The Caspian Explorer Update introduces a major new exploration vessel from Zorgon Peterson alongside substantial changes to on foot combat behavior, weapon balance, and system level Powerplay mechanics. The update further enhances settlement interactions, improves performance across multiple gameplay loops, and resolves an extensive list of longstanding issues reported by Commanders. A temporary removal of the Mk II Ablative mirrored surface composite has been implemented until a balance fix arrives next week.
NPCs now behave more intelligently in combat, with refined movement, improved cover usage, enhanced grenade logic, and better threat response. Powerplay receives new galaxy map markers, improved merit bonus structures, and expanded conflict zone visibility. Additional adjustments to weapons, suits, and ship modules round out a large and systemic update for both exploration and on foot engagements.
Patch Notes
New Ship and Modules
- Added Zorgon Peterson Caspian Explorer
- Holo screen adverts now visible in world
- New Mk II Ablative Armour variants for improved planetary entry
- New Mk II Gravity Optimised Thrusters (Size 7) for high gravity worlds
- New Mk II Supercharge Optimised Frame Shift Drive (Size 8)
- Mk II Ablative mirrored surface composite temporarily removed pending balance fix
Pre Built Ships
- Caspian Explorer Galactic (69,000 Arx)
- Caspian Explorer Stellar (38,000 Arx)
- Caspian Explorer Standard (19,020 Arx)
On Foot NPC Combat Improvements
Movement and Awareness
- Implemented haste system for faster and more decisive movement
- Improved threat detection and combat efficiency
Dodging and Crouching
- NPCs prioritize dodging into cover
- Increased crouching frequency for cover and evasion
Cover Behavior
- Faster reactions when moving to cover
- Less idle exposure in open zones
Under Threat Behavior
- NPCs take cover when shields or health are low
- Resume normal behavior once shields regenerate
- Old fleeing behavior removed
Aggression and Retreat Logic
- Strikers and Scouts may advance under fire until shields break
- Other NPCs more likely to retreat under pressure
Crime Scan Adjustments
- Longer range scans
- Security NPCs now face targets before scanning
Grenades
- Used more frequently against groups
- Used to flush enemies from cover
- No EMP grenades used on low shield targets
Suit and Weapon Updates
- Rebalanced NPC suit and shield resistances
- Faster stow and draw times for all weapons
- Adjusted modification values to match timing changes
- Reduced projectile flight time for Manticore Executioner, Tormentor, and Oppressor
- Increased ammo for Karma AR 50 and TK Eclipse
- Decreased ammo for Karma C 44
- Slower reload speed for Karma L 6
Powerplay Changes
- Added galaxy map markers for undermining and reinforcement targets
- Up to three markers per Power based on player activity
- Markers update daily
- Power Conflict Zones now generate within marked systems
- New merit bonus structure:
- Undermining in marked systems: plus twenty five percent
- Reinforcement in marked systems: plus thirty five percent
- Tiered merit rewards for system acquisition
- Expanded Conflict Zone visibility across entire system
- Community Goals now count reinforcement actions
Bug Fixes
- Corrected merit rewards for trade Powerplay activities
- Fixed fleet carrier cargo transfer failures
- Corrected Dodec interiors for economy types
- Replaced Horizons type settlements with Odyssey equivalents in enclave
- Fixed crash during on foot Conflict Zone death while another player respawns
- Resolved facility selection UI errors in System Map
- Corrected loading spinner duration on Cancel Construction panel
- Improved feedback for failed colonisation facility renaming
- Fixed lingering Cancel Construction options
- Corrected repeating fanfare audio
- Fixed incorrect Care Package expiry timer
- Corrected Care Package UI material capacity messaging
- Resolved truncated text in Community Goal UI
- Restored warning text for armour module replacement
- Fixed projectile trail cosmetic behavior for Type 11 Prospector module
- Resolved clipping issues for Type 11 Prospector
- Corrected autodock collision avoidance at High Tech and Factory interiors
- Fixed ability to skip glide phase on planetary descent
- Corrected backfaced culling on Tourism settlement doors
Elite Dangerous is a large scale space simulation spanning exploration, combat, and trading across a full scale Milky Way galaxy. The Caspian Explorer Update is live now for all platforms.
Have you noticed these changes? Share your thoughts in the comments!
