Elite: Game talk

User143386
29 Nov 2018, 9:09am
Mo RonikIf you have your first 1000 credits, what I did was give back the cargo rack and purchase the E rated fuel scoop. Now you can stop at scoopable stars on your way to scoop more fuel. Run as many data delivery and courier missions in your local cluster of stars so you can upgrade your frame shift drive. Upgrade the power plant as well to run the more power hungry modules. Upgrade the thrusters next for better escape speed. Then D rate your sensors, life support and power distribution as that will lighten up your ship and give you even better jump range. I'd even consider dumping the pulse lasers to lighten the load at this point which will give even greater jump distance. Then recheck your route on the galaxy map and smile because you can get where you want to go with relative ease now. Module upgrades for a Sidewinder are not that expensive and you can probably do all this in just a couple days of casual playing. Here is my Sidewinder, MSS Sunrise, as she sits now so you can see how much more you can get out of it with a few simple upgrades. https://s.orbis.zone/-qc I keep her in the fleet because I still enjoy just going out and doing data delivery and courier missions from time to time. It's only 26 seconds to fill my fuel tank if I'm running on empty after I've turned 40ly's but I pretty much scoop at every scoopable star between jumps and it's usually just a few seconds and I'm off again.



This is brilliant advice, and seriously considering following this path.

Got the Horizon Sidewinder with the Planetary Lander which was probably a mistake at this early stage in the game, as takes up room and I won't be roaming on planet for a while. At the moment I'm considering my first upgrade as a docking computer, but not sure what I'd swap out for it. Feel I should manually dock to get the practice in, but at the same time once you have the docking computer you probably never manually dock again.

Any advice gratefully received, should I go for a docking computer so soon?

Also, should I persist with the Horizon Sidewinder, or maybe just restart (have only done one jump) and get a regular Sidewinder?

What are you're experiences here?

Cheers

LBW
WilliamReace
29 Nov 2018, 9:30am
Honestly I still have my original sidewinder as well, instead of selling the ship, I just made the cred for the new one.
It's not so difficult, takes a little time, but as you get higher rep and higher rank the credits really are not difficult to get; I mean it's the one assured resource in the game, haha.

Also you can apparently own 35 different ships (maybe it's per station), but I have 7 or 8 and specialized role ships are ensuing, some I kept because I was trying them out or using as a stepping stone, and never got rid of.  I did own one ship I did not like to use even after I finished A-ranking it (minus engineering), but I'm sure many people do use it; if it didn't fill a role, it wouldn't be in the game.

I personally only have a docking computer on one ship (primary use as data courier), and that ship I just have docking computer on because it docks faster than we can. Because it knows where the landing pads are at without having to see them first and flys at exactly the speed limit, and can't crash on the landing pad.
It always nails the landing, even if the station is telling you that it's going to fast, the DC doesn't care and lands perfectly every time, haha.

For all my other ships, I land manually. The AI almost always cuts in front of me, and I frequently have to regulate my speed to near halt to avoid colliding with the nefarious AI, or reduce to just under after boosting to the mailslot, haha.
The DC would skip the whole line cutting thing because it drops into formation at the mailslot entry, and doesn't pull the aircraft being raised to the surface on a carrier bit, like the AI does.
Since they don't give us landing sequence for manual entry, we just have to watch ourselves and not accidently kill the ai (just on purpose).

Last edit: 29 Nov 2018, 9:39am
SuperFixxxeR
29 Nov 2018, 9:33am
I personally would not recommend the docking module - for one, it cuts a portion of the fun out of Elite and more importantly it uses up a precious module slot.

CMDR Mo Ronik startup plan is a decent one though, although I'd sell those pulse lasers before even taking off, make the starting Sidewinder as light as possible to maximise jump range initially. Avoid combat in it. Data delivery missions will be your ticket to a better ship... but the choices you have once you get a few thousand credits under yer Remlock belt become so vast, its hard to recommend what action to take next, it really depends on your playstyle.

My main advice which applies the whole time you're playing Elite, would be to never purchase a ship if you can 'just' afford it.... aim to double your financial position, then purchase the ship, upgrade relevant modules only (for example don't get A-rated sensors for a cargo ship... go for D rated as they're the lightest, and sensors on a cargo vessel are pointless anyway) and of course, never fly without a rebuy.
SuperFixxxeR
29 Nov 2018, 9:50am
WilliamReace I personally only have a docking computer on one ship (primary use as data courier), and that ship I just have docking computer on because it docks faster than we can. .


I dispute the docking computer is faster. It is not.

Also, play how you will but I question why use a precious module slot for a DC on a small [arguably, easiest-to-fly] ship, only used for data courier missions?

I suggest some practice landing, CMDR

Docking computers, if you must use them are best suited for large, difficult and less maneuverable ships, such as the T9, Beluga etc... they've got more module slots as well so its a little more acceptable to give up a module slot for a nice-to-have gadget such as a DC.
User143386
29 Nov 2018, 10:45am
Thanks for the swift responses CMDRs, great advice.

