Elite Dangerous Beginner's Guide - HUD Basics | Friendship Drive Guides

Following on from my first Elite Dangerous Beginner's Guide, here's an introduction to the Elite Dangerous HUD. In this brief guide we'll talk about all of the HUD elements that are on screen, as well as where to find everything in your ship's panels.
This is a basic guide to help newer CMDRs understand the Elite Dangerous HUD. I didn't go into too much depth so as not to overwhelm new players with too much information, but if there are specific areas you'd like more detail on please feel free to let me know in the comments!
I stream full-time on Twitch (Mon - Fri at noon UK time), and play a lot of Elite: Dangerous and other space, sandbox, or story games. We'd love to have you over there sometime! / psyche
First Elite Dangerous Beginner's Guide: • Elite Dangerous Beginn...
The full Elite Dangerous guides playlist: • Elite Dangerous Beginn...
My purple HUD colour comes from the NO2O list on the forum: forums.frontier.co.uk/threads... (I use the Medium Purple/Sandy Brown one.)
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Twitch: / psyche
Twitter: / psycheplays
Instagram: / psycheplays
Website: psycheplays.com
#EliteDangerous

[@darkelf369]

Two videos in an she is already more helpful than the previous five videos I've watched from other people! Subscribed!

[@PsychePlays]

Thank you so much, I'm glad I've been helpful! I am working on the next few videos, just been a bit swamped after adopting two kittens who've taken up a bunch of my editing time haha.

[@Marcoffs83]

I agree, really well made tutorial.

[@espesq2391]

Very educational. Exactly what I like, no BS, no weak ass music, just rock solid information in a very clear format. Please teach other youtubers how to educate.👍

[@thewilberforce]

I wish your accent was how my ship talked to me.

[@PsychePlays]

It'd honestly be a dream come true to be able to do a COVAS ship voice!

[@josephkeller101]

Have to say I have watched a view of these guides from different channels much bigger than yours, none of them have been as logical or useful. Thank you.

[@Xyoni_htklv]

I like to thank you. You are the only one I found that actually explains things without unnecessary mom jokes, dad jokes, sex jokes, and useless chatter. Thank you ❤

[@mattkaru]

I just want to say how much I appreciate this. There are a lot of tips and guides on YT but most of them assume basic understanding of everything whereas you've broken it all down. Thank yooou!

[@PsychePlays]

Greetings CMDRs! Back with another beginner's guide, this time for the Elite HUD. This is a very basic introduction to the HUD and where everything is, as I didn't want to overload you with too much information. If you have any specific questions or if there's anything else you'd like me to focus more on for a future video, let me know and I'll do my best! o7

[@christophermeans]

Love the video, just got saved by the Fuel Rats, would love to join Boop, Commander name is Crashspace

[@loonatic7]

Hey you said to leave a comment if I apply to your squadron so...here's a comment. My commander name is Bowmar. I've just sent the application for the squad. Thank you very much :)

[@scoogsy]

You are making the best Elite Dangerous beginners guides out there, by a country parsec. All very focused, relevant, and practical. Your voice is easy to listen to as well. Thanks a lot for this great content!

[@down7own7]

I hate to say it, and also love to say it at the same time, but I learned a few things from this that I genuinely wasn't aware of

[@PsychePlays]

Ahh that makes me so happy! A few people have told me they learned things they weren't aware of even though they've been playing for a while, which really gives me hope that these videos will be useful!

[@CapFlipGaming]

​@@PsychePlays Beyond useful! I'm also sharing them to a friend who just started.

[@recordingsbeforethenukeswe9588]

That was actually such a good helping video, very professional. They need to put her in the game at the start just for that

[@yaggatv5998]

I can't believe a game like this exist.. and to have such great vids like this to help us along makes the experience even better.. thank you.

[@christophermeans]

As a dull human being, I love to mine and would love a mining video that shows what to buy to start my shooting at rocks career and then how to properly shoot at rocks.

[@PsychePlays]

I'll keep that in mind! The next video is an overview of the different careers/activities in the game, then I'll do a video to break each one down. I think starting with mining would be worth it!

