elite dangerous vs eve online

Both Elite Dangerous and Eve Online are highly regarded space simulation MMOs, but they cater to very different playstyles. Heres a detailed comparison: Gameplay & Focus Elite Dangerous - Sandbox Space Simulator: Focuses on piloting, exploration, trading, and combat in a 1:1 scale Milky Way galaxy. - First-Person Perspective: You control a single ship (or SRV/Fleet Carrier) with deep flight mechanics. - Solo or Multiplayer: Can be played entirely solo, in private groups, or in Open Play (PvP possible). - No Faction Control: Players dont shape major politics; minor faction influence is possible via Powerplay. - VR Support: One of the best VR experiences in space sims. Eve Online - Persistent MMO Economy & Politics: A single-shard universe where player actions shape the economy, wars, and politics. - Third-Person/RTS-Like: Ships are controlled more like an RTS (click to move, activate modules). - Always Online & PvP-Centric: Even in "safe" space, you can be attacked. Corp (guild) warfare is central. - Player-Driven Economy: Almost everything is built, traded, or destroyed by players. - Subscriptions & Free-to-Play: Omega (paid) vs. Alpha (free) accounts with limited skills. Combat & Progression Elite Dangerous - Skill-Based Combat: Piloting skill matters (FA-Off flying, energy management). - Ship Upgrades: Engineers modify ships for better performance (grindy). - No Character Progression: Your "skill" is your own experience. Eve Online - Time-Based Skill Training: Skills train in real-time (even offline). - Fleet-Based Combat: Large-scale battles (hundreds of players) with logi (healers), EWAR (jamming), DPS. - Permadeath (Sort Of): Ships are lost forever if destroyed (insurance helps). Exploration & Economy Elite Dangerous - Realistic Galaxy: Procedurally generated but scientifically plausible star systems. - No Player Markets: Trade is NPC-based (supply/demand fluctuates). - Deep Exploration: First to discover systems, map planets, and find anomalies. Eve Online - Handcrafted Universe: Fixed star systems with player-built infrastructure. - Player-Driven Market: Everything is traded by players (scams, speculation, and wars affect prices). - Exploration as a Career: Scanning for relics/data sites, wormhole living. Social & Multiplayer Elite Dangerous - Optional Co-Op/PvP: Wings (small groups), Fleet Carriers, and CQC (arena PvP). - Less Organized Factions: Player groups exist but dont control space. Eve Online - Corporations & Alliances: Huge player-run empires (Goonswarm, Pandemic Horde). - Large-Scale Warfare: Territory control, espionage, and diplomacy. Learning Curve & Time Commitment Elite Dangerous - Hard to Master: Flight mechanics, engineering grind. - Play at Your Own Pace: Can be enjoyed casually. Eve Online - Infamously Complex: Spreadsheets, market trading, and fleet doctrines. - Time Investment Needed: Skill training takes months/years; wars require commitment. Which One Should You Play? Play Elite Dangerous if - You want a realistic space flight sim with VR. - You prefer solo exploration or small-group play. - You enjoy dogfighting and hands-on piloting. Play Eve Online if - You want a player-driven economy and politics. - You enjoy large-scale strategy and social gameplay. - Youre okay with losing ships permanently and high-stakes PvP. Final Verdict Elite Dangerous = Space Flight Simulator (For pilots & explorers). Eve Online = Space MMO Strategy Game (For empire builders & schemers). Both are great, but they serve very different audiences!