System Colonisation — introduced to Elite Dangerous as part of the Trailblazers update — is one of the most significant additions to the game since Odyssey. It gives commanders the ability to claim unclaimed star systems and build humanity’s presence there from scratch, constructing stations, outposts, planetary settlements, and supporting infrastructure. This guide covers everything you need to know about Space Settlement in Elite Dangerous: how colonisation works, what you need to get started, and how to maximise your contribution to the expansion of human space.
What Is System Colonisation?
System Colonisation is a gameplay mechanic that allows individual commanders or player groups to sponsor the establishment of new inhabited star systems. Previously, humanity’s presence in the Elite Dangerous galaxy was static — stations and settlements existed where Frontier placed them, and while player actions could influence faction standings and conflict outcomes, you could not build genuinely new infrastructure. Colonisation changes this fundamentally: the human bubble can now grow based on player decisions.
To colonise a system, you claim it via the Colonisation interface available in station services. Eligible systems are those within range of existing infrastructure (within a certain number of light years of a current inhabited system) and not already claimed. Once claimed, a Colonisation Ship is sent to your target system, and you must keep it supplied with construction materials to begin building.
Step-by-Step: How to Start Colonising
- Find an eligible unclaimed system using the Galactic Map — look for systems near inhabited space that are not yet colonised
- Claim the system at a station with Colonisation Services (available at most large stations in populated space)
- Wait for the Colonisation Ship to be deployed to your target system
- Begin hauling construction commodities — metals, building materials, industrial goods, and food products are commonly required
- Complete the construction phase by meeting the commodity targets — this takes multiple hauling runs depending on your ship’s cargo capacity
- Once the Colonisation Ship confirms enough materials have been delivered, the first station is established
- Continue developing the system by constructing additional facilities — outposts, planetary bases, specific station types based on your chosen economy
Choosing Your Target System
Not all systems are equal for colonisation. The best target systems for new colonists are those with: rich natural resources (multiple planets with mining potential), a star type suitable for fuel scooping (class K, G, F, A), proximity to existing trade routes for supply convenience, and strategic positioning that gives your new station relevance in the broader trade network.
Player groups often select target systems collaboratively based on strategic location and resource availability. Solo commanders typically pick systems based on proximity to their base of operations and accessibility — a nearby system that is easy to supply is far more practical than a distant, better-resourced system that requires long supply runs.
Commodities Required for Colonisation
Colonisation requires a wide range of commodities that you haul to the Colonisation Ship. The specific requirements vary based on the type of station you are building (Coriolis, Orbis, Ocellus, Outpost, Planetary Port, etc.) and the economy type you select. Industrial commodities — Titanium, Copper, Aluminium, Computer Components — are almost universally required. Agricultural products like Food Cartridges and Grain are needed for population support facilities. Luxury goods are required for high-class residential station types.
The easiest approach is to source your construction commodities from the nearest large station with a broad trade market. Running commodity routes specifically for colonisation is most efficient with a large cargo ship — the Anaconda, Imperial Cutter, or Panther Clipper (for commanders who have one) are ideal for minimising the number of runs required.
What You Get: Station Types and Economies
The type of station you build determines the economy your new system will have. Industrial stations generate metallic and manufactured commodities. Agricultural stations produce food and organics. High-tech stations offer rare and advanced manufactured goods. Extraction stations process raw materials from nearby rings and planets. The economy you choose should reflect both the resources available in your target system and the trade network you want your new station to participate in.
Once your station is operational, it immediately enters the living Elite Dangerous economy. Other commanders can trade there, take missions from the mission board, and interact with the system’s minor factions. Your colonised system becomes a real, permanent part of the Elite Dangerous galaxy — on the galactic map, in EDSM, in EDDB. It is one of the most satisfying feelings in the game.
Colonisation Tips for Maximum Efficiency
- Use a dedicated large cargo ship for construction runs — even a Python significantly reduces trip count vs a smaller ship
- Check the commodity requirements on the Colonisation Ship before buying cargo — they update as deliveries are made
- Coordinate with other commanders if doing a group colonisation — divide commodity types between members to optimise sourcing
- Prioritise establishing the first station completely before attempting secondary construction — it provides a local supply point for subsequent builds
- Monitor local faction influence once your system goes live — your new system’s factions will begin BGS activity and may need support
Colonisation on the Ricardos Gaming Channel
Ricardo has been actively involved in colonisation since the Trailblazers update, both as a solo commander and as part of organised community efforts. The Ricardos Gaming YouTube channel includes colonisation progress videos, commodity sourcing tips, and analysis of which system types and station configurations offer the best long-term value. If you want to see colonisation in action rather than just reading about it, the channel is essential viewing.
