well if you dont want to change ANYTHING in the game just download the mod manager and it has a little jem called open sp. What this mod does is remove the storyline so you are open to go were you want however you want. you dont level up thru missions but thru money. when ever your current worth reaches a certain amount you level up. Most mods add weapons, planets, ships, and on a rare occasion factions. Another thing you could do is connect online. the game has a multiplayer option and there are alot of "vanilla" servers that do not require you to download a mod to play on them. The benifits of this is you get the fun of a MMO without the fees. Blessed Be to all those that still dream of the flight to the stars.
