Summary
Exploration is one of the many activities players can spend their time doing inElite Dangerous.The game’s galaxy is huge with lots of sights to see and places to visit. As a result, many players simply enjoy traipsing around the universe seeing what they can find in this simulation game.
The nature of this activity requires players to be in a ship capable of handling long-distance travel, carrying everything they need for the trip, and helping them survive the journey. For players looking to get into travel or need to upgrade to something a little better, here are the best exploration ships according to the fanbase.
Updated August 11, 2025 by Rhenn Taguiam:As 2024 marks the 40th Anniversary of the Elite series, the game has made it its mission to stun fans with a feature-packed roadmap for the rest of the year. With November 2024 at its close, players can get into Elite Dangerous: Ascendancy in a more proactive fashion as the game’s Powerplay 2.0 rework can help players get into the galaxy’s political scene in more unique ways.
However, for fans who want to just enjoy the view throughout the rest of the galaxy, they may want to gear up the best ships for exploration - the for-beginner options of which include one of the game’s best trading vessels, combat-exploration hybrids, and a decent exploration starter.
10, 4
110
6 (8)
Jump Range (Fully-Fueled, no cargo)
21.75
Fans looking for a reliable newcomer exploration ship can’t go wrong using theType-9 Heavyfor the first time - especially if the goal is to get used to traveling long distances while saving up for a much better ship. Although the Type-9 Heavy is one of the slowest ships in the game, this ship’s capability of mounting decent firepower can allow it to defend itself from enemy ships when caught unawares.
Another interesting aspect of the Type-9 Heavy is its position as a trading ship, boasting the second-best cargo capacity among the game’s ships. When outfitted with a Class 5 Shield Generator, the Type-9 Heavy becomes the best trading ship with a shield - perfect for players who want to earn on the side while navigating their way across star systems. Its massive fuel tank means the Type-9 Heavy can travel long distances before having to refuel, which can serve as training for players to plot their trips more efficiently.
8, 2
125
4 (4)
22.54
Despite its nature as a combat vessel, theCobra Mk4inElite Dangerous 4gameplayoffers players a decent balance of cargo space, shielding, and offensive capabilities. Although its maneuverability could use some work, the Cobra Mk4’s decent defenses can allow it to take damage while repositioning for a counter-offensive or a quick escape. Not only that, but the Cobra Mk4 having the highest cargo capacity among small ships makes it a decent trader to earn towards better exploration ships while still boasting firepower to defend from enemy attackers.
While the Cobra Mk4 isn’t the best exploration ship option for players due to its lower jump range, its variety of internal component options can allow the newcomer explorer to slowly acquaint themselves with using limited resources to focus on their travels. However, the Cobra Mk4’s nature as more of a combat ship means the Cobra Mk3 is a better option for more straightforward exploration.
6, 2
103
(4, 4)
24.55
Due to its classification as a heavy combat craft, theViper Mk4improves upon the Viper Mk3 in terms of overall ship combat capabilities, boasting stronger shields, more defensible hulls, and better management of weapon systems for stronger combat performance. Its nimble nature allows the Viper Mk4 to outmaneuver its opponents - perfect for players who need to escape enemies they encounter using their travels.
Not only that, the Viper Mk4’s decent maximum cargo size makes it a decent trading ship and basic mining vessel - perfect for players just getting used toElite Dangerousgameplay. Moreover, its decent jump range can make it quite the beginner explorer ship suited for short-range travels. Players who want to get into exploration and have enough firepower to take on enemies can use the Viper Mk4 for their needs.
6, 4
270
5 (4)
36.89
Among the best beginner-type exploration ships players can take with them in theirElite Dangeroustravels, theDiamondback Exploreris likely among their best options for its versatility. The Explorer has better heat management and clustered hardpoint placement that provides it with much-needed durability in combat while at the same time having an above-average jump range for those who want totour star systemswith relative ease.
Its limited space means players who want to focus on exploration will need to maximize the Explorer for this purpose. Thankfully, its decent Class 5 Frame Shift Drive and large Fuel Tank can get the job done. Its decent defenses mean players can get into enemy territory and still manage to defend themselves or take on long-distance travel. While not as potent as heavy hitters like the Anaconda in terms of jump efficiency, the Diamondback Explorer is an affordable entry-level option for hardcore exploration.
