If you want to chart the galaxy, you should be using the best Elite Dangerous ships for exploration. Luckily for you, that's exactly what we've got here: an Elite Dangerous exploration ship tier list ranking all ships in order of their suitability for soaring through unknown star systems and exploring strange new worlds. From the smallest ships in the game like the Adder and Sidewinder to the luxury-class liners that are the Orca and Beluga, they all have strengths and weaknesses.
Moreover, you can safely consider this tier list the definitive tier list. We asked our community of Elite Dangerous veterans, commanders with thousands upon thousands of playing hours between them, to make their own tier lists, and then we aggregated the results into the following master tier list:
In the image above, you can see our tier list of all the ships in Elite Dangerous ranked for exploration. Let's take a closer look at the top two tiers, which are the best explorer ships in the game, alongside their stats when fully upgraded.
S-tier
Our S-tier consists of just two ships in Elite Dangerous: the Mandalay, which was only recently added as part of the Odyssey expansion, and the Anaconda. Here's why they're ranked so highly.
Mandalay
Cost: 17,639,220 CR
Top Speed: 325 m/s
Jump Range: 45.03 ly
Cargo Capacity: 154 t
The Mandalay was ranked by our community to be the best exploration ship in Elite Dangerous, and it's also one of the latest ships to be added to the game. Here are some testimonials to the best ship for exploring in Elite Dangerous from our community:
MQC: "Fast, versatile, with great vision capacity, magnificent SCO (Frame Shift Drive)... the Mandalay has it all."
Block9: "As a new model, the Mandalay is optimised for modern exploration, boasting high jump range and innovative features like its transparent cockpit for planetary surveying. It combines power with ease of use, making it an elite choice. It's best for explorers who value advanced features and design improvements, particularly for planetary mapping."
CMDR I.N.K.V.I: "The Mandalay has by far the biggest jump with engineers and guardian technology, very high maneuverability and fuel efficiency, and it ignores the effects of engine overload. It has ten slots for extra equipment and it's incredibly cheap compared to some other ships with similar strengths."
AndyRice: "The Mandalay is simply outstanding. In my opinion, it is the best exploration ship available. It boasts a very good jump range, sufficient optional module slots, excellent agility (both with thrusters and in supercruise), and impressive heat efficiency (with a proper setup, it won't overheat even when charging the FSD near a star). It also has a small landing footprint, so the Mandalay is undoubtedly the top choice for explorers, whether experienced or beginners."
If you’re looking to max out your Mandalay, click here for outfitting and engineering suggestions: Mandalay builds.
Anaconda
Cost: 146,969,450 CR
Top Speed: 209 m/s
Jump Range: 41.45 ly
Cargo Capacity: 470 t
If you have the cash to splash, the Anaconda is the other S-tier option according to our community. Alongside providing a gilt-edged excuse to bump either Sir Mix-A-Lot's Baby Got Back or Nicki Minaj's Anaconda as you explore the universe, bringing delight to yourself and others, the Anaconda is more versatile than the Mandalay, which is arguably more of a one-trick pony. Hence the price difference. Here's what our commanders had to say:
USCSS: "Excellent jump capacity and lots of space for exploration modules, ideal for long voyages."
Block9: "With unmatched jump range and internal space, the Anaconda stands out as one of the top exploration ships. It’s fully customisable for long expeditions and can carry numerous essential modules for deep space. It's best suited to pilots who need extended travel range, durability, and comprehensive outfitting options, although due to its large size, it is harder to land on planets and manoeuvre in tight spaces. It’s also quite costly to fully equip and maintain."
AndyRice: "The Anaconda was the reigning king of exploration before the release of the Mandalay, known for its impressive jump range. However, achieving this range requires significant sacrifices in core and optional modules. Additionally, piloting an Anaconda feels cumbersome, and I personally don't enjoy its flight handling."
Hunter: "The Anaconda is well known for its jump range of over 60 light-years when properly outfitted, making it an excellent long-distance jumper. It also provides enough room in the modules for installing top-range scanners, refueling scoops, and repair modules, which are essential for deep-space exploration."
A-tier
There are five ships that make up our A-tier, ranging from the Dolphin passenger liner to the combat-focused Krait Mk II. While they're not quite as good as the Mandalay and Anaconda for exploration, they're still strong contenders if you're unable to get your hands on the top two for any reason.
