Master the Journey to Colonia in Elite Dangerous

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Elite: Dangerous offers a unique experience for space explorers with its 1:1 scale replica of the Milky Way Galaxy, set in the future. As players navigate this vast universe equipped with advanced technology and FTL capabilities, they encounter a persistent universe with player-driven lore. To make the most of your journey, prepare by using a recommended ship, bringing the right gear, and mapping your route according to white dwarf scoops. Utilize the neutron highway for faster jumps and don't hesitate to call the Fuel Rats if stranded. Be prepared for gankers en route and consider joining a fleet or team for added protection.

Colonia is a highly sought-after destination among players in the game, and for good reason. As one of the most challenging star systems to reach within the Milky Way Galaxy, it presents a unique opportunity for those who are up for the challenge. However, with careful planning, reaching Colonia can be made easier even for regular players.

Colonia has become a must-visit destination for Elite: Dangerous players who are serious about exploration, as it was once the most remote inhabited system. It is now considered a milestone achievement, alongside reaching the galactic center (Sagittarius A*), the most distant reachable Milky Way Galaxy (Oevasy SG-Y d0), and even the legendary Beagle Point.

A trek to Colonia offers more than just the satisfaction of a challenging journey. Upon arrival in the Colonia System, players can explore various Megaships, Outposts, Starports, and Surface Ports along the Colonia Connection Highway, a community-made map that highlights nearby structures. Additionally, the Jacques Station is a notable Orbis Starport in Colonia, offering various commodities including refuel, repair, outfitting, shipyard, and its own black market. Completionists and tech savants will appreciate the four Engineers in Colonia, the only sources of specific unique blueprints such as G4 Shield Cell Bank, G5 Life Support, and G5 FSD Interdictor. However, players must research beforehand and bring enough materials for these complete upgrades, as Colonia lacks notable raw materials. One downside to Colonia's remote location is the disconnect from the game's more aliens-focused storyline and Colonia's player-driven faction stories.

Use A Recommended Ship

For a successful journey to Colonia in Elite: Dangerous, players require a ship with high jump speed and affordable upgrades, as well as decent handling for supercruising. Some recommended ships for this journey include the Anaconda, which, despite its poor supercruising handling, offers comfortable speed and flexibility; the Asp Explorer, which can be customized to accommodate mining or trading, although its jump speed is not as high as the Anaconda's; and the Dolphin, a slower but lightweight option with excellent handling and a perfect companion for jumping.

Prepare The Right Gear

To fully enjoy the Colonia expedition in Elite: Dangerous, players should plan ahead and gather the necessary tools before embarking on their journey. With the trip being a lengthy one, it's important to avoid the inconvenience of returning to restock supplies or switch out ships and modules. Here are some key items players should consider: fuel tanks, which can be placed in an internal compartment or the fuel store compartment of the ship; a fuel scoop, an internal module that collects fuel from stars producing hydrogen via supercruise; a frame shift drive, a core internal module that enables supercruising and jumping without time dilation or high energy expenditure; and auto field-maintenance units, or AFMUs, which can repair all parts of the ship except the hull and power plant. Bringing more than two AFMUs can aid in repairing the ship more efficiently.

Map According To White Dwarf Scoops

Explorers may find traditional exploration in Elite: Dangerous challenging due to the scarcity of fueling stations around the halfway point to Colonia. Instead, FSD Supercharging can be a more effective way to facilitate further jumps. This method involves entering supercruise and flying close to a white star, which can boost jump range by 50% (1.5x) via fuel scooping using a ship’s Fuel Scoop and Frame Shift Drive. However, frequent FSD Supercharging sessions can decrease the efficiency of a Frame Shift Drive by approximately 1%. If the efficiency drops to 80% or below, fuel scooping can cause damage or even destroy the Frame Shift Drive. To avoid the risk of being stranded in space, explorers should have AFMUs to ensure the integrity of their FSDs.

Use The Neutron Highway For Jumps

Utilizing the Neutron Highway is a highly efficient method of travel in Elite: Dangerous gameplay for reaching Colonia from any system. The community-organized route is optimized for FSD Supercharging via the jet streams of neutron stars, with a 300% bonus to a ship's total jump range. The route becomes increasingly useful closer to the galactic center where more neutron stars are present. To access the Neutron Router, players can create a viable route between their current location and Colonia, prioritizing neutron stars in their navigator. When manually using the Neutron Highway, it's more efficient to prioritize saving jumps rather than creating a shorter journey to Colonia.

Call Fuel Rats When Stranded

Having a contingency plan is crucial when embarking on a lengthy voyage to Colonia in Elite: Dangerous. Whether it's a malfunctioning FSD or running out of fuel in a small ship, players should be prepared for any emergency. Fortunately, the Fuel Rats offer a solution to such scenarios.

This community-led independent faction is widely regarded as the go-to group for fuel assistance in Elite: Dangerous gameplay. Fuel Rats are pilots who provide free fuel resupply to players in need, and they operate in the Colonia route through the Fuel Route Colony based in Rodentia. Players can easily access their services by visiting the Fuel Rats website or by responding to in-game advertisements. Moreover, those interested can even apply to become a member of the Fuel Rats team.

Anticipate Gankers En Route

It is not uncommon for Colonia travelers to encounter gankers who aim to destroy their ship and loot it for parts, due to the remote nature of the Colonia route. To safeguard against such threats, it is recommended that players equip their ships with primary defenses and take breaks in safe areas to avoid potentially dangerous zones. Additionally, those planning to visit Engineers in Colonia for upgrades should prioritize acquiring adequate protection.

Board A Fleet, Join Teams

Joining a team or boarding a large-class fleet can enhance the Elite: Dangerous experience of traveling to Colonia. The r/FCOC subreddit offers free routes for players to use, while encouraging Tritium donations. Additionally, guilds can plan expeditions with friends to Colonia, providing a community-based exploration element that aligns with the game's multiplayer approach to lore-building. The planning process may take several days, but the end result is a rewarding journey with friends.

Elite: Dangerous was released in 2014 and is currently available on the PC, Xbox One, and PS4