To all the solo players, you are seen, you are valid. Play how you want.

With the Thargoid war behind us, and colonization coming up, Elite’s future looks brighter than ever! Face that future with a squadron at your back! The vast majority of CMDRs saw one ganker in Deciat and subsequently ceased interacting with other living human beings. This is a shame, as Elite is at its best with a strong community. If your only goal is to share mining missions, you are missing out on the one of the greatest experiences in gaming.


To find a squadron, I'd highly recommend visiting the squadron recruitment center, which you can find here:

https://discord.gg/WvQvFuru5h

Most active squadrons have a presence there.

Given that there are 100+ squadrons in that Discord, I will try to help by recommending a few squadrons I have had excellent experiences with, and will personally vouch for:

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This squadron has been around a long time, and they have the knowledge to prove it. They are one of the most active, meticulous, and patient BGS squads in the game right now. Their current BGS footprint of 181 systems + 102 billion citizens, is the result of many years of planning, experimenting, and hard work. They are also one of the top Powerplay squadrons for the Empire. While they are the unofficial flagship squadron for Torval, all Imperial citizens are welcome. If you join up with these guys, you'll learn Elite at a deeper level than you'd think imaginable. If only they’d officially pledge . . .

Discord: https://discord.gg/GCGhbvG
Inara: https://inara.cz/elite/squadron/284/
Website (Yes, they have one of those): https://eicgaming.com/


This is another legacy squadron that has significant experience on the BGS front (124 star systems, 28 bil pop), but are slightly more. . . *aggressive* than EICO. If you want to learn how to fly your ship well with murderous intent, this is the place to be. The squadron is lead by the notorious LawsonPV, one of the most skilled PVP pilots. They are hellbent on fortifying systems for the Empire and killing anything that isn’t blue. This isn't to say they don't participate in all gameplay loops, but the squadron is decidedly more combat focused. ALD pledge encouraged but not required.

Discord: https://discord.gg/Bnez4HBFzE
Inara: https://inara.cz/elite/minorfaction/2325/

[/h3] Lavigny’s Legion (LLPC – 498 CMDRs active, 1500 on reserve, Age 9.5 years) [/h3]

The flagship squadron for the Achenar Emperor, Arissa Lavignny-Duval. The largest squadron Imperial squadron, and one of the few multi-platform squads in existence. This squadron is extremely active, with many knowledgeable CMDRs, with a very heavy Powerplay and PVP focus. The Legion has a very strong lore/RP component in their culture, which unheard of in most Elite squadrons, especially large ones. One of the leaders has started publishing their internal newsletter, which is always a joy to read. As one of the oldest squadrons on this list, they are a BGS juggernaut, with a presence in 78 systems, and 261 billion happy Imperial citizens under their control. An ALD pledge Is required.


Discord: https://discord.gg/XCyYtQDUZR
Inara: https://inara.cz/elite/squadron/85/

[/h3] Paladin Consortium (PLCN – 363 CMDRs EU/NA, Age 9 years) [/h3]

The Paladin’s pride themselves in fostering a welcoming, chill environment for CMDRs of all skill levels. Despite being the de facto flagship squadron of Denton Petraeus (although they will vehemently deny it), all members of the Imperial spectrum are welcome. Unlike some of the more ‘hardcore’ Imperial squadrons, there are no activity requirements, and they have a strong “real life first” culture. That isn’t to say they do not have impressive in game feats! They are currently ranked #8 in the Powerplay leaderboards and have a BGS footprint of 53 systems with 15 billion residents. If you want a diverse, active squadron, with the lowkey vibes of a smaller squadron, look no further. Denton pledge encouraged, not required.

Discord: https://discord.gg/palcon
Inara: https://inara.cz/elite/squadron/286/
Website: https://palcon.uk/2025/01/anatomy-of-a-squad-part-v/

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These guys are THE dominant powerplay squadron (currently ranked #1, also ranked #1 last season), and the coordinators for the Winters Federal Powerplay efforts. While some Fed groups might have a reputation for being militant, these guys are some of the most relaxed, but focused groups I've come across. They are certainly one of the most coordinated squadrons in the game currently, and they have an abundance of internally developed tools to help with bringing Winters’ message to the galaxy. They are certainly no slouches in BGS either, with a presence in 132 systems, and a controlled population of 57 billion. A Winters pledge is required to join.

Discord: http://discord.gg/♥♥♥
Inara: https://inara.cz/elite/squadron/727/

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Alliance bedrock since kickstarter days, the Alliance Rapid-Reaction Corps have been trusted to be the stewards of the “Old Worlds” such as: Zaonce, Tionisla, and Arque by the Alioth Council of which they are a core member. Their BGS footprint spans 35 systems with 19 billion citizens and includes two engineer's systems. While very active in the powerplay and BGS space, their Expeditionary Forces are frequently found all over the galaxy, assisting friends and allies in need. Thus they came to be a mainstay in one of the biggest, most epic player conflicts this game has seen. ARRC are at the time of writing ranked #14 in powerplay, and #5 on the political board. They welcome new and experienced players of all trades alike. New players are offered a thorough introduction to all available game loops, as well as any kind of support they may need.

