One of the greatest strengths of Elite Dangerous is the freedom it gives you. You can blaze your own trail across the stars, choosing from a diverse set of roles and professions. Whether you’re a brand new Commander stepping into the galaxy for the first time, or a returning player wondering where to dive back in, this guide highlights some of the best and most enjoyable paths you can pursue — each with its own unique appeal, income potential, and playstyle.

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1. Pirate Hunting (Bounty Hunting)

For players who enjoy action, challenge, and explosions, pirate hunting is easily one of the most fun activities in Elite Dangerous. It also happens to be a solid money-maker, with a low barrier to entry.

Why it’s great:

• You don’t need a large investment to get started.
• Even small ships can be outfitted for combat.
• It helps build your combat rank, faction reputation, and credit balance.

Start small in a Sidewinder, Eagle, or Viper — and work your way up to combat-focused ships like the Alliance Chieftain. With the right build and a bit of experience, you’ll be taking down massive ships like Anacondas in no time. The rush of seeing enemy ships explode around you never gets old.

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2. Exploring and Exobiology

If you’re more into peaceful, immersive play — the kind that involves discovery, stargazing, and drifting through the void — then exploration is your calling.

Why it’s great:

• You can literally go where no player has gone before.
• Exploration can lead to first discoveries, planetary scans, and biological data collection.
• It’s among the easiest and most passive ways to make money in the game.

The Elite Dangerous galaxy is a 1:1 scale of the Milky Way — and only 0.059% has been discovered. Whether you’re scanning stars or collecting genetic data on alien flora, you’re helping fill in that incredible cosmic map. With the Odyssey expansion, you can also explore on foot, gather exobiological samples, and make hundreds of millions in credits. All you need is a ship with a decent jump range — check out a dedicated exploration guide for specific ships.

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3. Mining

Mining offers a rewarding blend of relaxation and profit. It’s a favorite profession among many players who enjoy a methodical and meditative gameplay loop.

Why it’s great:

• Can be extremely profitable — even for beginners.
• Two fun styles: laser mining and core mining.
• It’s a great way to unwind after intense sessions.

All you need is a ship with mining equipment. While the Python is an ideal mining vessel due to its cargo capacity and maneuverability, you can start out in more modest ships like the ASP Explorer. Whether you’re after precious ores or just want a chill activity that lets you enjoy the stars, mining is a perfect fit.

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4. Trading (Space Trucking)

Want a peaceful, steady way to earn money? Trading — also called space trucking — is both lucrative and calming. Many traders put on a playlist or podcast and just cruise between stations.

Why it’s great:

• Easy to learn and scale with ship upgrades.
• Massive profit potential with proper route planning.
• Relaxing, no-combat gameplay.

Start with a Hauler or Adder, and eventually work toward heavy cargo vessels like the Type-9 Heavy. With help from online tools, you can find highly profitable trade routes and stack millions in credits per session.

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5. Freelancing (Odyssey On-Foot Missions)

If you have the Odyssey expansion, you can walk the surface of planets, explore space stations, and take on on-foot missions. This opens up an entirely new FPS-style career within Elite Dangerous.

Why it’s great:

• Fun and varied mission types.
• Supports looting and salvaging valuable gear.
• Offers a grounded, immersive alternative to ship gameplay.

As a freelancer, you’ll:

• Power up abandoned settlements
• Fight in pirate-controlled outposts
• Steal data and raid hostile facilities

You’ll get paid for mission completion and can loot resources to sell for additional profit. Once you land at a station, disembark from your ship and explore — you’ll find terminals and vendors offering on-foot contracts and equipment upgrades.

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Try Them All — No Strings Attached

The best part? Most of these professions:

• Don’t require engineering
• Don’t need massive credit investments to start
• Can be experimented with freely to find your favorite

So whether you’re blowing up pirate wings, scanning alien worlds, hauling trade goods, or sneaking through hostile facilities — Elite Dangerous offers something for everyone.