I'm going to go sans docking computer and get the practice in, it is fun while I'm not hitting anything... or anyone

Does seem like data/courier runs is the best money making scheme initially, so will follow that path while lightening the ship and upgrading for longer jumps.

What's been very clear in all the forums and videos is the importance of ensuring you can cover the insurance costs in the event of a loss each time you fly, will make sure of that.

Thanks again
Xeknos
29 Nov 2018, 1:27pm
SuperFixxxeR
XeknosWould it be worth it to grind engineering mats now? Or better to wait for 3.3 and the changes to how USS(es?) spawn?



You should always be collecting mats through passive gameplay anyway.... its only when you're missing something specific do you grind for certain mats, or use a mat trader to balance out what you don't need for what you do.


That's very good advice. Unfortunately, I've been away for so long that I never really built my stock back up.
SuperFixxxeR
29 Nov 2018, 1:34pm
I agree with that, I'm starting to find materials are more precious than credits... credits are easy to remake... materials... not so much and when you 'spend' them you have to work hard to get them back.

Best of luck though CMDR!
Phelbore
29 Nov 2018, 1:52pm
LittleBigWolf69 Got the Horizon Sidewinder with the Planetary Lander which was probably a mistake at this early stage in the game, as takes up room and I won't be roaming on planet for a while. At the moment I'm considering my first upgrade as a docking computer, but not sure what I'd swap out for it. Feel I should manually dock to get the practice in, but at the same time once you have the docking computer you probably never manually dock again.

Any advice gratefully received, should I go for a docking computer so soon?

Also, should I persist with the Horizon Sidewinder, or maybe just restart (have only done one jump) and get a regular Sidewinder?

What are you're experiences here?

Cheers

LBW

There is no "Horizon Sidewinder". If you have Horizons, your first ship gets an SRV bay for free, just sell the module instead of restarting.
Norwin Palmer
29 Nov 2018, 1:55pm
LittleBigWolf69Got the Horizon Sidewinder with the Planetary Lander which was probably a mistake at this early stage in the game, as takes up room and I won't be roaming on planet for a while. At the moment I'm considering my first upgrade as a docking computer, but not sure what I'd swap out for it. Feel I should manually dock to get the practice in, but at the same time once you have the docking computer you probably never manually dock again.

Any advice gratefully received, should I go for a docking computer so soon?

Also, should I persist with the Horizon Sidewinder, or maybe just restart (have only done one jump) and get a regular Sidewinder?

What are you're experiences here?

Cheers

LBW


Not to confuse things but I think buying a Hauler and retrofitting it is a better option than upgrading the Sidewinder Frame Shift Drive (FSD) to a 2A.

A budget Hauler with 18Ly+ jump range can be purchased new and retrofit for ~66K credits total cost.

For less than the cost of the 2A FSD, a Hauler with a 23.5Ly+ jump range can be purchased new and retrofit for ~116K credits total cost.

The Hauler will out jump the Sidewinder, has more than double the range on a tank of fuel, scoops faster, has more shields and armor, and has four times the cargo space after a scoop and scanner are fitted.

The Sidewinder is however far superior in combat, faster, turns better, and better weapons. If not upgraded too far it is also virtually free of rebuy cost, so it is ideal as a learning platform for combat... or anything else where a ship might be lost, like say docking, planetary landings, fuel scooping, etc.

Anything you do not need you can store in the outfitting screen. If you have the SRV and do not use it just store it and it can be used any time later, even on another ship. There is no reason to start over in non Horizons except to change starting locations.

A docking computer on a starter ship is a mistake. Because as stated above your Sidewinder is virtually free to experiment with, no rebuy cost until it is upgraded and then only a very small one. Take advantage of that now to learn when it is free/almost free rather than later in a bigger more costly ship. But if it is too frustrating learning then yes use a docking computer.
Xeknos
29 Nov 2018, 2:09pm
SuperFixxxeRI agree with that, I'm starting to find materials are more precious than credits... credits are easy to remake... materials... not so much and when you 'spend' them you have to work hard to get them back.

Best of luck though CMDR!


Many thanks, CMDR. o7
Stryker Aune
29 Nov 2018, 2:28pm
XeknosWould it be worth it to grind engineering mats now? Or better to wait for 3.3 and the changes to how USS(es?) spawn?


Hey man!

Welcome back!
User143386
29 Nov 2018, 2:53pm
Phelbore
There is no "Horizon Sidewinder". If you have Horizons, your first ship gets an SRV bay for free, just sell the module instead of restarting.


Norwin Palmer
... A budget Hauler with 18Ly+ jump range can be purchased new and retrofit for ~66K credits total cost.

For less than the cost of the 2A FSD, a Hauler with a 23.5Ly+ jump range can be purchased new and retrofit for ~116K credits total cost.

The Hauler will out jump the Sidewinder, has more than double the range on a tank of fuel, scoops faster, has more shields and armor, and has four times the cargo space after a scoop and scanner are fitted.

The Sidewinder is however far superior in combat, faster, turns better, and better weapons. If not upgraded too far it is also virtually free of rebuy cost, so it is ideal as a learning platform for combat... or anything else where a ship might be lost, like say docking, planetary landings, fuel scooping, etc.