[@MrDoctorSavage]

Started playing yesterday again after walking away for a few years. These videos have been just what I needed, great information and a clear speaking voice. very nice

[@buhboni7324]

Most helpful Elite videos for beginners anywhere on KZbin. Thank you 🙌

[@clintsingleton3846]

Whoa... What a clear, concise and in-depth guide. I appreciate all your hard work in putting these tutorials together. They’re hands down the best I’ve found. Liked... Subscribed...

[@SunsOfSagan]

Thanks for the effort you've put into making these videos well-presented and to the point. Picked the game up yesterday and I've learned more in the last half hour than I did in a full day of KZbin browsing yesterday. Too many people think several hours of unscripted rambling constitute a "beginners guide".

[@PsychePlays]

Thank you so much, welcome to Elite! I made these guides this way because I can't stand long rambly videos, so I figured there might be others out there like me!

[@edmartin875]

Others usually indicate some info/control button is to the right or left. I guess to them all you really have to remember is where the centerline is.

[@erictrudel1164]

good video. I like the fact we can hear you clearly not all youtubers can do that. ;)

[@PsychePlays]

Thank you! I try to make sure I speak clearly and not too fast, as normally Northern Irish people speak very quickly haha.

[@Eduardohv]

Started the game and read in a tutorial to best come here and make you my Jedi Master! Thanks for the videos!

[@clandugger]

Best beginner ship info I have seen online. Thank You!

[@chrishill5086]

Great detailed description of the HUD in the cockpit!! For a noob such as myself, this is pure gold!

[@PsychePlays]

I'm so glad it was helpful! I'm working on the next guide but I've been a bit slowed down by two new baby kittens. Hopefully it'll be out in a week or so!

[@jayhealey250]

I'm pausing watching your video only to say thank you very much for it. It's helping tremendously in my understanding and enjoyment of the game. Subscribed and Thanks again!

[@ovaldreamx4397]

These videos are so well done! And with that voice it sounds and looks like an official tutorial video! Instantly subscribing

[@PsychePlays]

Thank you! If my voice ever ends up in Elite in any way it'd be a dream come true!

[@ovaldreamx4397]

@@PsychePlays An alternative galnet reader? Or as a relator for the Sagittarius Eye haha

[@WieTie1]

Thank you thank you thank you. I’ve been so lost in this game until your videos

[@diverspudph1310]

New to the game (yet to do my first mission) so looking forward to these instructional videos. Subscribed

[@PsychePlays]

Thanks so much! Welcome to Elite, I hope you enjoy it! The community is wonderful and so helpful.

[@DannyGreenLifts]

Extremely helpful in-depth guide. Thank you :D

[@redmonkey477]

Firstly, this is a great video, thanks for making it bc I’m new and it’s helped me a ton. Also, the production quality of your videos is amazing!? They pop up in my searches and I was under the impression you were one of the big youtubers in the ED community, but you have less than 1k subs??? Keep up the great work, you’re gonna grow so quickly!

[@PsychePlays]

Thank you so much, that means the world to me! My main focus has been streaming on Twitch but I've been meaning to do these guide videos with a new player focus for literally years and finally got off my bum to start them a little while ago. I just want to help people enjoy a game I love so much!

[@japp3playzz]

Yeah, nice synthesis! Very useful. 07 Lady Commander!

[@finnigan16]

This was really informative and helpful. Thanks!

[@lowgizzle]

Awesome video, explained everything very well! You rock!

[@Cyprusretreat]

Thanks for a clear well paced tutorial

[@nozefian]

Excellent video. It has helped me a lot.... thanks!

[@trekranger]

A lot of great information , thanks

[@mastersr1956]

thanks i have been trying to figure out what all the sections meant. very helpful

[@JulieanGalak]

Just wanted to say, your tutorials are great. Thanks!

[@PsychePlays]

Thank you! I'm so glad you like them!

[@AriTanninen]

Very helpful to a newbie. Thanks! ☺️

[@PsychePlays]

I'm so glad!

[@cardcounter21]

The lightening storms are definately worth visiting in VR!

[@PsychePlays]

I need to fly more in VR!