Combat Freighter (3.1m, 156k)
6, 3
230
4 (5)
56.46
Being a combat freighter, theKeelbackis armed forself-sustaining cargo hauling. While its combat capabilities are average at best, the Keelback also suffers from minimal maneuverability and subpar speed. If only for pure exploration, the Keelback may not be the obvious choice for its price range. However, outfitting their Keelback for an exploration build might be worth the shot for players enjoyingElite Dangerouswho want to try casually exploring without sacrificing other parts of their gameplay.
Stats-wise, the Keelback’s Fuel Scoop capacity and handling in supercruise and normal environments can make it a workable option for exploring different parts of space. While its Jump Range is considered decent, modifying the right ships, such as the Type-6, the Dolphin, and even the Asp-X, can leave the Keelback in the dust. This is why the Keelback’s travel potential may be best used for core mining instead of hard exploration.
Combat Explorer (564k, 28k)
4, 4
141
4 (3)
56.05
Among ships inElite Dangerousgameplay, theDiamondback Scoutis primarily a compact but nimble combat ship. Despite its poor durability, the Diamondback Scout compensates with mobility, allowing it to dodge attacks. Its capability to outmaneuver larger ships makes it a decent choice for stealth tactics, although its small internals mean it’s not great for high-level play. However, its affordable nature and high base jump range can make it a workable exploration ship.
Despite its rather small nature and the existence of more efficient exploration ships, the Diamondback Scout is a must-try for players who are still getting the hang of exploration. Its 56-ish LY jump range performs decently enough when combined with the ship’s shields, an SRV, and a better view than heavy hitters such as the Anaconda. Players also praise the Diamond Scout for generating little heat during scoops, which can alleviate maintenance woes for players.
Multipurpose (87k, 4k)
5, 2
102
3 (3)
60.28
The multipurpose nature of theAddercan make it one of the most versatile ships players can encounter inElite Dangerous, allowing them to transform itinto a combat shipor a cargo ship on a whim. Its ease of handling can make it ideal for new commanders, although it’s only the best option for players until they unlock the more efficient Cobra Mk3.
The affordability of the Adder can make it a popular beginner explorer, especially for players who prioritize planet discovery instead of gunning for extremely faraway journeys. The Adder’s versatility can help it run away from hostiles and other aggressive NPCs, which can be minimal in unexplored space. Regarding value for buck, upgrading a Hauler or waiting out on a Cobra seems to be a more practical choice. However, for players who already have an Adder, this ship can perform decently for exploration playthroughs.
Multipurpose (2.5m, 127k)
340
60.50
The small size of theImperial Couriercan make it a vicious beast ininterstellar combat, boasting better shielding without sacrificing evasive potential and overall firepower. Its lightweight nature does mean the Imperial Courier lacks the internal space needed for powerful gear, which can challenge players who want to maximize the ship for their long-ranged exploration endeavors unless heavily tweaked. At base, however, the Imperial Courier remains fun to maneuver, given its decent Jump Range and potential for modification.
With an FSD, the Imperial Courier can barely touch 60LY for its Jump Range, and equipping it with a shield and some lightweight missiles will enable players to clear threats on the ground if they need to land the ship. While not suitable for long-range trips, the Imperial Courier’s decent speed makes it an ideal companion for close-range exploration, exobiology, and daily traveling.
86
2 (3)
43.1ly
Despite its lack of technical prowess, the rather cheap but maneuverable nature of theHaulermakes itan ideal exploration shipsimply for its accessibility. Players enjoying theirElite Dangerousplaythrough could rely on the Hauler to get most of their jobs done while they earn money to save up for something more efficient.
Although the Hauler does have room for an SRV Hangar, the 5LY-range cost might be a dealbreaker for players. Its small frame only allows it to carry lower-level Fuel Scoops and Fuel Tanks, making overall travel rather slow. While its base stats make it a decent bubble-hopper, the Hauler suffers performance issues in the long haul as players expect more trips and more resource gatherings, but they hopefully have moved on from the Hauler by then.
11, 8
275
6 (7)
47.6ly
Players who want a ship that remains combat-ready despite its exploration potential could appreciate theFederal Corvette. It belongs to the Combat Type ship class, meaning it’s designed to handle prolonged aggressive incursions compared to other exploration ships designed for speed.
At its core, the Federal Corvette boasts decent internal systems and manageable handling for a ship its size. Given its combat-heavy focus, its jump range suffers from being in the higher-40s range. However, considering how some exploration trips might send players contending with malicious forces, being combat-ready with some form of defensive armament could make the Federal Corvette a decent choice.
