How To Pay Bounties In Elite Dangerous
Heading into space as a bounty hunter in Elite Dangerous is an exciting venture, but inevitably leads to racking up your own bounties that need paying off. Getting caught with an active bounty can ruin your day, so it’s important to understand the bounty system and how to get them removed.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: You can pay off minor bounties at Interstellar Factors contacts found in stations, but for major bounties you’ll need to turn yourself in at an Authority Contact and either pay them off or do time in a Detention Center.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about bounties in Elite Dangerous and the different ways to get them removed once they’re on your head.
Understanding Bounties in Elite Dangerous
Elite Dangerous is an expansive and immersive space simulation game that allows players to explore the vastness of the galaxy. One of the exciting aspects of the game is the presence of bounties, which can add a whole new level of adventure and challenge.
Understanding how bounties work is crucial for any aspiring space explorer.
Minor vs Major Bounties
In Elite Dangerous, bounties can be divided into two main categories: minor and major. Minor bounties are typically issued for smaller offenses, such as attacking or destroying non-player ships without proper justification.
These bounties are relatively low in value and can be cleared by paying them off at any Interstellar Factors contact.
On the other hand, major bounties are more serious and are issued for crimes like piracy, murder, or attacking authority vessels. These bounties are significantly higher in value and cannot be easily cleared by paying them off.
Players with major bounties may have to face consequences such as being hunted by bounty hunters or even being attacked by the authorities.
How Bounties Are Issued
Bounties in Elite Dangerous are usually issued by the relevant faction or system authority in response to criminal activities. The specific conditions for issuing a bounty can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of the offense.
Bounties can be obtained by attacking other ships, committing acts of piracy, or engaging in unauthorized combat in restricted zones, among other actions.
To check if you have any outstanding bounties, you can access the Transactions panel in your ship’s cockpit. This panel will provide you with information about any bounties you have accrued and their respective values.
It is essential to monitor this panel regularly to ensure you are aware of any bounties you need to address.
Bounty Effects and Consequences
Having bounties in Elite Dangerous can have various effects on your gameplay experience. Firstly, other players who are bounty hunters may actively seek you out to claim the reward placed on your head. This can lead to thrilling encounters and intense space battles.
Additionally, having a bounty can also affect your reputation with different factions and powers. Some factions may view you as a criminal and become hostile towards you, making it more challenging to interact peacefully in certain areas of the galaxy.
It’s worth noting that bounties can also be a lucrative source of income if you manage to claim them yourself. Bounty hunters can earn substantial rewards by successfully capturing or eliminating wanted criminals.
This creates an exciting dynamic where players can choose to be on either side of the law.
For more detailed information about bounties in Elite Dangerous, you can visit the official Frontier Developments website at https://www.elitedangerous.com/. They provide comprehensive guides and resources to help players navigate the intricacies of the game’s bounty system.
Removing Minor Bounties
Minor bounties can be a pesky issue in Elite Dangerous, but fortunately, there are a couple of ways to get rid of them. The two most common methods are paying at Interstellar Factors and waiting out the bounty timer.
Paying at Interstellar Factors
Interstellar Factors are contacts that can be found in various star systems in the game. These contacts specialize in dealing with bounties and can help you clear your name. To pay off your minor bounty, you’ll need to locate an Interstellar Factors contact and dock at their station.
Once inside the station, you can access the Contacts menu and select the Interstellar Factors option.
Interstellar Factors will provide you with a list of available services, including the option to pay off your bounty. Simply select the appropriate option and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the transaction.
Keep in mind that paying off your bounty may come with a fee, so make sure you have enough credits to cover the cost.
It’s worth noting that not all star systems have Interstellar Factors contacts, so you may need to do some research to find the nearest one. There are several online resources and community websites that provide information on the locations of Interstellar Factors contacts in Elite Dangerous.
Waiting Out the Bounty Timer
If you don’t have the credits to pay off your bounty or simply prefer to avoid the fee, you can wait for the bounty timer to expire. When you commit a minor offense in the game and incur a bounty, a timer will be set. This timer represents the amount of time you need to wait for the bounty to clear.