[@voiceweaver]

Hey, your guides are proving to be wonderful for getting me back int the game. I tried 3 years ago but was overwhelmed by the keyboard control originally. Thanks for the wonderful videos. With friends starting to get into the game I'm attempting another go for myself. I see you have a beginner squadron, if possible I would love to join and benefit from the friendly environment. Please and Thank you. (I know that a good beginner "guild" can totally change a players initial experiences from my previous 10 year stint as a guild leader in WoW and other games.) Name : CMDR Voiceweaver

[@kenporter9381]

Great video! Thanks!

[@felixmervamee7834]

Quick timestamps for the different parts of the HUD: 00:18 main screen 06:03 left-hand interface (external panel) 07:42 right-hand interface (internal panel) 12:34 top-left interface (comms panel) 12:54 bottom interface (roles panel)

[@aliakeel]

I think you mean top-left, not right

[@felixmervamee7834]

fixed!

[@aliakeel]

@@felixmervamee7834 haha, great time stamps. helped me a bit to revise some information

[@Irishdavo]

This is a hell of a vid... gg Cmdr

[@bellyfluff9]

Thank you :)

[@MarnieSea]

the best tutorials ive seen! request for SHEMP MD to join the boop brigade :)

[@PsychePlays]

Thank you so much! I've been in the alpha the last few days but I'll check squadron requests when I get back in later.

[@Lobo-cg9mv]

My teacher is the best thanks ms

[@MaxWeir]

Just got this game off Epic last night and tried for the first time, I struggled with the drone training part at the start and trying to figure out how to use the center map to fly and line up with the drone, it was a steep learning curve but your guide here really will help the next time I play.

[@PsychePlays]

It's a bit overwhelming at first but hopefully these guides will help! If you have any questions or anything feel free to ask. We also have a Discord community with a dedicated Elite channel if you need help or just want to find folks to play with! discord.gg/Psyche

[@micheleporcu2287]

Great video !

[@PsychePlays]

Thank you!

[@kylerichmond8357]

Brilliant tutorial 👏👌 I'd like to join the guild you suggested 🙋‍♂️ CMDR STAR SHEPARD

[@jamiestafford2683]

Request for Greenfishman to join your brigade please. 2nd day exploring space and your guides are great 👍🏼

[@PsychePlays]

Thank you! If you haven't been accepted by the time I log in I'll take a look!

[@revolver_84]

Superb vid

[@mctankly]

super helpfull, a thing i saw that you could have added was while at the station that the station has those arrows that show you where the port is that took me 2 docking attempts to find out and even longer to find my correct pad once inside the first time i ran without docking assist. maybe your next or a later one could be like a quick fire all the things you can do, or like a finished the game goals checklist, aka engineering/galactic powers/visit sol. stuff to do with our time besides the best 'go make money careers'. and to bounce off that idea maybe like a video about 'careers' but not the aka best locations for making money but maybe a video about routes or locations that have gorgeous views (top 5 prettiest locations to mine in or 10 passenger routes that take you to crazy places)

[@PsychePlays]

That's a good point, considering I always tell people about the arrows to show you where the entrance is when I'm streaming! Thanks for the suggestions for other videos, I definitely want to do some more "things to do in Elite" that aren't necessarily "careers" but are more like, fun things to do that are off the beaten track!

[@mctankly]

@@PsychePlays yea a lot of videos seem to say stuff like "play the game for what brought you to it' or somethin, but myself and im guessing a bunch others are playing it cuz it was free and now we are looking for the what can we do :P

[@edmartin875]

@@mctankly You could also use your imagination instead of having someone spoon feed you from their imagination/experience. You even mentioned a few. Have you visited Sol yet ? The Black Hole in the center of the Galaxy ? The other side of the Galaxy ? I think it is called Beagle Point or something like that. Have you gotten your free Conda ? Or your mug ? One of my favorite youtubers is The Mighty Jingles. He has made every mistake in Elite Dangerous and came out of each still charging forward. He is also a professional tourist in ED and loves to take screen shots every time he sees something of beauty. I highly recommend his ED videos. He is a gamer that makes videos on just about everything he plays so he may have something else that may interest you.

