¶ System Colonization Guide
Learn how to claim, develop, and expand new systems in Elite Dangerous.
¶ System Colonization in Elite Dangerous
System Colonization allows players to expand human-controlled space by establishing new settlements in unpopulated systems. Commanders can stake claims, construct starports, and develop a thriving economy.
Do you want to forge your own path and build a home for your faction? Will you focus on trade hubs, industrial centers, or deep-space outposts? Whatever your vision, this guide will help you master every step of system colonization.
¶ Key Features of System Colonization
System Colonization in Elite Dangerous is a player-driven expansion system, allowing Commanders to establish new colonies and shape the galaxy. Whether you're building a trade hub or a deep-space frontier, your impact will last forever.
¶ Expanding the Bubble
- Players can expand the populated Bubble by colonizing new, unpopulated systems.
- Initially, colonization can only start from the Bubble, but new colonies can expand further into deep space.
- Expansion is first come, first serve—only one player can claim a system. Failing to complete the process in time **revokes the claim**, making the system available again.
¶ Claiming and Building
- Players may only claim one system at a time. The primary starport must be completed before claiming another.
- Colonization is restricted to empty systems—no existing factions or settlements.
- Claiming a system requires commodities, rather than an extreme credit investment.
- Once a system is claimed, players build a primary starport as the foundation.
- After the starport is built, additional assets—settlements, outposts, and infrastructure—can be constructed, shaping the system’s economy.
¶ Long-Term Control
- There are no upkeep costs for colonies. Once established, they remain active.
- There is no limit to how many systems a player can colonize, as long as they meet the conditions per system.
- Players retain the role of System Architect forever, allowing them to return and modify their colonies at any time.
- The Background Simulation (BGS) continues to operate in the system, even after the System Architect moves on.
¶ Faction Influence & Trade
- To colonize with your faction, it must be within range of the system—meaning players may need to manipulate the BGS to expand their faction’s influence.
- Commanders' names are displayed in the system as its founders.
- Colonization is strictly PvE—players cannot blockade, attack, or destroy a colonized system.
- While there’s no direct tool to create trade routes, players can influence trade flow by shaping the economy of their systems.
Now that you understand the key mechanics, let’s break down the process of finding, claiming, and building your first system.
¶ Finding an Unpopulated System
To begin colonization, you must locate an unpopulated system within 10 light-years of an existing system. Scanning a star system in advance will reveal available slots for construction. Some systems hold more strategic value than others, making them more desirable for colonization.
¶ Claiming a System
Once you've chosen a system, you need to purchase a claim using credits from a Colonisation Contact (CC). The CC is a representative of a faction in a populated system within The Bubble. After purchasing the claim, you have 24 hours to deploy a Colonisation Beacon in the system. If you fail to do so, the claim is revoked.
¶ Building the First Starport
Once the Colonisation Beacon is placed, you can select a primary starport from a set of pre-determined locations. This starport serves as the foundation of your new settlement.
Next, a Colonisation Ship (CS) arrives in the system. This massive vessel, even larger than a Drake-Class Carrier, acts as a temporary hub for construction. You must deliver specific materials to the CS based on the starport type. Efficient logistics is crucial—materials must be transported quickly to ensure the construction progresses.
¶ Construction Process
The starport will initially appear as a partially built station. Construction is completed after the weekly server tick. However, if the required materials are not delivered before the deadline, all progress is lost, and the station remains an abandoned starport with inactive vendors and services.
¶ Expanding Your Colonization Efforts
Once the primary starport is completed, the Colonisation Beacon transforms into a Nav Beacon, and a new Colonisation Contact appears within the finished starport. This allows you to claim and colonize additional systems, pushing deeper into the galaxy.
Many players opt to chain colonization efforts, gradually expanding toward their ideal system. By strategically selecting systems and planning your economy, you can build a lasting empire.
Are you ready to shape the future of the galaxy? Start your colonization journey today!
Return to the Colonization Guide Hub.
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