While you’re still going to have to cough over some cash to grab the full version of Elite Dangerous, the good news for cheapskates is that Frontier is making its close quarters combat PvP mode, Arena, completely free for anyone who purchases it this weekend.
“Elite Dangerous Arena will be completely free on Steam and the Frontier Store this weekend,” the studio posted. “If you purchase a copy of Arena between now and 6PM BST on Monday, July 11th, you won’t be charged a thing, and you’ll retain access to the game even after the deal ends.”
The studio points out that pilots who play Arena can earn credits and discounts on ships for the full version of the game, so perhaps it is hoping that the giveaway will become a gateway into future sales.