[@seantaggart7382]

*Friendship drive charging* Twilight: heh. sean! Me: had to

[@desmondtheotter7613]

i am the 666's like, had to do it, loving the help allot

[@MCCOLDT]

What is the bar below the main Radar?...it is linked by default to what looks like a volume slider on an X52 and you can turn it up and down whatever it is. Id never noticed it before I upgraded my HOTAS and twiddled some buttons

[@MandatoryHashTags]

Hi Psyche, just coming back to this game. I sent a request as MandatoryHashTags to join the BOOP squadron. Thanks! These videos are awesome!

[@PsychePlays]

Welcome back! I'll have a look at applications if someone hasn't already got you by the time I get in game this weekend.

[@ericrecker8234]

Frontier, get this woman in the game as a voice tutorial!

[@someoneelse6934]

Great tutorial. zero dislikes. You never see zero dislikes on a video. (Of course some idiot will do it now but still...). Very useful information.

[@PsychePlays]

Thank you! I'm sure I'll see some dislikes eventually, but so far everyone has been really nice!

[@andrewbamlett4677]

Would love to join your squadron. ABAM is my CMDR name. And love the guide series. Learning a lot!

[@PsychePlays]

Thank you! We're checking applications every day so if you didn't get in yet I'll be checking again this evening!

[@fernandotoledo4824]

Hi, I'm on xbox, do you know how to NOT go into texting on the chat immediately when I look at my comms? It's so stressing and can't find anything anywhere that turn it off, idk why but every time I'm on free view and look up to comms it pops to write a message IT'S SO ANNOYING! you're videos are great and definitely I'm going to watch this whole series

[@V081WLBlue]

Brilliant job there, well done on taming the accent ;-p

[@PsychePlays]

I'm not actually trying to tame my accent and have no desire to!

[@smokinhobbit8413]

Would love to join the brigade! Cmdr Ezra Blint. Hope to see ya out there. 😁

[@PsychePlays]

We check apps every day, if I missed you I'll check again this afternoon!

[@Nothing2NV]

Is your squadron still active? I’ve just started playing ED and am looking for others to group up with

[@ryanofdublin1347]

Lady thank fuck for you. I'm lost in this game & quite frankly that's why I love it so much but now I know how lost I am..

[@thdestiny4907]

make vedio about fire grops

[@DB-ey8ix]

Really good narration, clear concise guide. Firstly you should be the office guide here and second why aren’t you doing more voice over work ….

[@PsychePlays]

Thank you! I would actually love to do voiceover work, definitely something I'll be looking into!

[@sorwdzord360]

Hey, I’d love to join the Boop Brigade. This is Cmdr Psych-Man. A friend and I just bought the game and ur videos are helping us a lot so thanks a bunch.

[@PsychePlays]

I think I might've got your app earlier but if not I'll check again this evening!

[@sorwdzord360]

@@PsychePlays don’t worry you got me. Thanks again.

[@RuthSmart]

Request for Moya Aideron to join Boop Brigade

[@uvbe]

10:23 I don't understand what flight assist does, other than the options given there. Is that all or is there more?

[@PsychePlays]

Flight Assist is in space flight, not supercruise. It basically makes your ship handle more like a traditional aircraft, but in space, ie you fly in the direction you apply thrust. It is on by default, when you turn it off you can fly and turn, continue moving the direction you were originally traveling but be looking a different direction. Turning it off can be very confusing at the beginning but allows for more advanced movements in combat, and some people turn it off altogether.

[@uvbe]

@@PsychePlays I've played some more hours and I tried it. Its what I was hoping this game to be! I'll have flight assist on until I'm more comfortable with the controls though, I dont want to crash into everything. (Specially landing on space stations - it takes me a good minute even with flight assist)

[@PsychePlays]

Ahh I'm so glad to hear that! And honestly, I've been playing since closed beta and I still have Flight Assist on. I have it set to "hold" instead of "toggle", so I hold the button down to turn it off when I need to make a tight high speed turn. 🙂

[@juancre7321]

Really concise videos, very helpful for a complete noob like myself! Also I'll send a request to join your brigade, pilot name is BigTastyCray :)

[@PsychePlays]

Thanks so much! I really want the videos to not waste anyone's time, I hate watching video guides normally because they're overly long!

