Elite: Dangerous planetary landing expansion Horizons is available now in beta

A beta for the first expansion for Elite: Dangerous - Horizons, is available now.

Elite: Dangerous - Horizons, the first major expansion for the main game and the one that brings planetary landings and exploration, is available now in beta.

For the first time, you'll be able to explore the surface of planets in the game using the new Scarab SRV vehicle. These planets are accurate representations of the ones found in the Milky Way, with 1:1 scale.

Surface missions include raiding bases, scouting crash sites, and some combat encounters. These can be done solo and in co-op, transitioning seamlessly from atmosphere to surface with no loading screens.

You can get into the beta by pre-ordering the special edition, priced £49.99/ $74.99/ €67.99. You can also pre-order the expansion separately for £39.99/$59.99/ €49.99.

Horizons is still without a release date, but it'll launch before the year's end. It will also be the beginning of another year of content for the main game, with new ships, missions CQC arenas and more promised. Two other fan-quested features in crafting and multi-crew ships are also planned.

Visit the official forums for a full list of all the new content, as well as the beta's currently known issues.