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Iskariot

Iskariot
ladymacvg said:
I just got this game thanks to the steam summer sale. Right now I've really been interested in smuggling and trading for the most part. I've made about 750k by just doing this. My question is how long should I remain in the starter Sidewinder. I bought the best power plant I could for it but that is all the upgrades I have done so far. I've been trying to avoid combat simply because I feel that it being a starter ship I'll probably get owned. I want to stick with smuggling because I really enjoy the stealth of it. I want to make sure the ship I upgrade to is the best for that. Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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I have been in the Sidewinder for a very long time and upgraded it to the max for combat. I had a great time in that 'little' ship.

The decision is up to you. When you make the step to the next ship do not forget to have some extra money for:

1. ship upgrades
2. cargo
3. insurance

The Cobra is indeed a nice ship, but an Adder for example is nice to experience too.
Buying an adder would allow you to buy some very nice upgrades and still have money for trading and insurance.
Many new cmdrs make the mistake of overextending themselves. This can be very costly.
 
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Rauminen

R
About powerplay - I wouldn't pledge to anyone until I know exactly why it is a good thing, and/or my character agrees with the ideology they represent.

If you have questions in this regard, keep reading - first everything there is in-game, the descriptions, statuses, galnet news; then, if you still have questions, search the forums. Or if you are not really into the research thing at the moment, just disregard. You won't "lose out" on anything - you can join up later if you like what you see.

---

About "major factions" (Alliance / Empire / Federation) and "minor factions" (every system has a few of these) - reputation with these will come as you do more and more missions for them. Unless you are after a specific permit, or you really want to get a specific military rank for some reason, there's no real point focusing on it. As I said, you will gain reputation over time as you do what you do - that's quite a normal process.
 

DJ

DJ
Guidebot said:
Amazed you kept it to 750k!

Get a Cobra, it's amazing for smuggling and decent for trading. Good in a fight and fastest ship in the game too.
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Seconded, moving up to 32 ton capacity is invaluable for a smuggler. The Sidey 4t won't give you access to some of the more lucrative smuggling bb missions at a later date.
 

ladymacvg

L
DJ007 said:
Seconded, moving up to 32 ton capacity is invaluable for a smuggler. The Sidey 4t won't give you access to some of the more lucrative smuggling bb missions at a later date.
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Strongly considering the Cobra because the extra space is invaluable. I've already ran into situations where I was wishing I had more cargo space.
 

Dilain

Dilain
I wouldn't say too considerably but it's a great smuggling ship and has better hardpoints for combat.

Edit: The DB Scout is also viable for about 500k
 
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lonewarrior

lonewarrior
ladymacvg said:
You guys are awesome! Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I didn't even think to upgrade the thrusters and the FSD. May put some upgrades in and then consider upgrading to a new ship. I'll admit I am kinda attach to her now. She's been good to me. Another quick question. When should I consider allying with a faction. I'm confused about what that does for you as a player. Are there perks to it? Thanks again :)
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If you join a faction be very careful, those belonging to the empire and federation are currently in an unofficial war between players, which means if you choose federation and another player from empire spots you, they will likely attack on sight, the cobra is good for getting away but they will likely do some damage first which will cost you
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My advice is before joining a faction, at least have some good shields and thrusters so you can make an escape if someone Interdicts you, and keep a watch on the right side of your panels, if it shows up "hostile" in red it means your in a system controlled by another faction that's an enemy to you and they can attacks you without consequences from the police and won't gain a bounty on their head for it
 

ladymacvg

L
I took everyone's advice in regards to not pledging to anyone. I'm way too knew for that. I've nearly doubled my income and I'm still in my trusty sidewinder. Thing is I wasn't paying attention and got interdicted which was ok. Problem was I had slaves on my ship. I get scanned while in the middle of a dogfight and then I had 4 ships attacking me for what I had onboard I'm guessing. Lost my cargo worth over 100k and now I'm wanted in that system. I upgraded to 6 tons, I know that's not a lot but what I had would have got the job done. I really love this game seriously good times that was lol!! What would be the best upgrades for a cobra should I decide to upgrade?
 

Marra Morgan

Marra Morgan
ladymacvg said:
I took everyone's advice in regards to not pledging to anyone. I'm way too knew for that. I've nearly doubled my income and I'm still in my trusty sidewinder. Thing is I wasn't paying attention and got interdicted which was ok. Problem was I had slaves on my ship. I get scanned while in the middle of a dogfight and then I had 4 ships attacking me for what I had onboard I'm guessing. Lost my cargo worth over 100k and now I'm wanted in that system. I upgraded to 6 tons, I know that's not a lot but what I had would have got the job done. I really love this game seriously good times that was lol!! What would be the best upgrades for a cobra should I decide to upgrade?
Click to expand...

Depends on your smuggling style.
If you're one of those who boost their way into the slot before the heddlu has chance to scan you, go for thrusters.
If you're a stealthy silent-running types, go for powerplant (better powerplants are more heat-efficient).

Good to see you've discovered the thrill of it too :)
 

Krait_79

Krait_79
ladymacvg said:
I just got this game thanks to the steam summer sale. Right now I've really been interested in smuggling and trading for the most part. I've made about 750k by just doing this. My question is how long should I remain in the starter Sidewinder. I bought the best power plant I could for it but that is all the upgrades I have done so far. I've been trying to avoid combat simply because I feel that it being a starter ship I'll probably get owned. I want to stick with smuggling because I really enjoy the stealth of it. I want to make sure the ship I upgrade to is the best for that. Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

The Cobra is a great all round ship and will fit your needs. Just make sure you keep enough back for insurance when you start upgrading it!

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ladymacvg said:
You guys are awesome! Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I didn't even think to upgrade the thrusters and the FSD. May put some upgrades in and then consider upgrading to a new ship. I'll admit I am kinda attach to her now. She's been good to me. Another quick question. When should I consider allying with a faction. I'm confused about what that does for you as a player. Are there perks to it? Thanks again :)
Click to expand...

To be honest there's little point unless you have a large amount of play time to maintain enough merits to make it worth while.

Feel free to give it a go though. You can always leave your power if you decide it's not for you.
 
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