How to partecipate in Thargoid War and hopefully support Reclaiming Invaded Systems

[Pask]

Someone asked for a brief guide about Thargoid War activities, so here we go...

How to partecipate in Thargoid War and hopefully support Reclaiming Invaded Systems,
a not so complete beginner's guide for casual players, new and returning ones.

Disclaimers,
any contribution is welcome, I will edit inaccuracies and add contents but the goal is to keep the guide as brief as possible, to help those who find an "entry barrier" to join the Thargoid War as causal player, given the large number of possible activities.


Let's start from Galactic Map, left frame mode "Thargoid War", select any Titan, we have five classifications of system status:
Alert, Invasion, Controlled, Titan itself and Post-thargoid recovery (wrench icon)

Scrolling down you will see suggested systems for each status, select a system and in right frame (again Thargoid War)
you'll see tasks you can do in support and effort progression.

You are not limitied to suggested systems, is just an "help to focus CMDRs effort", you can filter using INARA
and find a system with a task you like to do. Click HERE for INARA template

Facilities in systems can be in status: Under attack (Invasion), Damaged (Invasion), Abandoned (Invasion, Controlled, Recovery) or Repairing (Recovery).

in "general terms" we can summary,

• AX Combat is always available, even in unpopulated systems.
• "Under attack" facilities:
  • Action available at AX Combat Zones, Outposts, Stations or Ground Facilities, AXI and XFS web sites have plenty of ship builds and info about.
  • Join CZ, land and get missions to kill Thargoids, you can rearm/repair.
  • You can stack missions of different factions to maximize reward/time ratio.
  • Interceptors do not have drones swarm at ground facilities.
  • CZs around outposts do not spawn glaives.
• "Damaged" facilities or "Alert" systems:
  • Rescue missions, available after landing, Evac/Transport to Rescue Megaship, it could be a long journey so check the mission destination, CSAR Build
  • compared to the past, Scythe + Glaive interdiction on rescue ship are much less frequent, so my build offensive/defensive equips may be a bit overkill today.
  • Damaged stations are dangerous being under attack, Facilities in Alert systems do not pose a risk.
  • Do not worry about "illegal passengers"
• Abandoned Post-thargoid recovery status:
  • Reactivation missions, here is a Buur Video, as a warning: reactivation mission still bugged (both AX and not), before accepting the mission check on system map the settlement status, repairng/abandoned, if it is active skip the mission.
• Recover escape pods and Black boxes in NHSS
• In Alert system destroy Orthrus in Threat 4 NHSS, two build i use CytoChally or Krait Mk2, last one can even gather tissue samples, both use Supercruise Assist to help with NHSS catching time and limpets for some war spoils.
• Deliver goods to recovering systems, go there, land, get mission, boring...
• Tissue Sampling, here is a forum POST.
• Sabotage Spire sites: Ricardo's video about poisoning task
• Squadron Farming Spire sites, I don't think any information is needed, just pick random stream on youtube/twitch, is the current fashion credits farm method.
• there is other tasks but let's keep this guide short.

Most effective is/was tissue sampling and Orthrus hunting in NHSS4, a "two fronts strategy", avoid Thargoid invade new systems, regain control of invaded ones.

btw, i think "most effective" need to be balanced with "most fun to play", redo same stuff hundreds times become boring.
If alot players have fun while doing any AX activities, it will be effective in the "big scheme", and seem there is alot of new and returning players, at least from peak of posts in the forum.

Ship builds are just examples and based on my playing style and unlocked modules, change at will, an example: swap Pacifier with 3C/F Frag but Rapid Fire/Incendiary is needed to wreak Orthrus shield.

Activities Impact on System Effort Progression

Activity	Value	AX Combat	Value	Tissue Sampling	Value
Rescues Refugee Refugee mission Injured Injured mission Occupied escape pod Damaged escape pod Black box Deliveries Unit of delivered cargo Delivery mission Delivery wing mission	TBD 10 TBD 50 10 10 5 TBD 0.1 per unit 20 50	Scout mission Scout Cyclops Orthrus	70 0.5 12 200	Tissue sample	20

*TBD = to be defined/unknown

not 250+ pages, not complete, hope this is a good compromise.

edits:
Update notes
20240307 Rescue Ship build for CSAR v1.1
20240309 AX Activities Table from AXI discord and thank to Cmdr Shadowsnog to report it.

