Elite: Dangerous pulls a 'Powerplay' with new update

When it comes to exploring the galaxy, thriving above all others sometimes means siding with the right people in the neverending battle for total conquest. Frontier Developments is now looking to add this modicum of strategy to Elite: Dangerous with the new Powerplay update.

The Powerplay update will allow users to throw their hats in with any one of many galactic Powers, joining their quest for total domination. Players can engage in special objectives for their chosen faction, pushing their effort towards galactic takeover forward. Those that complete these objectives, while also conquering space and defending their territory, will be rewarded with perks, reputation bonuses, and unique equipment.

That's just one addition of the Powerplay update, with players also set to see a number of new features. They include:

• An enhanced mission system with new objectives and new ways to play.
• Three new ships: the Lakon Diamondback Scout, Lakon Diamondback Explorer and the Imperial Courier.
• Drones for cargo collection, fuel trading and prospecting.
• A new illustrated GalNet newsfeed, accessible directly in players’ ship UI.
• High and low intensity mining sites, adding risk to mining and increasing potential rewards.
• New minable commodities.
• An updated bounty system.
• Upgraded UI and animated emblems for ranking up.
• Numerous other improvements to gameplay and performance.

For more on the Powerplay update, check out the trailer below. Elite: Dangerous is available now on PC and Mac, with an Xbox One version set to arrive later this year.

Elite: Dangerous pulls a 'Powerplay' with new update