Newcomer / Intro A brutal re-introduction

[Hector]

Well I've decided to give the Chieftan a chance and i'll admit SO FAR at least I enjoy its handling and sound.

One thing i've already noticed though... jesus CHRIST the heat-generation off of Shield banks! When i last played they did NOT pump out that sort of heat when used!! pumped me up from about 40% straight to the 130s which was a shock to say the least. Does this mean that a heat-sink is basically a mandatory thing to have and (ideally) use them in conjunction every time?

For Exobiology, is it like exploration, where half-decent credits are only made when you scan systems unexplored by anyone else yet & a decent distance away from where you're selling it? Or can you make half-decent profit regardless of distance from the selling point & providing its a "new" discovery for YOU alone?

CMDR Hector

 

[Kayvan]

My recommended solution for the SCB heat problem: don't use SCBs.
Ofc the Chief doesn't have the strongest shield base, so I understand this is not workable with standard equipment. The answer is two-fold:
1, engineering
2, guardian shield reinforcements if you can swing the power requirements. The latter are a module you have to unlock once by farming the appropriate Guardian materials, then you can buy as many of them as you want for credits. These GSRPs use optional slots so they just replace your SCBs. For instance a class 4 gives you some 180MJ extra shield, but it also draws 1.05MW of power.

For reference, my bounty-hunting Chieftain currently has a shield strength of about 630MJ Absolute (but with pretty strong resistances), using Bi-Weaves. That doesn't sound much compared to real shield-monsters, but is perfectly sufficient for HazRES farming. I used to have over 1000MJ but that much really isn't necessary for this purpose. Being bi-weaves, they recharge really quick, just about 100 seconds from 50 to 100%.

Alternatively, if you need to keep using banks, you could try installing one or two beam lasers with the Thermal Vent experimental (so again, engineering), that dumps your heat into the enemy ship, not bad if you manage to hit.

 

[Frankymole]

At the moment I've a python (fitted for mining), about 400M credits sat in Omicron Capricorni and such a huge WALL of "things to do" between engineering, getting things ranked up, etc etc that frankly i just don't know WHERE to go! I'm not really in the mind set of "must farm max credits / hour" because doing that on your own can just kind of kill the joy (i think, unless you have a very specific goal of course!)

Credits aren't really the currency any more since you can make tens of millions of them per hour doing foot CZs or exobio.
Data and Goods are the rare things and worth trading with CMDRs on FCs via bartenders.

 

[Frankymole]

There is no perfect ship, just those that suit your preferences. Every build has positives and negatives.

Steve

Except Ferdy being obligatory for PvP, unless you like building meme ships

 

[aRJay]

Well I've decided to give the Chieftan a chance and i'll admit SO FAR at least I enjoy its handling and sound.

One thing i've already noticed though... jesus CHRIST the heat-generation off of Shield banks! When i last played they did NOT pump out that sort of heat when used!! pumped me up from about 40% straight to the 130s which was a shock to say the least. Does this mean that a heat-sink is basically a mandatory thing to have and (ideally) use them in conjunction every time?

For Exobiology, is it like exploration, where half-decent credits are only made when you scan systems unexplored by anyone else yet & a decent distance away from where you're selling it? Or can you make half-decent profit regardless of distance from the selling point & providing its a "new" discovery for YOU alone?

CMDR Hector

I don’t use Shield Cell Banks myself due to both the heat build up and the need to be more aware than I tend to be as you need to trigger them before the shield dies but I believe the heat is related to the size and grade of the SCB, from comments read it is common to have larger SCBs on the same binding as the Heat Sink launcher. All that heat can be useful if you are taking caustic damage as it burns the material off.

In exobiology a first discovery will pay an additional four times the value so in the case of Statum Tectonicas instead of just getting ~19,000,000 you will get an additional ~76,000,000 note less valuable exobiological targets are available.
Distance is not a factor for exobiology, and if you sell exploration data to a carrier the must be more than 20Ly limit doesn’t apply.

