More than 6,500 players in the space simulation game Elite Dangerous have begun “Distant Worlds 3,” a three-month in-game journey to the farthest reaches of the Milky Way. This ambitious, community-led expedition highlights the unique appeal of the game: a fully realized virtual galaxy that lets players experience the spirit of space exploration in a way real-world space programs cannot yet match.
The Distant Worlds Phenomenon
The “Distant Worlds” events are not new. The first took place in 2016, drawing 1,300 participants, while the second in 2019 saw nearly 14,000 pilots join the voyage. What sets these expeditions apart is not simply the scale—it’s the level of player-driven engagement. Organizers coordinate activities beyond just reaching a destination, including simulated geology projects, mining operations, mapping surveys, and scientific studies.
The visual spectacle of thousands of ships initiating FTL (faster-than-light) travel in unison, as captured in a recent Reddit post, demonstrates the immersive scale of the event. The event’s success proves that players value more than just the game’s mechanics: they seek collaborative exploration, discovery, and community.
Elite Dangerous : A Persistent Galaxy
Elite Dangerous, launched in 2014, stands out for its 1:1 scale recreation of the Milky Way galaxy. Players navigate a vast universe where they can trade, fight, and explore—including landing on planetary surfaces. The game has evolved over time, adding major updates like alien invasions and improved core systems.
The developers at Frontier Developments recognize the importance of these community events. Gauthier Verquerre, Executive Producer, told Space.com that these expeditions bring together both veteran players and newcomers, fostering a supportive environment and showcasing the enduring passion for the series.
Legacy and Future Goals
Previous expeditions have already left a mark on the game’s virtual universe. At the end of Distant Worlds 2, players constructed “Explorer’s Anchorage,” a space station near the galactic center at Sagittarius A*. This time, the expedition aims to push the boundaries further, with players eager to see what new discoveries and structures will emerge from this collaborative effort.
“It’s an enormous player-led activity, and celebrates the incredible community around Elite Dangerous who remain active and passionate about the series,” says Verquerre.
Distant Worlds 3 underscores how video games can provide unique platforms for immersive, collaborative experiences that mirror the core ambitions of real-world space exploration: discovery, community, and pushing the limits of what’s possible.