 

[yianniv]

Thank you, cmdr. o7

 

[Ned Flandalorian]

Some notes:

• CZs around outposts do not spawn glaives. The other stations types (starports, ground settlements) can.
• Damaged stations can be extremely dangerous. Whilst you're inside the station gathering passenger/pod missions, dozens of interceptors and scythes may spawn outside. Be prepared.
• Rescue missions do not go to the nearest megaship. The destination depends on the politcal alignment of the source station (Alliance/Imperial/Federation/Independent). In some cases that may be over 240LYs away.

 

[Pask]

Some notes:

• CZs around outposts do not spawn glaives. The other stations types (starports, ground settlements) can.
• Damaged stations can be extremely dangerous. Whilst you're inside the station gathering passenger/pod missions, dozens of interceptors and scythes may spawn outside. Be prepared.
• Rescue missions do not go to the nearest megaship. The destination depends on the politcal alignment of the source station (Alliance/Imperial/Federation/Independent). In some cases that may be over 240LYs away.

Thank you info added

 

[Karmix]

This is an awesome post. For those new to the game or Elite, it will go a long way to help establish a comfort level with Thargoids and clearing out systems/lowering defenses.

 

[Landorin]

I do not see any guide about how to reclaim invaded systems or do I need glasses? I mean, I know what to do there, I just would not know how to survive that without a landing pad or a support ship in the group (which I do not have unfortunately as I usually meet random people).

If anyone got any ideas on how to find people to join up to battle in already Thargoid controlled systems and some hints, let me know.

 

[Pask]

I do not see any guide about how to reclaim invaded systems or do I need glasses? I mean, I know what to do there, I just would not know how to survive that without a landing pad or a support ship in the group (which I do not have unfortunately as I usually meet random people).

If anyone got any ideas on how to find people to join up to battle in already Thargoid controlled systems and some hints, let me know.

The guide have info about activities for systems in "Invasion" status, for group combat in "Controlled" systems, you can join discord/apply to AXI or XSF, just two example, in game you can apply to squadrons that do AX activities; Go to right panel, select squadrons, "browse squadrons" and in "filter search" select activities Anti-Xeno Activists, adding optional filters consistent with your play style, language, etc..

Hope this info will help you, have fun

 

[Landorin]

Thanks, that does help. AXI as well as XSF does not sound very attractive to me when looking at what they require you to do (either some form of weird interview thingie or change your entire ship livery - which could mean there are more obligations beyond that). Just looking for a casual group doing xeno hunting while still remembering it is a game only instead of having obligatory schedules or something. Simply hop on/off and get together when people got time and interest. Works well enough with randoms on int hunting but anything beyond requires a bit more. I will check out the squadrons stuff (been in Elite around since years but never looked into it to be honest).

edit: whoa, that squadrons screen allows quite some tags/filtering, impressive! Thanks for pointing out what was there since ages but I never bothered to look at!
edit2: I asked in discord and turns out you do not need to be a squadron member in AXI to join wings organized there, neat.

 

[Pask]

Thanks, that does help. AXI as well as XSF does not sound very attractive to me when looking at what they require you to do (either some form of weird interview thingie or change your entire ship livery - which could mean there are more obligations beyond that). Just looking for a casual group doing xeno hunting while still remembering it is a game only instead of having obligatory schedules or something. Simply hop on/off and get together when people got time and interest. Works well enough with randoms on int hunting but anything beyond requires a bit more. I will check out the squadrons stuff (been in Elite around since years but never looked into it to be honest).

edit: whoa, that squadrons screen allows quite some tags/filtering, impressive! Thanks for pointing out what was there since ages but I never bothered to look at!

you are welcome, good xeno hunting cmdr!

 

[Cmdr Dreamer]

Hello thanks for this post
And when is the general rally for titan attack ?

 

[Landorin]

From what I read somewhere here and in today's update the amount of controlled systems need to be lowered first by re-taking them. Until then, the Titans will have a very high damage resistance. I do see Leigoing going down slowly. Yet at this rate it might still be there in a few months. I would not expect any rallying before Thursday. And probably not even after this Thursday unless a lot of systems are won back. Which is cool in my opinion. Gives everyone a more relaxed time to participate before it is all over (hopefully, the invasion never will be).

