Advice on Asp Explorer Multipurpose outiftting

Argalan

A
Hi everyone,

I've been reading bits here and there on what's best to fit on a multipurpose Asp Explorer.
This is the build i made: Coriolis Link

Any advice on final tweaks or additional changes is greatly appreciated.
Have in mind that I play solo (PVE) and mostly missions like "delivery", "assassinasion", "source units" etc.

Cheers
 

Chris Simon

Chris Simon
No, this looks good.

For assassinations I would probably recommend the class 6 shields (depending on the rank, of course) and SCBs. If Asp has some weakness it is the fact that she's a big target with small shields.
If you expect big ships as your targets, you may also consider swapping the guns around and pack C2 MCs and small lasers. A little more armour piercing, that way.

And if you have Horizons and plan on taking the base assault missions as well, I can more than recommend taking one rack of dumbfire missiles against ground targets.

Other than that she looks juicy. Have fun!

P.S: Ditch the docking computer. :p
 

Argalan

A
Thanks Chris!

I do have the 6 shield in mind, but the price is kinda demoralising:). I'm thinking to start saving for a Vulture, so we'll see :)
I'm still novice on my combat rank, so mostly i get small targets, but i'll keep your advice in mind for when i start encountering big targets more often.
 

JohnRoberts

JohnRoberts
Yeah, Docking Computer is a waste of a slot, IMHO. Also, stick in an Advanced Disco Scanner, and I'd consider switching out the Wake Scanner for a Kill Warrant Scanner.

Finally, for PVE missions, not sure you really ever need an interdictor. I know the Assassination mission text says you do, but I've done a ton of them, and never actually needed it - the target always seems to be in a mission POI already.
 

DragoonKnight

DragoonKnight
I don't really like your choice of weapons. I would put beams or lasers on the small hardpoints and Multicannons on the medium Hardpoints.
 

Chris Simon

Chris Simon
JohnRoberts said:
Yeah, Docking Computer is a waste of a slot, IMHO. Also, stick in an Advanced Disco Scanner, and I'd consider switching out the Wake Scanner for a Kill Warrant Scanner.

Finally, for PVE missions, not sure you really ever need an interdictor. I know the Assassination mission text says you do, but I've done a ton of them, and never actually needed it - the target always seems to be in a mission POI already.
Click to expand...

Hmm, I've had a couple of those who just wandered SC aimlessly.
 

Argalan

A
Hi John! Thanks for your advice! Why use Advanced? I don't do much exploring other then wondering from system to system in search for missions.
I will try using Kill Warrant Scanner instead of a shield booster, but i need the Wake Scanner 'cause sometimes named targets jump from a fight and it's the only way to find where they jumped.

JohnRoberts said:
Yeah, Docking Computer is a waste of a slot, IMHO. Also, stick in an Advanced Disco Scanner, and I'd consider switching out the Wake Scanner for a Kill Warrant Scanner.

Finally, for PVE missions, not sure you really ever need an interdictor. I know the Assassination mission text says you do, but I've done a ton of them, and never actually needed it - the target always seems to be in a mission POI already.
Click to expand...

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Hi Dragoon! Thanks for you advice! Any particular reason for why you would put them the other way around?

DragoonKnight said:
I don't really like your choice of weapons. I would put beams or lasers on the small hardpoints and Multicannons on the medium Hardpoints.
Click to expand...
 

Archvillain

Archvillain
I'm not a weapons expert, but my understanding is that cannons are unique in that they suffer much less disadvantage against larger ships, so given that the Asp has a lot of small hardpoints, I'd suggest replacing some or all of those small multi-cannons with small cannons. (Personally, I'd put a mine launcher or two in there too to facilitate escapes too.)

A kill-warrant scanner is nice if you're hunting.

My own personal preferences: I'd ditch the docking computer and a class-3 cargo rack and carry a SRV and a collector-limpet controller. And upgrade the discovery scanner to ADS because honking is free income and I like being able to see all of the system :D
 
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freedom4556

freedom4556
Argalan said:
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Hi Dragoon! Thanks for you advice! Any particular reason for why you would put them the other way around?
Click to expand...

