In Elite Dangerous, managing a Fleet Carrier offers players the ultimate freedom to traverse the galaxy, trade, mine, or simply explore the farthest edges of known space. However, plotting a course for a massive vessel like a Fleet Carrier involves more than just selecting a destination and jumping there. That’s where the Fleet Carrier Route Plotter becomes an essential tool. By planning effective routes, avoiding bottlenecks, and ensuring efficient fuel management, commanders can make the most of their carrier operations across star systems. This guide breaks down how route plotting works, tips to maximize efficiency, and the best practices for long-range travel in the galaxy.
Understanding the Fleet Carrier Route Plotter
What Is the Route Plotter?
The Fleet Carrier Route Plotter is a built-in system or third-party-supported tool that helps players chart a series of jumps for their Fleet Carrier. Unlike standard ships, which can jump multiple times within a session using standard route plotting on the galaxy map, Fleet Carriers operate differently. They require Tritium fuel and need cooldown time between jumps, making route planning more strategic.
Why Use a Route Plotter?
Plotting your route ensures that you:
- Minimize unnecessary jumps
- Calculate exact fuel requirements
- Locate safe and operational refueling points
- Avoid systems with high permit restrictions or limited access
- Plan your exploration or trade routes effectively
Without careful plotting, players can waste precious time, fuel, and even risk getting stranded in remote parts of the galaxy.
How Fleet Carrier Jumps Work
Jump Mechanics
Fleet Carriers jump in 500 light-year increments. After initiating a jump, there is a cooldown and refueling period. This means players must wait between each jump, unlike their personal ships that can hop from system to system almost instantly.
Fuel Requirements
Tritium is the only fuel source for Fleet Carriers. Each jump costs a specific amount of Tritium based on the mass of the carrier and the modules installed. Ensuring you have enough Tritium before plotting your route is essential to prevent being stuck mid-journey.
Cooldown Time
After each jump, a cooldown period (typically 15 minutes or longer) is imposed. During this time, the carrier cannot be moved again, which makes jump planning more time-sensitive when traveling long distances.
Using In-Game Route Plotting
Carrier Management Interface
Within the carrier management panel, players can select a destination system. However, this system only allows plotting one jump at a time. For longer journeys across the galaxy, manual input is required for each leg, or players must rely on external plotting tools.
System Search and Star Class Filters
When selecting a destination, players can filter by star class to ensure they are jumping into a fuel scoopable star system, which is important if planning to refuel using mining or station services.
Using Third-Party Route Plotting Tools
Why Go External?
Since the in-game interface lacks multi-jump plotting, many players use external tools that allow for comprehensive path mapping. These tools calculate jump sequences, Tritium usage, and recommend mining locations or rest stops.
Popular Tools and Features
While not naming specific tools, here are features commonly found in third-party Fleet Carrier Route Plotters:
- Multi-leg journey creation with auto-calculated jumps
- Estimated fuel cost based on carrier mass
- Waypoints for refueling or resupply
- Filtering out permit-locked or dead-end systems
- Visual maps of the plotted course
Importing Coordinates
These tools often allow for the import of known coordinates or destination tags. Players simply input the starting and ending systems, and the software provides a full jump breakdown including optional stops for efficiency or safety.
Tips for Efficient Route Planning
Plan in Segments
Instead of plotting 10 or 15 jumps at once, break your trip into manageable legs. This allows you to evaluate fuel use, system traffic, and mining opportunities after every few jumps.
Stockpile Tritium
Always carry more Tritium than needed. Mining stations or other players may not always be available, especially in deep space or unexplored areas. A buffer of extra fuel ensures safety during unexpected detours or emergencies.
Watch for Permit Systems
Some systems are locked behind permits or are restricted entirely. Make sure your plotted route doesn’t go through such areas. Route plotters generally flag these systems, but in-game, you may need to double-check before confirming a jump.
Refuel Stops and Replenishment Points
Identify refueling points along your journey. Mining hotspots, player-run refueling stations, or NPC outposts with Tritium are all potential resupply locations. Make them part of your plotted course if traveling long distances.
Monitor Carrier Loadout
The modules installed on your Fleet Carrier affect its mass and fuel consumption. Consider deactivating non-essential services temporarily to reduce fuel usage during long travel stretches.
Advanced Route Plotting Techniques
Exploration Missions
For players aiming to explore the farthest regions of the galaxy, such as the Formidine Rift or Beagle Point, efficient plotting becomes even more critical. Map your route around known nebulae and refueling zones. Use community-explored sectors to find safe paths.
Trade Routes
If you use your Fleet Carrier for trading between systems, create circular or looped routes that include buy and sell stations. Planning a repeatable route with minimal jumps helps maximize profit and reduce jump time.
Player Group Coordination
For Fleet Carrier owners supporting wings or squadrons, communicate your plotted route to members in advance. Sharing jump schedules and stopovers keeps everyone on the same page and prevents confusion, especially during long campaigns.
Common Route Plotting Mistakes to Avoid
- Underestimating fuel usage Always account for every jump’s fuel cost.
- Ignoring cooldown times This delays your schedule significantly.
- Plotting into blocked systems Verify every leg of your route.
- Failing to prepare backups Always have a secondary route ready in case of emergencies.
The Fleet Carrier Route Plotter is a crucial tool for any serious commander in Elite Dangerous. Whether you’re traveling for exploration, commerce, or coordination with others, careful planning ensures a smooth and efficient journey through the stars. Taking time to prepare, using reliable tools, and applying smart travel strategies helps players get the most out of their investment in a Fleet Carrier. With Tritium stocked and routes charted wisely, your carrier can become a mobile base capable of reaching even the most distant systems in the galaxy.