We're currently working on an new Pilot Training section for the community website. The instructions below should help get you started in the meantime.
You can also see our training video playlist on YouTube.
Getting started
Elite Dangerous supports a wide range of control inputs, from keyboard and mouse to HOTAS joystick setups.
From the main menu select Options>Controls>Presets to choose your desired setup. Make sure your controller is plugged in before loading up the game otherwise it won’t be recognised.
We recommend you watch our tutorials in the following order, and then complete the accompanying in-game tutorial.
Basic Flight Controls
After watching the above video, we recommend you complete the in-game tutorial ‘Target Practice’, as you can take your time getting used to the flight controls, in a non-hostile environment.
Docking
After watching the above video, we recommend you complete the in-game tutorial ‘Docking Training: Docking’
Travel
After watching the above video, we recommend you complete the in-game tutorial ‘Travel Training: Travel’
Basic Combat
After watching the above video, we recommend you complete the in-game tutorials in the following order: ‘Target Practice’, ‘Basic Combat’, ‘Skirmish’.
Continue with the in-game tutorials: Sidewinder Face-off, Wolfpack Tactics, Supply Strike and Incursion, if you feel up to the challenge.
Starting the game
Select Start and then choose Open or Solo Play from the main menu. You will find yourself in the pilot's seat of a Sidewinder.
Select Return to Surface from the cockpit menu to exit the hangar.
Select Launch to begin the pre-flight check. You only need to do this once – pre-flight checks and launching is covered in the in-game tutorial: ‘Docking Training: Launch’ Test each control listed on the pre-flight checklist by holding the appropriate key, button or trigger.
As soon as your checklist is complete, your ship will be released from the outpost's docking pad. Welcome to Elite Dangerous CMDR, the training wheels are off, and it’s time to blaze your own trail.
Using Starport Services
At Starport Services you can buy and sell commodities, customise your ship, pay off criminal records, accept missions, contact the black market and much more. Learn all about using Starport Services in the above video.
Using the Galaxy and System Map
Learn how to use the Galaxy and System Map so you can navigate yourself around the 400 billion star systems of Elite Dangerous in an efficient manner.
Forming a Wing
Once you’ve got to grips with the basic controls in the game, you’ve left the starting area and you plan to meet up with friends, follow the above instructions to form a Wing with up to four people.
Powerplay
Watch the training videos in the order below to take full advantage over the features in Powerplay.
Horizons Planetary Landing and SRV Training
Watch the training videos in the order below to take full advantage over the features in the planetary landings portion of Elite Dangerous: Horizons.
The Engineers Training
Watch the training videos in the order below to take full advantage over the features in the Engineers Portion of Elite Dangerous: Horizons.