[@shinga_lana]

Hi, I know this comment is to a very old post, is the Squadron still recruiting?

[@jason-qc5lr]

you make the BEST fucking tutorials!!!!

[@PsychePlays]

Thank you! I'm so glad they're helpful!

[@SamMau]

I want to change hud to numbers only so i can freely look around without stopping or getting interupted

[@kizo]

3k views and not a single dislike :)

[@PsychePlays]

Give it time. 😂

[@AceOfSpades9996]

thx for the guides started to play the game few days ago rly helped me here :) oh ill join the team want to see how it is in a team the name is XRAIS :)

[@helzone18]

Request for griffi18 to join Boop Brigade. first time playing so will study your videos carefully

[@PsychePlays]

Checking all the applications each day, welcome to Elite!

[@gobbledygook5000]

It's beyond baffling to me that you cannot change the HUD color in the game's menus. Like, how is this not a feature? Brand new player, and I really don't like the default orange very much... Do you recommend the Dr. Kaii EDProfiler? Or...?

[@PsychePlays]

I think they'll add it eventually! I did a short video explaining how to change it, I personally just modify the xml file manually but EDProfiler is a great alternative! The video is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJq6pJZrbc-DZ6M

[@finnigan16]

Hi, I'd love to join the group. Just sent a request to join the squadron as Cmdr F1NN.

[@Fluxion39]

I would like to join BOOP Brigade... My CMDR is YARUNO

[@PsychePlays]

Will check this evening if someone else hasn't already got you by then!

[@splashkingxd9892]

Can I join the boop brigade my cmdr name is SPLASHKNIG

[@thomasmadsen3480]

I subscribed, i like your way of explaining. How can i join Boop? My Commander Name is Dordje

[@PsychePlays]

Thank you so much! If you search for the Boop Brigade in the squadron menu, submit an application (and leave us a little comment in the app saying you came from the guide videos or similar) and one of us will accept!

[@gilgamesh7055]

Well, since im new i guess it couldnt hurt to have a squadron of friendly players showing me around. My ign is the same as KZbin, Tahallon.

[@PsychePlays]

I'll check apps if someone hasn't got you by the time I login!

[@gilgamesh7055]

@@PsychePlays Sounds good!

[@l0rdcroissant]

right.... can I have my hula girl on the dash?? :)

[@MaskaTuck]

great video only suggestion i have is to know what keys you were pressing for each panel more the left and right one as they hold at lot of information :)

[@PsychePlays]

Thank you! Yeah I thought about that, but I wanted to keep the video short and sweet, and found that adding a reference to the keybinding for each menu plus keeping it accessible for newer pilots on PS4 and Xbox as well as PC became a bit cumbersome. So as a compromise I'm going to try recording a video where I go through the keybindings with a fine-toothed comb, since I know even experienced players find it a bit of a pain!

[@bloodfoxtriberc8157]

what do you mean "what keys"?! that makes no sense... you want her to list the standard controls for pc and every console the game runs on? why dont you just go to options and look at your keybindings? this video is about the hud...

[@MaskaTuck]

@@PsychePlays thatnk you that would work as well sorry it a pain has been for me to forgot to mention i love to jion the Boops

[@DonRusiruGaming]

I want join your clan because iam new . My pilot name is DON

[@PsychePlays]

I'll take a look once I'm in game later, or someone else from the Squadron will see your application. 😊

[@redirhandrums]

Hey i just sended application i hope you accept it ^^ commander name : figfig

[@redirhandrums]

And thanks for your tutorial videos i learned a lot :))

[@thelonewulf1617]

Are you guys still accepting? Semi new player here 😂

[@thelonewulf1617]

I'm thelonewulf but I didn't find your squad on the tab

[@PsychePlays]

Yup we're still accepting! The squadron is on PC and should be found under "boop". If you're on console unfortunately we don't have a console squadron, and they're not cross platform. I hope they will be in the future but I'm not sure if they'll be able to do that!

[@thelonewulf1617]

@@PsychePlays awesome! I will send an invite soon as I get back on!

[@wizardprang]

"Friendship" Drive... lol

[@PsychePlays]

10 years on and I still hear it every time!