A few people like myself and others do visit Leigoing to enjoy the immersion, practice the procedure or simply to have fun (or all of it). Yet it will not inflict major damage yet.

 

[Cmdr Dreamer]

Yes war is great !!! (In video games only i mean)

 

[grazvy]

A very nice list
I am going to try your way for tissue sampling and Orthrus hunting, seems your way is okay for solo play. I never managed to kill Orthrus before it escaped. I just want to have that thing crossed out on my list
If I understand correctly, tissue sampling is an efficient way of recapturing a lost system?
Because I tried just hunting scouts and cyclopses and that definitely takes too much time&effort before impact on war effort can be even noticed. Its a bit discouraging.

 

[Pask]

A very nice list
I am going to try your way for tissue sampling and Orthrus hunting, seems your way is okay for solo play. I never managed to kill Orthrus before it escaped. I just want to have that thing crossed out on my list
If I understand correctly, tissue sampling is an efficient way of recapturing a lost system?
Because I tried just hunting scouts and cyclopses and that definitely takes too much time&effort before impact on war effort can be even noticed. Its a bit discouraging.

Selling Tissue Sample is effective in Alert system to avoid Invasion, for Orthrus hunting try the Krait Mk2 build with 3C/F Frag Rapid Fire/Incendiary, effective to take down shield quickly + AXMR (Sirius or Enhanced variant) you will have no problem to check it on your list

 

[grazvy]

Selling Tissue Sample is effective in Alert system to avoid Invasion, for Orthrus hunting try the Krait Mk2 build with 3C/F Frag Rapid Fire/Incendiary, effective to take down shield quickly + AXMR (Sirius or Enhanced variant) you will have no problem to check it on your list

I have spare cytoscramblers, I thought they would work for shields?
Krait is so versatile, that I feel bad for all my other medium ships. I would like to finally find a good use for my Chieftain. I built the classic "AXI-meta" but I never managed to kill anything with gauss cannons. Tried to "get gud" with it, but its just not for me. Chieftain flies very nice though and I even flown it to Colonia (but regretted it).
I never brought myself to selling it.

 

[Yuri John]

Chieftain flies very nice though and I even flown it to Colonia (but regretted it).

I used a full equipped Federal Corvette for my trip to Colonia and back to the Bubble over Sag. A. (987 Jumps/Year 3304)

 

[Pask]

I have spare cytoscramblers, I thought they would work for shields?
Krait is so versatile, that I feel bad for all my other medium ships. I would like to finally find a good use for my Chieftain. I built the classic "AXI-meta" but I never managed to kill anything with gauss cannons. Tried to "get gud" with it, but its just not for me. Chieftain flies very nice though and I even flown it to Colonia (but regretted it).
I never brought myself to selling it.

Yes, Cyto are "The" anti-shield weapon, this CytoChally and Krait Mk2 just as reference builds, any ship you like to fly with enough hardpoints will do the work, Orthrus combat will be very quick, except the weapon setup the ship is a personal taste.

I agree with you, I love versatility of Mk2 and Phantom (for exploration) but I use differente ships on purpose for Titan Bomb, Spire Sabotage, etc... to avoid having an hangar full of Kraits

my respect to those who visited Colonia, Sgr A* or did long trip with low jump range ships; It's the journey that matters, not the destination.

 

[grazvy]

Selling Tissue Sample is effective in Alert system to avoid Invasion, for Orthrus hunting try the Krait Mk2 build with 3C/F Frag Rapid Fire/Incendiary, effective to take down shield quickly + AXMR (Sirius or Enhanced variant) you will have no problem to check it on your list

Well, after two weeks of trying sampling, Orthrus hunting and some attempts at Spire battles, I am pretty sure that tissue sampling is the most reliable method for a single player to see his efforts actually moving progress pips. Even Mechan mentioned in his video that scout sampling is the biggest weapon humans have so far.
Although it can be considered as one of the least fun.

