"Elite Dangerous" is the highly-lauded modern version of the classic spacefaring game. Recent reports state that the Chapter One of its "Beyond " expansion will have an open beta starting later this month.

According to game developers Frontier, "Elite Dangerous: Beyond" will have and open beta that will start on Jan. 25, 2018. Players should expect "Beyond" to be a different experience from the previous "Horizons" expansion.

Whereas "Horizons" focused on paid downloadable content (DLC) that added some new features to "Elite Dangerous," "Beyond" will be a series of free updates that aim to improve overall gameplay aspects of the open-universe game.

In addition, "Beyond" will be split into four parts. As mentioned, the upcoming open beta will focus on the first chapter of the expansion.

One of the additions players can expect in "Beyond" is the Chieftain Ship. This spacecraft is an Alliance vessel that is manufactured by Lakon Spaceways (a major in-game spaceship manufacturer). The ship is more maneuverable and has better mobility than any other ship of its size class.

"Elite Dangerous: Beyond" Chapter One will also add requested changes to the title's current gameplay mechanics. An accessibility overhaul will be available for the game's Engineering system. There will also be a rework of missions and mission reward, as well as changes to the Crime and Punishment feature of the game.

"Elite Dangerous" is the modern reimagining of the classic "Elite" games. In this game, the player takes the role of a spacefaring pilot with a humble craft. In the course of the game, the player will trade and complete missions for money to gradually improve their craft or trade it for a completely new and better model.

The universe of "Elite: Dangerous" is huge and open, meaning that players have the chance to explore an entire galaxy of planets and star systems.