Discord: https://discord.gg/veDmsSuA6P
Inara: https://inara.cz/elite/squadron/671/


The nomads do one thing, and they do it better than anyone else. Mining for Kaine and Glory. With the highest Inara activity rate of any squadron of more than 5 people (100%), the mining nomads are among the most committed squadrons in the game. If mining is your primary interest, you simply won't find a more knowledgeable or active group. Despite their small numbers, they have achieved a Powerplay leaderboard ranking of #10, a reflection of their dedication. They also have an “Executioner” task force, for combat/PVP pilots who are devoted to protecting their fellow worker bees in the rings. They don’t really do the BGS, as it does not involve mining. A Kaine pledge is required, as well as open play.

Discord: https://discord.gg/fppc7v4R
Inara: https://inara.cz/elite/squadron/14649/


One of the smaller, but more active Mahon squadrons operating today, the Elite Fleet is an squadron that recently migrated over from the PS4 galaxy. They are experts in combat, PVP + PVE, and routinely run complex cross squadron operations in support of their BGS and Powerplay goals. This squadron operates as *the tip of the spear* for these operations, determining enemy size and skill level before the main fleet arrives. Placed right at the edge of Mahon and Archer space, this squadron is presented with more meaningful powerplay opportunities than most. Give them a hand!

Discord: https://discord.gg/8k2Btkqs
Inara: https://inara.cz/elite/squadron/14674/

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The Exiles are one of the fastest growing squadrons to date. This is a very established, active squadron, but with a smaller BGS footprint (16 systems, 2.3 billion population). Despite their growth, The Exiles strive to encourage an environment where folks won't feel like they are "lost in the noise". They are comprised of dedicated PVP, AX, and PVE pilots. Anyone who’d like to learn combat, or seeking some fellow bounty hunters, should give these guys a look. They also have a dedicated trade division helping to fund anything their CMDRs want to do, and a fleet carrier stocked with all material required for the engineer unlock process. “This is your game and your squadron. Our goal is to get you to where you want to be, and to enjoy that journey with you." – LewAstro, Division Leader.

Discord: https://discord.gg/pW2AMFEHUc
Inara: https://inara.cz/elite/squadron/11676/


If your ambition is to become a bane to miners and traders, the Black Swans are the squad for you. They are home to some of the best CQC and FA Off pilots in the game (watch their skills in action here: https://www.youtube.com/@silverstyles5646/videos). Although they do not have a minor faction, which means no BGS work is available, they sometimes participate in mercenary BGS operations. Want to become an outlaw pirate who actually favors cargo over “ship goes boom”? This squadron is ready to welcome you! They're involved in the PVP community and frequently set up squad fights, exploration and AX events, welcoming all to join in on the fun.

Discord: https://discord.com/invite/rpqGqMhHSm
Inara: https://inara.cz/elite/squadron/11784/


One of the premier exploration squadrons in the game! While they have a robust PVP group, this is probably the least combat centric group on the list. ACE Ex regularly runs many different events. In addition to their epic expeditions, they also host racing events, guardian site exploration, and most recently, the Santa Hunt. In between exploring, the squadron has also gained influence in 70 systems, with a total population of 16 billion under their care. If you are an explorer at heart, but would like some variety here and there, this is the squad to go to.

Discord: https://discord.gg/yQ3YTWPwXW
Inara: https://inara.cz/elite/squadron/8067/


So, I’m not gonna lie, my relationship with these guys started off rather . . . contentious (when I was a young CMDR, I was fighting in a BGS war against when I thought *all* factions were NPC) and they chased me off. Since then, I always had a bit of a chip on my shoulder with them. However, when I actually TALKED to these guys, they ended up being some of the chilliest, goofiest dudes I’ve come across. Definitely one of the more chaotic groups in the game, the Syndicate has been around just as long as any of the other large squadrons, and typically have higher activity levels. They run the gamut of events, from traditional pvp, expeditions, wing trading, to some more *creative* fare as well . . which you’ll just have to join to learn about. While an independent squadron, they support Winters in powerplay, but all pledges are allowed. The Syndicate remain one of the largest, most active groups for a reason, and joining them will be one of the best decisions of your Elite career.

These squadrons represent the best of Elite’s community, and it has been a joy and privilege to engage with each. I promise that you'll be well cared for, regardless of your choice.

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Despite being the youngest group on this list, we are the largest and most active Alliance squadron. Some might call us the “Rogue Expansionist Military Arm of Kaine”, and. . . .maybe we are (?). . . but at the end of the day, our goal is to create a community where as many CMDRs can have as much fun in the game as possible. We recently hosted the community exploration event Blades Forward, and routinely coordinate large scale, cross squadron BGS and powerplay operations. Our BGS footprint is currently 13 systems, with a population of 3 billion. (Hey, we just started, come help us out!)

We have an ‘unorthodox’ wing system, with groups dedicated to AX, PVP, Powerplay, Trade, Exploration, BGS, CQC, and Mining. You can enroll in every wing or just focus on one. Play how you want, when you want, there are no activity requirements. We also have a new initiative, Makhai Academy, that is open to all new + returning CMDRs regardless of their squadron membership. Elite can be a frustrating game to learn, and we are trying to help the community in our own small way. A Kaine pledge is encouraged but not required. All Kaine CMDRs are welcome regardless of squadron allegiance.

Discord: https://discord.gg/swordsofmakhai
Inara: https://inara.cz/elite/squadron/15440/

Anyway, I hope this exhaustively lengthy post can help you find a group to navigate the void with.