Horizons Anaconda. Do I need one?

[FrozenOJ]

Greetings CMDRS!
I'm currently accumulating credits in what I used to think was a journey towards buying an Anaconda.
My style of play is one where I like to work towards a personal goal and this has resulted in me owning a variety of ships which allow me to do different things.
I must admit that one of those personal goals has to be to own an Anaconda as I've always regarded it as being a "Holy Grail" ship (that, and the Cutter) in so far it seems like the ship which really is something to aspire to owning, admittedly without perhaps thinking things through properly when having this dream.
Anyway, I'm getting to the point where I am approaching being able to sacrifice my current ships and realise the "dream" of owning one with a decent specification as I own a FDL (resell approximately 120m), a Python (160m), Type 9 (100m), Asp Explorer (30m) and Vulture (20m). These are modded to some extent, but so far only the FSD to level 5 for all.
Anyway, the reason I mention this is that I could theoretically sacrifice these for the "fix "of actually owning an Anaconda at long last. However, now it is a possibility, I've now looked on Coriolis and I'm not really sure I need one!
For example, if I want to trade, my Type 9 is great at allowing me to gain credits quickly. If I want to do Passenger missions my Python is good enough for me, as well as it also being a great multi purpose ship which can hold its own with modified thrusters and weapons.
The Asp is great for accumulating mats, the Vulture is still fun to fly every now and then and the FDL, with a bit more work, will be incredible in PvE ((I'm not good enough to engage in PvP).
Therefore my question is, do I really need an Anaconda? I'm tempted to just focus on what I have and work towards modding them to higher levels as I'm uncertain what an Anaconda can give to me.
In saying that, I really would appreciate the opinions of Anaconda owners as to what they use it for and any general thoughts on the ship itself.
I would also welcome thoughts about if, in my current situation, it would be worth me taking the plunge now, or should I just focus on what I currently have?
Thanks in advance CMDRS and fly safe!

 

[Bartizan]

Although it is all about preference, I will say the Anaconda is still the best large ship in the game...I have estimated that about 300-400k LY of my accumulated travels is in the Annie....she does it all really well. Kitted as an explorer, I am mapping systems on a leisure route to Colonia right now.

My first love in this game was the Asp-E.....but my heart belongs to my Annie. Silly I am sure, but its my 2 cents.

 

[Lucien Trask]

If you're enjoying what you're doing with your current ships. I'd say keep them, and press on.

As an Anaconda owner, I've got to admit, it's probably my favourite ship. I don't own a type-9 or Python though. The Python to me felt like a smaller Anaconda, so I sold the python and kept the Conda.

If I were in your shoes, I'd keep working towards the Anaconda with what you have. It's a great ship and you won't regret owning it, but I wouldn't sacrifice all your other ships to do it. It can feel a little sluggish at times, and you'll be feeling the urge to get back into your FDL or Vulture and go slaughter folk, or your Asp and go collecting mats or whatever. None of which you'll be able to do if you trade in everything for it. This might possibly also lead to buyers remorse, if you feel trapped into flying it.

The only reason I'd say buy now and trade everything, is if you have an irresistable itching to go out deep into the black for potentially many months. The versatility offered by the Conda (with a fighter hangar, srv bay etc) for exploring is hard to beat.

Just my two cents mate. Good luck with your decision

 

[Jastebro]

You most certainly don't need it.
It is however a fantastic multipurpose ship that can both fight and trade simultaneously.
My current general purpose conda has a 5A prismatic shield, some 400 cargo capacity and a L5 modded FSD. Long distance runs from Sothis/Ceos is easy, as it can fight down or run from interdictors, while maintaining excellent jumprange.
I suspect the Cutter will do all these things as well, albeit at a lower jumprange.

Got the Imp ranks? Get the Cutter. If not, get the conda. And learn to enjoy a mix of turreted and gimballed weaponry.
You already have ship that excells at any particular role, the sole purpose of it is doinge most things at a good enough level.
I enjoy the two I have, one for multipurpose bubble activities, one for long range exploration.

 

[GG7]

Now that FD appears to be fixing the Passenger Mission payouts as of a few hours ago, I highly recommend the Anaconda as the ULTIMATE passenger mission runner!

With the top Engineer upgrades, you can easily get the ship up to 45 Ly and higher jump ranges with a full weapons load out, passenger cabins and an extra fuel tank to accommodate the modified 6A FSD. It easily trounces the Beluga as the best passenger mission ship in the game, bar none.

Before the passenger missions, I tended to use my Corvette much more for combat work, and I still do. But now that we can make 5+ Million Credits for a single Sightseeing mission, my Conda Liner is getting a ton of use! Nothing like doing a 150 Ly A to B in three or four jumps!

I also own a Python and love it as an all-rounder. However, with a max jump range of less than 27 Ly fully upgraded when using it to run passenger missions it really pales in comparison to the Anaconda. Nothing can touch a Maxed Out Grade 5 that includes that coveted 2700 Optimized Mass specced 6A FSD!

(One thing to keep in mind though, is the base price of the Anaconda is about HALF of what it will cost to fully upgrade it up to the level of the ship I and others are running. You can always start off with the basics, but just make sure you ALWAYS have enough $$ in reserve to cover the insurance)

 

[FrozenOJ]

Thanks to all for such a swift reply, it really is appreciated and has given me a number of things to consider.
For example, I already have a modded 6A FSD stored for when and if I do buy an Annie' (I know I could have just transferred the one from my Type 9, but at the time I was FSD level 5 Mats heavy so I thought I'd get the mods whilst I could) and it sounds like a totally awesome ship all round, especially for passengers and for exploration.
In contrast to that, I am also mindful that perhaps my current ships can also give me short term goals to continue to work towards with the Anaconda still being a longer term goal.
In saying that, if anyone else would be kind enough to comment on their experience of the ship it would be really appreciated as, even if it does turn out to be something I don't buy now, it does sound like something which is worth working towards.
Thanks again for your input and +Rep to you all who were kind enough to reply.

