Play Frontier: First Encounters Online – MS-DOS Game

Game Overview

Frontier: First Encounters is the third installment in the groundbreaking Elite series, continuing its legacy of open-world space exploration with Newtonian physics-based flight mechanics. Set in a galaxy embroiled in civil war between the Federation and Imperial forces, the game introduces the return of the Thargoids—a hostile alien race—adding urgency to its dynamic sandbox. Players start with minimal resources, free to pursue trading, mining, or military missions, including new espionage and bombing operations tied to the Thargoid conflict. Unlike its predecessors, First Encounters features a structured storyline, revealed through in-game newspapers and scripted missions that unlock unique rewards, blending procedural freedom with narrative depth.

Building on Frontier: Elite II, the game retains its realistic spaceflight simulation while expanding mission variety and political intrigue. Whether engaging in dogfights, trading commodities, or uncovering the Thargoid threat, players navigate a reactive universe where their choices shape alliances and opportunities. Its blend of open-ended gameplay and a driven narrative makes First Encounters a compelling chapter in the Elite saga, offering both challenge and immersion for fans of space sims.
Each game uses different controls, most DOS games use the keyboard arrows. Some will use the mouse , "Alt" ,"Enter" and "Space bar".