Anything you do not need you can store in the outfitting screen. If you have the SRV and do not use it just store it and it can be used any time later, even on another ship. There is no reason to start over in non Horizons except to change starting locations.


Thanks CMDR's, this is invaluable advice... I did realise afterwards that restarting wasn't necessary and I could just strip the parts, but I wasn't clear on storage and think that is a preferred option for me in the short term for the SRV module etc
I just used "horizon sidewinder" to describe the kitted out sidewinder that the expansion offers you, I know it's not different in basic trim. Cheers tho.

I like the idea of a cheap hauler as combat is not really my thing, not until I've practiced it well and, yep, the sidewinder would be perfect for that. Think I'll just put fuel scoops on it, leave the current FSD and take it from there.

Thanks again, this is awesome feedback
Leptonyx
29 Nov 2018, 3:00pm
LittleBigWolf69

I like the idea of a cheap hauler as combat is not really my thing, not until I've practiced it well and, yep, the sidewinder would be perfect for that. Think I'll just put fuel scoops on it, leave the current FSD and take it from there.

Thanks again, this is awesome feedback


The Adder is a great little combat ship when A-rated. I've used it for stock PvP giggles & it's a lot of fun
Mo Ronik
29 Nov 2018, 4:10pm
When I first got started I just took the reputation instead of the credits on every 3rd data delivery mission. It built my rep up pretty quick and the higher it got the better paying missions were offered. Just remember that on the free Sidewinder you can't sell anything back since it is considered a loaned ship. You can store the modules for future use and get them off your ship to save weight and have a better jump distance. I do have a Hauler, MSS Proteles, and it is a dedicated surface prospector ship with an SRV and small cargo rack in case I run across something interesting to grab. Very inexpensive ship and it flies like a dream. My Adder, MSS Ying Yue, was a surface prospector ship but I reconfigured her to be a small trader ship. Another fun ship to fly.
WilliamReace
29 Nov 2018, 6:59pm
WilliamReace I personally only have a docking computer on one ship (primary use as data courier), and that ship I just have docking computer on because it docks faster than we can. Because it knows where the landing pads are at without having to see them first and flys at exactly the speed limit, and can't crash on the landing pad.
It always nails the landing, even if the station is telling you that it's going to fast, the DC doesn't care and lands perfectly every time, haha.

For all my other ships, I land manually. The AI almost always cuts in front of me, and I frequently have to regulate my speed to near halt to avoid colliding with the nefarious AI, or reduce to just under after boosting to the mailslot, haha.
The DC would skip the whole line cutting thing because it drops into formation at the mailslot entry, and doesn't pull the aircraft being raised to the surface on a carrier bit, like the AI does.


Personally, it's my opinion and if you want to dispute it you can go ahead and say you dispute it, but your reason is negligible at best, and not even worthy of arguing over, however you insist.
And so if you want to incur docking infractions and fines when you are docking because you are going over the speed limit the station wants you to fly that is your prerogative, however the DC does not; and your landing pad is right below you at the entrance but you can't see that and have to look around first to find it, meanwhile the DC has already touched down.

SuperFixxxeRI personally would not recommend the docking module - for one, it cuts a portion of the fun out of Elite and more importantly it uses up a precious module slot.


Is all you had to say, as that's a matter of personal opinion vs personal opinion.
I'll also have you know that my Large pad ships will never use a DC, as I find no difficulty with controlling them; fit the ship for it's purpose/role in your fleet.
Or instead you can waste module slots on frivolous things that deprive you of some of the fun you have playing the game your way.

SuperFixxxeR
WilliamReace I personally only have a docking computer on one ship (primary use as data courier), and that ship I just have docking computer on because it docks faster than we can. .


I dispute the docking computer is faster. It is not.

Also, play how you will but I question why use a precious module slot for a DC on a small [arguably, easiest-to-fly] ship, only used for data courier missions?

I suggest some practice landing, CMDR

Docking computers, if you must use them are best suited for large, difficult and less maneuverable ships, such as the T9, Beluga etc... they've got more module slots as well so its a little more acceptable to give up a module slot for a nice-to-have gadget such as a DC.


once more; You can have your own personal opinion, and you can state that all you like, but please do not create arguments over personal opinions.
You left me with two options: Point out your flaws in the information for someone who was actually curious to help prevent misinformation/disinformation, or just forget you even typed said things.
Obviously I chose the latter.
Trying to argue personal opinion will not get anyone anywhere. But if we must, then we must.
I don't know what you [SuperFixxxeR] have done, to make your large ships crash and explode on landing pads; however I would safely, most assuredly, and quite thoroughly be convinced that the person who needs more training in landing, and not to rely on their DC so much is the person who has one fitted to all [SuperFixxxeR] their large ships.
Not the person who has never crashed [WilliamReace] a ship on the landing pad, as you [SuperFixxxeR] clearly must have personal experience with that consequence and thought to put a DC on all your large ships to avoid repeating.
Not the person who only has 1 DC [WilliamReace] on a ship they only use for it's specialist role.

All that aside, do have a most wonderful day, and I look forward to not having to repeat myself on this matter of personal opinions.

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