Elite Dangerous: The factions at a glance

In Elite Dangerous you can join one of several factions. We explain which ones they are, what the point of belonging is, and why it pays to level up in a faction.

Free choice: In Elite Dangerous, you can choose one of three factions.

As a solo player, you are free to travel independently in Elite Dangerous. However, there are advantages to joining a faction.

Elite Dangerous: Three factions to choose from

In Elite Dangerous, there are three NPC factions, namely Alliance, Federation and Empire:

• You can only join one faction. This allows you to travel to certain systems at a time, depending on which faction rules which system.
• Within the faction, you can increase your rank for each profession by being active, primarily through missions. The designations of the ranks differ, but the principle always remains the same.
• With increasing rank you get access to higher systems and access to certain specials. For example, you can buy the Federal Corvette if you belong to the Federation and there to the Rear Admiral (Rear Admiral), that is, to the third highest level.

In the first hours, the factions do not yet play a role, but the further you advance into space, the greater the advantages of belonging to a faction.