 

[Lucien Trask]

I'd definitely work towards one bud. Like I said, I love mine, and wouldn't get rid of it. She's so versatile and sexy that I go looking for reasons _to_ fly her. I just wouldn't sell all your other ships to do it.

Good luck bro, and let us know when you get her

 

[GG7]

Thanks to all for such a swift reply, it really is appreciated and has given me a number of things to consider.
For example, I already have a modded 6A FSD stored for when and if I do buy an Annie' (I know I could have just transferred the one from my Type 9, but at the time I was FSD level 5 Mats heavy so I thought I'd get the mods whilst I could) and it sounds like a totally awesome ship all round, especially for passengers and for exploration.
In contrast to that, I am also mindful that perhaps my current ships can also give me short term goals to continue to work towards with the Anaconda still being a longer term goal.
In saying that, if anyone else would be kind enough to comment on their experience of the ship it would be really appreciated as, even if it does turn out to be something I don't buy now, it does sound like something which is worth working towards.
Thanks again for your input and +Rep to you all who were kind enough to reply.

Very cool!

Good idea to have a 6A already upgraded and ready to go!

Something you might want to consider depending on what kind of specs your 6A has now...

I always recommend if you can afford to do this, is buying a couple of the stock version of the module you want to upgrade and shipping them to the Engineer base you intend to work with. To get the most out of your new Conda's jump range, you will want to shoot for that max Optimized Mass spec of 2700 which is displayed on the Grade 5 FSD Range upgrade display at Farseer and other FSD Engineers. This is where using two or more modules comes in... If you are shooting for that 2700 OM spec, but don't want to risk loosing a roll that perhaps came really close, you can drop into Outfitting and swap in another 6A and continue to roll with that one instead.

I was lucky enough to roll a secondary effect that added a boost to that max spec and got me a 2789! The first and last time I have seen that happen. I am using that 6A on my Corvette because it needed that extra ooomph much more than the Conda did! Using the above method I ended up with two maxed 6As. The other one is a 2700 OM and that is the one I use in my Conda Liner.

As for the ship itself...

Its kind of slow to maneuver in SC as well as normal space, and because your cockpit is set at the stern of the ship, you are looking out over the VERY LONG forward deck. This makes it less attractive for sightseeing yourself on planets and such because you can't look down and see the surface without pointing the entire ship vertically at the surface. Kind of reminds me of piloting an Oil Tanker.

The Corvette is the same way, and I am use to it now, but when I am focusing on more planet based stuff I tend to choose my Asp X or Python instead cause they are just easier to work with on planets. The Conda isn't any harder to land with though... Its just the visibility aspects I am referring to.

Combat wise.... Obviously, the thing is legendary in this role and kicks when properly outfitted with a good weapons load out, but as I said earlier, I prefer the Corvette for big ship combat mainly due to its much beefier power handling with the Beam Lasers I prefer to use as my mains.

Hope that helps.

 

[rrobes]

Anaconda for long range exploring and cargo/passenger hauling.

Short range hauling/combat or doing whatever you please without reservations, Corvette, 480t cargo, 20ly jump range. With proper outfitting, there are no current NPC's of any rank that can take it. Queen of the CZ's.

As far as handling, dirty drives help the big ships' agility. I haven't flown a Cutter, but own the other two. The Corvette handles better and in supercruise, all of the Fed ships are quite maneuverable, Corvette included.

Want to avoid the grind? Only one choice, Anaconda.

 

[Mikey2305]

I have asp, python, annie and corvette. I must say that my annie and my asp are the two that i come back to most often. Annie can be very frustrating but is probably the best option at most things and the one that i would give up last. With a level 5 FSD and some level 3 dirty drives she can do 45ly and turn much better than stock. Go for it, you wont be disappointed...

 

[goemon]

i fly my conda for exploration, if i don't fly my DBE or a courier. if you want it all - a fighter for occasional canyon racin, passenger cabins, a really good fuelscoop, a huge AFMU and a good jumprangeetc. etc., it is anaconda .... but i mainly love the floating feeling of its slow supercruise handlig.

i also took her out for a jaques CG.

in the bubble, i have used her to do roughly 100 L4 and L5 upgrades when 2.2.01 went live. lots of hardpoints... lots of cargo, lots of jumprange.

for trading it is my cutter everytime. with a good G4/G5 FSD upgrade it is even debatable, whether the conda would trump it at longrange trading (e.g. up to 350 ly).

i fly nearby all ships of my fleet more often than my conda. my python, my cutter, my DBE, my courier, my mining clipper .... and all the others.

i wouldn't sell any of your ships to get one. but when you have the CR spare, give her a try.

 

[GoofyZ]

It really doesn't matter, if your more a trader guy or passengers stick with an asp explorer.

I have anaconda but dont wanna play cause of the bad payouts from missions, too much risk.

 

[Codger]

Need is a strong word. You don't need an Anaconda, you can do everything in the game without one. That said, I really like the Anaconda, and I use it for trading, mining, combat, you name it. It's a very versatile ship, and it has a great feel to it.

But need one? No.

You should still get one

 

[goemon]

I have anaconda but dont wanna play cause of the bad payouts from missions, too much risk.

why playing mission for CR with a conda? you can make 1,5-2,5 mio/cr pe run easily with her doing state depending trading ...

 

[GoofyZ]

i know, but i like missions. Done enough trading.