Elite Dangerous Teases New Python Mk II Ship And Premium Pre-Built Ship Packages

Elite Dangerous will be getting its first new ship in years in the form of the Python Mk II, along with several other ship variants throughout the year. Players will be able to purchase the new ship from the cash shop for roughly $12.50 at the current ARX rate starting on May 7 but will eventually be available to purchase using standard in-game currency from shipyards across the galaxy on August 7 for Odyssey expansion owners.

The cash shop itself will also be getting a much-needed makeover alongside pricing adjustments and the addition of pre-built ship packages starting in May. The packages will include ships that have been significantly upgraded from the base model, including one for the new Python Mk II, allowing players to skip the grind and jump right into the action.

“A ‘Pre-built’ ship package will include instant-access to a pre-fitted ship, a ship kit, and a paintjob – and will typically be themed to match an activity within the game,” developer Frontier Developments explains. “We envision these Pre-built Ships to be a quicker way for newer players to get involved in the areas they have the most interest in, or for our existing players who are considering a new career path in game, but do not have time to devote to a new build from scratch.”

Naturally, the new pre-built ship packages have raised pay-to-win concerns among the sci-fi MMO’s community, most of whom are also criticizing Frontier Development’s decision to make the Python Mk II available as a premium purchase before making it earnable in-game. Still, there are those who are defending the studio, saying that it’s a way to help keep the lights on and keep the game running for everyone to enjoy.

In any case, players with some extra cash to burn can look forward to a plethora of new toys starting next month.

🚀 We wanted to give you a heads up on our plans for Engineering coming later this year and share a first look at two of the Pre-Built ships that will be hitting the Gamestore in May. 

🔗 Read more: https://t.co/dgwBHZyZ8D pic.twitter.com/JghAHmYuef

— Elite Dangerous (@EliteDangerous) April 24, 2024