Asp Explorer
Cost: 6,661,153 CR
Top Speed: 290 m/s
Jump Range: 38.19 ly
Cargo Capacity: 130 t
At the top of the A-tier is the Asp Explorer, a medium-sized multipurpose vessel that’s also very affordable. Here's the community consensus:
Block9: "Though less powerful than the Anaconda or Mandalay, the Asp Explorer is affordable and efficient. Its solid jump range, fuel economy, and outstanding cockpit view make it a reliable, budget-friendly choice for mid-tier explorers who want a dependable, efficient vessel for regular exploration. However, it has limited manoeuvrability when compared to smaller ships, and the hull is somewhat fragile, meaning it’s best for pilots who can avoid combat encounters."
KPA1: "One of the best ships in the game for most space explorers due to its excellent jump range of +/- 76 light-years and decent manoeuverability; you also get a gorgeous view wherever you are in space because of the classic Lakon canopy. It’s an accessible and reliable medium ship."
AndyRice: "A solid budget choice for beginners. It has everything needed for long-range journeys, true to its name."
Matt G: "For a long time, this was the best exploration ship in the game. It has great jump range and exceptional roll and pitch in supercruise. It also has a fairly small footprint compared to other medium ships when landing. On the downside, most ships don't have great yaw in supercruise but the Asp Explorer is one of the worst for it. Some people dislike the fact it has four feet rather than three and that allegedly makes it harder to land."
Krait Phantom
Cost: 37,472,254 CR
Top Speed: 290 m/s
Jump Range: 34.79 ly
Cargo Capacity: 190 t
Just behind the Asp Explorer is the Krait Phantom, which is another multipurpose vessel, but one that will cost approximately six times as much. While affordability definitely weighs in favour of the Asp Explorer, the Phantom may be a slightly better ship overall, meaning it should be your choice if you're a high-rolling commander.
USCSS: "Versatile ship with good jump capacity and manoeuvrability, perfect for intermediate explorers."
Block9: "Its versatility and effective jump range, coupled with numerous internal slots, make the Krait Phantom highly adaptable for multi-role exploration. Its maneuverability also outpaces larger ships, offering a smoother experience in various environments. It's best suited to explorers who enjoy a customisable, versatile ship for both short and medium journeys. However, the price can be high compared to dedicated exploration ships like the Asp, and it might not reach the absolute jump ranges of the Anaconda."
XCezor: "It's a medium ship so it can carry a decent number of optional internal modules, such as the 6A Fuel Scoop. Something this powerful can fuel up your ship from reserves to full tank in no time. Very high jump range and the design is very smooth, I love it."
TheHappyHans: "Before the Mandalay, this was the ideal exploration ship for people with a lot of stuff. Enough space, a great jump range, what else do you need? It may not jump as far as the Anaconda, but you'll have a much easier time circling the star to your next destination, so you'll make up that lost jump range by faster jumps through each system."
Krait Mk II
Cost: 45,814,205 CR
Top Speed: 274 m/s
Jump Range: 30.79 ly
Cargo Capacity: 230 t
The Krait Phantom is an evolution of the Mk II, so while that makes it a better ship, its predecessor is still worth considering for particular needs and budgets. It's weighted slightly more towards combat, so it can defend itself better when attacked, but the primary purpose is still exploration.
AndyRice: "The Krait Mk II, the sibling of the Krait Phantom, has a decent jump range, albeit slightly shorter than the Phantom, and sufficient optional slots. Interestingly, I chose the Krait Mk II over the Phantom for my first journey to the Galactic Core because I love its design, especially the two large thrusters!"
TheHappyHans: "A great all-round ship for most tasks in the bubble and a direct rival to the Python in most areas. The Krait has the edge in jump range but lower optional internal space. But still enough for all your essentials, so who even needs more space?"
Dolphin
Cost: 1,337,330 CR
Top Speed: 290 m/s
Jump Range: 35.10 ly
Cargo Capacity: 88 t
A ship geared towards passenger transportation must be good at travel and exploration, right? The Dolphin is a small ship, but bigger doesn't always mean better because this luxury cruise liner is cheap and quick.
USCSS: "A wonderful option for a high level of exploration at a brutally low price. The Dolphin is perhaps best suited to the role of transporting people, but it does a superb job of exploration."
XCezor: "The Dolphin is a good ship for passenger missions even though it has a very limited number of optional internal slots to put cabins."
Matt_G: "It runs very cool, has decent manoeuvrability, and is very easy to land. It can be built with a decent jump range, though not as far as the Anaconda. On the downside, it lacks module space and isn't particularly bulky."
TheHappyHans: "Slightly less-great jump range than the Orca but still a good showing by Saud Kruger. Great price for what you get, though there are better deals out there."
