Hi guys
Long time no see. Can't remember when I was last here - years probably.
Anyhoo, I got me a copy of E:D since it was free on Epic.
Can a kind soul please point me in the right direction to get started please?

Thanks.

Welcome, I hope you enjoy it

There's plenty of Youtube vids on how to get started, but I guess you ask here to get some individual perspectives

For me, I haven't made a single credit from trade. Never once. I made a little for picking off pirates, some more from mining, but by far the bulk of my income I get from exploring. Strike out in a direction, scan every system and planet you can, return & get a return from the data. The further out you go, the more unique the data (i.e. you were the first there) and the higher quality the planets you discover & scan, the more you make.

Don't give up! I nearly did when I first started but then I ignored all the tutorials

I notice now that the game takes you through a basic tutorial at start-up. We never had that back in 2015.

If I had to give one piece of advice it's allocate a key/button to 75% power. When you are in super cruise and the time to go to target shows around 8 seconds hit 75% power and you'll arrive in a professional manner rather than shoot past in the 'loop of shame'.

Hey Zero, welcome back.

The starter zone wasn't around when I started. But I think you should just take it slow, and hang around there for a while. Learn the various bits and bobs with the added security of the noob zone. You want to work out portside operations, that is requesting docking clearance, docking, take offs, and exits. Make this routine. Also work out supercruise and high and low waking (jumping). If you have any questions just ask. Learn the various cockpit panels and functions. Try out the SRV. I'd stick to Solo until you get the hang of things.

I'd also advise doing a number of easy mission profiles. Trade runs, courier missions. Build some bank, and work out how you go about taking and conducting missions and collecting the rewards. Modules are limited in the starter zone, so you can't go crazy with outfitting just yet, but have a look at the various stations to see what is available in outfitting. You will need to wait until you exit the starter zone for the good stuff. The starter zone was not around when I started, but from what I have read, there are some combat missions on offer in the noob zone that you can't be prepared for, and specifically these are missions for Combat Zones, or CZs. CZs are not suited for unengineered ships with D-rated modules. I'd advise skipping these until later.

Pick a ship as a target to purchase, something like an Adder, Hauler, Cobra or something in that sort of price range. Cobra was my first ship upgrade and I think makes a fine choice. Run missions like courier and trade missions to acquire the funds to add a second ship to the starting Sidewinder. Exploration is a good activity to do as well, but I think there are only 11 systems in the starter zone. You can leave the starter zone and return as long as you don't rank up. As soon as you rank up you won't be able to get back in as I understand. I think after a week or so you'll be ready to spread your wings and leave for good with the fundamentals.

Consider using third-party sites like EDDB and Inara, which I find invaluable to locate items and modules, track mats and generally provide the sort of real-time info that the game should have in the first place. Always have cash on hand to cover your re-buy should your ship be destroyed. Feel free to ask anything.

Welcome aboard Zero Niner. By far I've put more gaming hours into Elite Dangerous than any other space sim I have ever played. For now I've pretty much exhausted what I am interested in doing in the game but I'll be flying again quite a lot when Odyssey comes out next year.

Hey Zero welcome to the universe. DBond has it right, follow his advice learning some of the ideocencries of the sim. Stay in the starter systems until you can't stand it any more. It can be a big bad universe and NEVER NEVER EVER FLY WITHOUT INSURANCE (REBUYS)!!

Depending what you like I'd suggest a Cobra MKIII as your next ship. "A" rate it and enjoy the ride. Questions we're here and on TS if you need anything

Wingy

OK, I have a question - some guides I've read on the internet recommend a HOTAS. That's not possible for me at the moment, so I'd like to know if a keyboard and mouse setup is practical?

Keyboard and mouse is fine,that's all I've ever used. I'm not much of a combat pilot though (I did some when I first started but I prefer not to) so maybe a stick might give you an edge. All my ships never carry weapons.

I've used the keyboard/mouse too. HOTAS is much better, but keyboard/mouse is do-able. I believe it supports gamepad too, so if you have one of those laying around you can give it a try.

A number of players use KB & M and it seems to work fine, some even prefer it for combat, especially I think with flight assist off.

But yeah, I agree with JC. A HOTAS is the way to go, and failing that, a controller. A USB XBox controller is like fifteen dollars. But KB & M should work fine, and once you get used to it I'm sure it does the business.

Watching videos of Elite, if you notice a mouse arrow on screen, that player is using KBM control. DBond is correct saying KBM is prefered "Flight Assist" off mode. I have seen some great ace piloting using KBM control. Personally I have been using stick & rudder for so long it's hard to imagine any other way for me. Guess it's all in what you get used too.

When I had Elite for the Spectrum 48, keyboard was all I had. Even so I reached "Dangerous" before buying an Amiga and moving on to Frontier. Just a little pat on my own back there

If you are interested in trading I recommend the Trade Computer Extension MK.II.

https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/trade-computer-extension-mk-ii.223056/

Kb & mouse is the meta for serious FA off and pvp, but not so intuitive for general use. They allow more precise control in FA off and better aim for the fixed point weapons that are used, generally plasma accelerators and rail guns. I play on a PS4 and mostly use the controller except for combat when I use a keypad and mouse.
I started off running long distance tourists in a Diamondback Explorer (for speed), it pays well and you see a lot of the bubble. I'm over 4000 hours in the game now and looking forward to Odyssey for new stuff to do and a chance to leave the ships.