It is just as effective in Lost systems as in any other, Starsong's methods works there well.
I guess the only bonus of sampling in Alert system is that you can sell your samples in the same system. From Lost system you have to go to a rescue megaship. Or a carrier which posted a buy order (but it's usually for their friends).
Seems that system strength is based on distance to Maelstorm system and probably nothing else.

Following up for @Thordeas, we have now some very fine empty Control measurements which should place Cephei Sector AV-Y b3 more accurately:

System	Distance	Prior	Payload	Posterior	Minimum	Maximum
Col 285 Sector KW-M c7-13	14.708562 Ly	0	202	0.026038	7757.6	7758.2
Col 285 Sector US-Z b14-3	10.780254 Ly	0	204	0.011306	18041.9	18045.1

From our junction at 15 Ly with 7020, that places a junction at 10 Ly with 20110, such that the strength of Cephei Sector AV-Y b3 at 14.330843 Ly should be 8772. The 15% strength becomes 1316, and your 824 held should be worth 9.4%. With the greatest of thanks to those at the Spire sites for doing so well, the actual number was indeed a bit higher!

In Starsong's method AX Combat Zones are the most reliable source of Scouts. However, in some systems AX Combat Zones do not spawn.
So you can try NHSS or Starsong's "drop anywhere" method, but this carries the risk of reinforcements dropping in and having to deal with that (or high wake out).
Combat Aftermath 4 (I haven't tried higher yet) so far spawned for me in every kind of Thargoid occupied system. Picking escape pods triggers Scythes with Scouts (sometimes without). Further reinforcements only drop in if you shoot Scythes. Scouts can be killed or sampled without calling anything in. Funny thing is, if you do not shoot Scythes, nor carry escape pods (just eject them), Scythes ignore you completely and let themselves be sampled. Seriously, they are not bothered at all.
Better yet, unlike Scouts (where you have to switch to 30fps to get 80-90% success rate) Scythes yield 100% limpet success rate
I only found that today. I tried to find if anyone ever mentioned that or made a video, but didn't find anything. However, Scythe's sample price is so low at rescue megaships that seasoned samplers must have known it for a long time.
I wonder if Scythes are more time efficient than Scouts?

 

[Aleks Zuno]

Seems that system strength is based on distance to Maelstorm system and probably nothing else.

There are different system strength lines for Alert, Invasion and Control and also for empty and populated systems, thus giving five different cases to consider in total, but otherwise it is indeed only the distance to the Maelstrom/Titan system! A lot of testing went into discovering a lot of things which do not affect the strength; for example, Counterstrike does not.

For a while we could see that the strength was approximately inverse cubic, but one of the biggest advances in taking systems efficiently was some INIV data which showed lines emerging, not curves. There are junction-points placed at 5 Ly intervals, where:

• Within 5 Ly, the strength is at a constant flat maximum.
• Between junctions, the strength is a straight line.

Strengths were increased for 3310 and we are still testing to discover each interval; the present junctions in use for Control systems are:

Distance	Empty	Populated
10 Ly	20110	58600
15 Ly	7020	15500
20 Ly	2450	4631
25 Ly	905	1540
30 Ly	382	1506
35 Ly	355	1472

These are very slightly above the actual measurements; the purpose is so that Research payloads which use them will always complete the system. The last-known 5 Ly measurements for empty and inhabited Control systems were both 160000, in practice set with a junction-point to 160400. This needs up-to-date confirmation though, and such is on our mission list this week!

For convenience, the INIV targets list uses that to show system strengths, and has a look-up you can use for non-attacking systems. Thanks very much to PDES, an Alert calculation counterpart also exists.

The confirmed empty Control strengths look like this:

Inhabited Control, which is known to be the same as for 3309, at least down to 10 Ly:

It is well that T. Taranis was removed so quickly before it could recapture too much, for such strengths are possible only with Spire site percentage progress helping them, and we used all the M. Taranis sites last November!

 

[SJ]

Few questions:

1) In Alert systems. Are the S&R contacts supposed to be deactive? As in "i'm supposed to take those pods to elsewhere."
2) Do those pods contribute much? Also, is it worth the time to go straight to rescue ship or collect more than one batch of them before doing so?
3) Anything else i should know about Alert Systems?
4) Edit: Naturaly i forgot to ask the one i came here to ask. If i find any of those Orthrusses does it do any good if i steal that sensor it tries to pick up?