Diamondback Explorer
Cost: 1,894,760 CR
Top Speed: 282 m/s
Jump Range: 41.61 ly
Cargo Capacity: 60 t
If you don't need to collect and lug around too much loot, the Diamondback Explorer is a stellar choice. It's affordable, fast, can handle itself in combat, and it has the second-farthest jump range out of every ship on this list.
USCSS: "Good for beginners because it's cheap and has good jump range, but it also has less space for modules compared to the higher options. I use it to go to Guardian sites since it's a very small ship so it's easy to land on tricky surfaces"
MQC: "Much like the Dolphin, the Diamondback Explorer is also a great choice for exploration at little cost. The Diamondback Explorer is preferred by many, not only because it’s perfect for the role, but also because it is aesthetically ideal."
Block9: "The Diamondback Explorer has excellent jump range for the price, and combined with its efficient cold running, it's a solid entry-level choice for newer explorers prioritising jump range and operating costs over cargo space. However, the slower fuel scooping speed due to its smaller slots and limited internal compartments make longer journeys more challenging without modifications."
Matt_G: "The Diamondback Explorer can be built with a decent jump range, and is one of the easiest ships to land with its small footprint, only being surpassed by the Dolphin. The weakness of the DBX is its ability to scoop fuel. Thanks to its internals, it has to run an undersized scoop meaning it takes about three times longer than most other ships to refuel."
B-tier
Ships in our B-tier will do the job for exploration if you simply don't have any of the others at your disposal, but they don't impress too much. The Orca, for example, is the bigger sibling to the Dolphin, which means the passenger liner is a great traveller but has some serious drawbacks. Matt_G considers it to be "often overlooked," and that despite its size, it has "decent manoeuvrability plus a lot of module space, but it's difficult to land” and while its jump range is good relative to most ships, it leaves a fair bit to be desired compared to the dedicated explorers.
The Python also features in this tier, which KPB explains "has a jump range of over 38ly and is also very good for exobiology because, with some manoeuvring, it can get into small areas that an Asp or Krait would not," but outside of that, everything else it does is performed better by the ships in our higher tiers. Here's our full list of B-tier exploration ships:
Orca
Imperial Cutter
Python
Cobra Mk III
Type-6 Transporter
Hauler
Imperial Courier
Type-7 Transporter
C-tier
The C-tier is our biggest, featuring 19 different ships. That’s because it’s for ships that clearly aren’t designed with exploration as their primary role, which is most of them. You shouldn't really be taking any of these on long voyages, but some of them have the odd coincidental redeeming feature, such as the Asp Scout. Here's what TheHappyHans has to say about the Asp Explorer's second-rate sibling:
"Nobody wants to fly the Asp Scout when the Asp Explorer has defined a whole generation of explorers. But it is far cheaper than its bigger brother and lets you feel like you almost have the real thing. Nobody knows if it would benefit or suffer from not constantly being compared to the Asp Explorer, but at least it does most things it has to fairly competently."
He also has some words about the Sidewinder Mk I:
"It has the second-worst maximum jump range out there, but it's incredibly cheap. Between that and some fairly good handling, bringing this ’little ship that could’ out into the black is a great way for explorers to really consider what modules they need and which they can go without. Just don't leave your fuel scoop at home, the Sidewinder doesn't have a big enough tank for that."
Here are all of our C-tier ships:
Imperial Clipper
Type-8 Transporter
Asp Scout
Vulture
Alliance Chieftain
Diamondback Scout
Sidewinder Mk I
Federal Assault Ship
Keelback
Python Mk II
Beluga Liner
Cobra Mk IV
Adder
Alliance Challenger
Eagle
Imperial Eagle
Viper Mk IV
Mamba
Type-9 Heavy
D-tier
If the top two tiers are for different gradations of specialist exploration ships, and C-tier is for ships that mainly do other things, then D-tier, our lowest, is for ships that are specifically bad at exploration. Don't take any of these ships on exploration trips unless you absolutely must, as they have no redeeming features for this sort of voyage - their strengths lie far, far away from exploration. Here's the full list:
Alliance Crusader
Federal Corvette
Federal Dropship
Federal Gunship
Fer-de-Lance
Type-10 Defender
Viper Mk III
Do you agree with our rankings? Any additional words to say about the ships we've featured here? What's your favourite ship for exploring? Let us know in the comments below! Choosing your ship is one of the most important parts of exploration, but for more definitive Elite Dangerous content, be sure to check out our super-comprehensive Elite Dangerous exploration guide.
Some text has been edited for brevity, clarity, or spelling, punctuation, and grammar. You can find the original wording here. Image credit: AndyRice / Frontier Games
Created at . Page last updated at .