In case that poster answers differently, the real reason is because hulls have damage reduction that is reduced by your weapons being larger, but shields don't. The end result of that is you always want your kinetic weapons to be bigger than your thermal weapons when you have differently sized hardpoints.

More detail is available from the devs here in the forums, just look up Mark Allen's posts. A user called Truesilver has some good experimentally-derived posts on the subject as well.
 

aRJay

aRJay
I would fit a 6C bi-weave shield, add a 5E cargo rack, swap the docking computer for another cargo rack, upgrade to the advanced scanner (it lets you see the whole system not just the nearby stuff), I would also swap the heat sink for a point defence.

I tend to lazy and my flying skills aren't great so my asp has 4 small MC turrets, 1 medium burst laser turret and a 2B/S missile rack the long rang of the missile lets me hit my target early then the turrets chew him to pieces as he outflys me.

Someone mentioned mines, remember they don't t work on the Asp's medium hard points they hit the fins.
 

koop26

koop26
I say keep the docking computer. no small amount of cargo gained can replace a fridge trip when arriving at port. Sure you might come back it has face planted you to the right of the mail slot, but the shields will hold up and you got yourself a nice crisp can of coca cola to wash away the panic.
 

Chris Simon

Chris Simon
koop26 said:
I say keep the docking computer. no small amount of cargo gained can replace a fridge trip when arriving at port. Sure you might come back it has face planted you to the right of the mail slot, but the shields will hold up and you got yourself a nice crisp can of coca cola to wash away the panic.
Click to expand...


In space, nobody can hear you facepalm.

https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showt...g-computer-killed-me-Think-Frontier-will-help
https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDange...ont_100_trust_your_standard_docking_computer/
https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDange...one_else_been_killed_by_the_docking_computer/
https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/2cko82/docking_computer_a_waste_of_money/
https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php/208032-Docking-computer-killed-me
https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showt...-trying-to-kill-me-like-in-the-early-versions
https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showt...re-they-broke-the-docking-computer-again-sigh

...

It's not as frequent as it looks like. but it happens. It's just a machine and you are not only entrusting it with handling of your ship, but even dare to not supervise it? *gasps*
 

=Phoenix=

=Phoenix=
Argalan said:
Hi everyone,

I've been reading bits here and there on what's best to fit on a multipurpose Asp Explorer.
This is the build i made: Coriolis Link

Any advice on final tweaks or additional changes is greatly appreciated.
Have in mind that I play solo (PVE) and mostly missions like "delivery", "assassinasion", "source units" etc.

Cheers
Click to expand...
.
For long distance delivery I would recommend:-
.
Change bulkheads to light alloy.
.
Fitting lightest core modules your ship can fit (not always the D kind either).
.
Fuel Scoop - To keep fuel topped up and journey time down.
.
Advanced Discovery Scanner - For earning a bit of Cr and ranking up your Explorer rank en route.
.
Remove all fitted weapons.
.
Summary - pretty difficult to create a multipurpose setup as being able to do several different activities and do them well requires radical changes. Above is for long distance delivery only.
 
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Siranui

S
Argalan said:
Why use Advanced? I don't do much exploring other then wondering from system to system in search for missions.
Hi Dragoon! Thanks for you advice! Any particular reason for why you would put them the other way around?
Click to expand...

If you don't 'do' exploring, it's even more reason to go for an advanced scanner. You can turn a reasonable profit in just honking systems, and that profit is at least doubled by having an Advanced scanner.

As others have said, Type 2MCs will do more damage against the larger targets.
Twin class 2 beams will drain your distributor way too quickly, too. I'd go 2x Cl2 GMC and 2x Cl1 beams. I'd also consider 2 seeker missile racks instead of the chin guns: They do great damage to hull and external components. the ammo is low, but against larger essels and assassination targets, it can be invaluable.

Wake scanner instead of KWS?
KWS means more bounties.

Ditch the heat sinks: You won't need them nearly as much as something else in that slot: Either a KWS or chaff. Chaff is very good against anything with gimballs or large turreted vessels.

For combat, a C6 shield is good... prismatic even better, if you don't mind the dreadful down-time. But if you are working towards a Vulture for combat, maybe keep the C5 as it makes for a better mission ship.

