station network far from the bubble |
| Recommended Build | Trader |
| Key Equipment | Beam Laser |
What to Do Here
- Full build optimization is expected by this point.
- Beam Laser should be your primary, fully upgraded.
- Background Simulation and Powerplay mastery starts mattering here.
- Farm resources for the push into Sagittarius A*.
Sagittarius A*: Endgame
The supermassive black hole at the galactic centre, about 25,900 light years from Sol. Reaching it is the standard long distance pilgrimage and takes days of jumping in a well built explorer.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Long range exploration |
| Key Rewards | Exploration data payout, the game's most recognised destination |
| Recommended Build | Trader |
| Key Equipment | Beam Laser |
What to Do Here
- This is endgame. Best-in-slot gear and a perfected build are mandatory.
- See our boss guide for endgame fight strategies.
- The reward loop: clear content → upgrade → push harder content.
- Experiment with Exobiologist for variety once you've mastered the meta.
Exploration Tips
- Clear areas in order: Sol → Shinrarta Dezhra → Deciat → Colonia → Sagittarius A*. Skipping areas means missing resources you'll need later.
- Check every corner: Hidden caches and secrets are often in non-obvious locations.
- Match your equipment: Some areas favor different equipment types.
- Read the walkthrough: Our walkthrough provides exact progression milestones for each area.
- Don't rush: Clearing an area fully gives more resources than speedrunning two 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 Crafting Guide
- Elite Dangerous Classes & Characters
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