Elite Dangerous Season 3 kicks off with a free beta test available to all PC players. In an announcement made by Frontier Developments a few days ago, it was revealed that the open beta test for Elite Dangerous: Beyond - Chapter One will begin on January 25.

Elite Dangerous: Beyond Chapter One is the first update of the third season of the game after the devastating assault of the Thargoids on humanity’s starports. The recent update will introduce several gameplay enhancements, including a variety of gameplay experiences that allows players to trade, fight, or explore in Elite Dangerous’ “massive multiplayer galaxy.” 

Prior to the release of the update, the Chapter One beta will be available to all PC Elite Dangerous players, giving them a preview of what to expect on the game’s new contents and a chance to give their feedback on the update before it's official launch. In a press release by the developer, fans were told what they can expect from the open beta:

“In the open beta, Wing Missions bring challenging team-based objectives for players to complete with friends and community members around the world. Commanders will share their adventures - and rewards - with allies while working together to overcome dangerous obstacles.”

“Advanced in-game Trading Data will empower traders to make better deals and smoother transactions. Information on the galactic economy is now more freely available, allowing every commander to become a master merchant as they journey among the stars.”

“The Elite Dangerous galaxy becomes more realistic and beautiful than ever before with reworked planet rendering technology in Frontier’s COBRA game engine. In Beyond - Chapter One vibrant surface colors better reflect planetary geological properties, enriching the full-scale Milky Way.”

Elite Dangerous: Beyond - Chapter One will be available in Q1 of this year for free to all players on the PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. The open beta will kick off on January 25 for PC players through the in-game launcher.