The length of the bounty timer varies depending on the severity of the offense. Minor bounties typically have shorter timers compared to major ones. While waiting for the timer to expire, it’s important to avoid any further criminal activities, as this can reset the timer and potentially increase the bounty amount.
Once the bounty timer reaches zero, your minor bounty will be automatically cleared, and you’ll be free to continue your adventures without the risk of being hunted down by authorities. It’s important to note that waiting out the bounty timer may not be the most efficient method if you have a large amount of bounties or if you’re in a hurry to clear your name.
Now that you know how to remove minor bounties in Elite Dangerous, you can enjoy a more peaceful and law-abiding journey through the galaxy. Whether you choose to pay at Interstellar Factors or wait out the bounty timer, these methods will help you avoid the unwanted attention of law enforcement and allow you to focus on exploring and trading in the vastness of space.
Happy bounty hunting!
Removing Major Bounties
Having major bounties in Elite Dangerous can be a burden, as they can hinder your progress and put a target on your back. Luckily, there are several ways to remove these bounties and get back to exploring the vast universe. Here are some methods to consider:
Turning Yourself In
If you find yourself with a major bounty and want to clean your slate, one option is to turn yourself in. This involves docking at a station controlled by the faction that issued the bounty and requesting to pay off your crimes.
While this may seem counterintuitive, it can be an effective way to start fresh. Keep in mind that this method may result in fines or reputation loss, so weigh the pros and cons before choosing this route.
Paying Off the Bounty
Another way to deal with major bounties is by paying them off. Once you have accrued a significant bounty, you can head to an Interstellar Factors contact at certain stations. These contacts specialize in clearing bounties and fines for a fee.
By paying off the bounty, you can avoid the hassle of being hunted down and attacked by bounty hunters. However, it’s important to note that paying off a bounty does not remove any notoriety you may have gained.
Serving Time in Detention
In some cases, you may have the option to serve time in detention to remove your major bounties. This involves being sent to a detention center, where you will serve a sentence based on the severity of your crimes.
While serving time may seem like a drastic measure, it can provide a clean slate once you’re released. Keep in mind that this method may vary depending on the jurisdiction of the faction that issued the bounty.
Remember, these methods are specific to dealing with major bounties in Elite Dangerous. It’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the game’s mechanics and consult official sources for the most up-to-date information.
The Elite Dangerous community forums and the official Elite Dangerous website are great places to find additional guidance and connect with other players who have faced similar situations.
Avoiding Bounties Altogether
Pay Attention to Local Laws
In order to avoid getting bounties in Elite Dangerous, it is crucial to pay close attention to the local laws and regulations of the system you are in. Each system has its own set of rules and jurisdictions, and violating them can result in hefty fines and bounties on your head.
Make sure to familiarize yourself with the laws of the system you are in before engaging in any activities that could potentially get you into trouble.
Get Kill Warrant Scanners
One effective way to avoid bounties is by equipping your ship with a Kill Warrant Scanner. This module allows you to scan other ships and check if they have any outstanding bounties in other systems. By using the Kill Warrant Scanner, you can make informed decisions about whether or not it is safe to engage with a target.
This can help you avoid unnecessary bounties and ensure that you only go after targets that are wanted.
Don’t Fire on Clean Targets
One common mistake that pilots make is firing upon clean targets. It is important to remember that engaging with clean ships, those that have no outstanding bounties or criminal records, can result in you being labeled as an aggressor and incurring bounties yourself.
Before opening fire, always check the target’s status and make sure that they are wanted or have a criminal record. This simple precaution can help you avoid unnecessary bounties and maintain a clean record.
Conclusion
Although collecting bounties is part and parcel of the space bounty hunter lifestyle, make sure you stay on the right side of the law as much as possible. Keep an eye on your bounty status, pay off fines promptly, and remove bounties through the proper channels.
With some care, you can rack up bounties and explore the galaxy while avoiding unwanted trouble with the authorities.