All the other internals... should be viewed as interchangable. Don't stick to one load-out: Modify to suit what you are doing: A c6 scoop for exploring and long-range shuttling, Put HRPs and/or SCBs in instead of cargo for combat. Be flexivle and don't doggishly stick to one configuration.

And...ditch the docking computer, unless you are doing tons of courier missions and like making yourself tea.
 

Muetdhiver

Muetdhiver
I have been using a do it all ASP for a long time now, here is some tips :

  • Military hull is a tad too heavy for my taste. I go with reinforced.
  • Class 5 shields are good enough, esp with two booster as you use. With thermal resistant shields and improved boosters, shields are really good enough.
  • 2x C2 G Frags + 2x C1 G Frags and 2x rails on bottom ports works amazing. Try it. Double shot FTW on the frags => hilarious vs anything smaller than a python. Side bonus : it allow you to fight with 4pips in shields for most of the time witout starving the capacitor.
  • a D3 HRP is a good investment from my experience.
  • I like having a 3A fuel scoop for the extra range without refuelling.
 

Sworp

S
Argalan said:
Hi everyone,

I've been reading bits here and there on what's best to fit on a multipurpose Asp Explorer.
This is the build i made: Coriolis Link

Any advice on final tweaks or additional changes is greatly appreciated.
Have in mind that I play solo (PVE) and mostly missions like "delivery", "assassinasion", "source units" etc.

Cheers
Click to expand...

An alternative weaponry setup is to have 4 x small mine launchers + 2 x medium seeker missiles. Not the most exiting battle setup, but can pretty much handle anything that would interdict an ASP. Just hang just over 3km in front of the target, let a steady stream of mines behind you and watch them blow up. You can also flip and shoot some seekers to the target.
 

Argalan

A
Big thank you for the info! After reading all the comments i've decided to invest in an Adv scanner :). I'll keep the docking computer for now as it's usually my smoking moment (though i keep my eyes on screen just in case)
As for the weapons, i'll give it a try to see how it feels to have cl1 beams and cl2 gmc. Also, will switch heatskink with chaff.

Siranui said:
If you don't 'do' exploring, it's even more reason to go for an advanced scanner. You can turn a reasonable profit in just honking systems, and that profit is at least doubled by having an Advanced scanner.

As others have said, Type 2MCs will do more damage against the larger targets.
Twin class 2 beams will drain your distributor way too quickly, too. I'd go 2x Cl2 GMC and 2x Cl1 beams. I'd also consider 2 seeker missile racks instead of the chin guns: They do great damage to hull and external components. the ammo is low, but against larger essels and assassination targets, it can be invaluable.

Wake scanner instead of KWS?
KWS means more bounties.

Ditch the heat sinks: You won't need them nearly as much as something else in that slot: Either a KWS or chaff. Chaff is very good against anything with gimballs or large turreted vessels.

For combat, a C6 shield is good... prismatic even better, if you don't mind the dreadful down-time. But if you are working towards a Vulture for combat, maybe keep the C5 as it makes for a better mission ship.

All the other internals... should be viewed as interchangable. Don't stick to one load-out: Modify to suit what you are doing: A c6 scoop for exploring and long-range shuttling, Put HRPs and/or SCBs in instead of cargo for combat. Be flexivle and don't doggishly stick to one configuration.

And...ditch the docking computer, unless you are doing tons of courier missions and like making yourself tea.
Click to expand...
 

Argalan

A
What are you using to take shields down, because that used to be my biggest issue. Asp being a slow and hard to turn ship, chewing the shields in a few seconds when i have my target in view feels a must.

Muetdhiver said:
I have been using a do it all ASP for a long time now, here is some tips :

  • Military hull is a tad too heavy for my taste. I go with reinforced.
  • Class 5 shields are good enough, esp with two booster as you use. With thermal resistant shields and improved boosters, shields are really good enough.
  • 2x C2 G Frags + 2x C1 G Frags and 2x rails on bottom ports works amazing. Try it. Double shot FTW on the frags => hilarious vs anything smaller than a python. Side bonus : it allow you to fight with 4pips in shields for most of the time witout starving the capacitor.
  • a D3 HRP is a good investment from my experience.
  • I like having a 3A fuel scoop for the extra range without refuelling.
Click to expand...
 
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