 

[Hector]

My recommended solution for the SCB heat problem: don't use SCBs.
Ofc the Chief doesn't have the strongest shield base, so I understand this is not workable with standard equipment. The answer is two-fold:
1, engineering

Damn i was hoping this wasn't the solution but i was worried that it was! The engineering cliff is so huge at the moment that it will be a long time until this is the viable solution for me unfortunately (though obviously something to aim for eventually)

Considering SCB's have now completely changed their viability, is there anything else combat-wise that has changed? E.g. do you need to carry Point Defence/Electronic Countermeasures for PvE content? (to be clear I will never engage in PvP, i just don't have the skills for that sort of stuff)

from comments read it is common to have larger SCBs on the same binding as the Heat Sink launcher.

Ah thats worth a thought, does a heat sink immediately dump heat though? because if it does I have a horrid feeling that i'd have to keep them separate and time them better.
As an alternative, would it be viable to chain-chaff and use a bi-weave shield with faster regen to work as an alternative?

In exobiology a first discovery will pay an additional four times the value so in the case of Statum Tectonicas instead of just getting ~19,000,000 you will get an additional ~76,000,000 note less valuable exobiological targets are available.
Distance is not a factor for exobiology, and if you sell exploration data to a carrier the must be more than 20Ly limit doesn’t apply.

Seems like this is something I'll definitely have to look into as an alternative way to "farming up credits" in between other pursuits of professions!!!

Credits aren't really the currency any more since you can make tens of millions of them per hour doing foot CZs

Ground based Combat Zones, are they new-ish friendly? is it something that benefits you as a player in more ways than JUST credits or is it a case of you ONLY do this for creds? Are they displayed on systems in the same way as high-res sites are for space combat?

 

[Frankymole]

Ground based Combat Zones, are they new-ish friendly? is it something that benefits you as a player in more ways than JUST credits or is it a case of you ONLY do this for creds? Are they displayed on systems in the same way as high-res sites are for space combat?

Depends - there are Low, Medium and High difficulty ones, the Highs have some skilled accurate NPCs with very damaging weapons, so you'll want to upgrade your suit a bit (or a lot). You can buy pre-upgraded weapons at least to grade 2 or 3 (out of 5) at out-of-the-way stations, the shop gets new supplies every Thursday after the tick, but you may need to travel around to a few places to find good items. I found it easier to upgrade the ones I have, using materials.

As well as a LOT of credits, you can quickly gain reputation with the side you fight on in CZs, and that leads to better missions and material rewards (not just combat missions, but all sorts including ship-based ones). You will also gain both Mercenary rank points AND combat rank points towards Elite status (so they are added where the ship ones go, I recent got a "space" combat rank up when zapping innocents at a base, so that works too).

The best way to see the CZs is to visit the Frontline mercenary desk in a station or ground port, you don't have to accept a trip to a fight, and even if you do you can cancel it at the desk. The system map will show the yellow "crossed swords" icon on settlements with CZ but you get a bit more info at the desk, like the difficulty level Low-Med-High and who the competing factions are.

I was very sceptical about on-foot CZs but enjoy them now (and one saved me from keeping a Hostile reputation with Sirius Corp recently, as no other take-able missions could spawn). Low is a bit too easy and thus a bit boring for me now, but it was adrenalin-pumping at the beginning.

 

[SteveWW57]

Damn i was hoping this wasn't the solution but i was worried that it was! The engineering cliff is so huge at the moment that it will be a long time until this is the viable solution for me unfortunately (though obviously something to aim for eventually)

Considering SCB's have now completely changed their viability, is there anything else combat-wise that has changed? E.g. do you need to carry Point Defence/Electronic Countermeasures for PvE content? (to be clear I will never engage in PvP, i just don't have the skills for that sort of stuff)



Ah thats worth a thought, does a heat sink immediately dump heat though? because if it does I have a horrid feeling that i'd have to keep them separate and time them better.
As an alternative, would it be viable to chain-chaff and use a bi-weave shield with faster regen to work as an alternative?



Seems like this is something I'll definitely have to look into as an alternative way to "farming up credits" in between other pursuits of professions!!!



Ground based Combat Zones, are they new-ish friendly? is it something that benefits you as a player in more ways than JUST credits or is it a case of you ONLY do this for creds? Are they displayed on systems in the same way as high-res sites are for space combat?

Participating (not winning even!) in 10 LOW ground combat is an engineer unlock (Hero Ferrari).

Lows are easy and you can earn about 500k for a win. Mediums you can earning 1.5-2 million, and highs about 6 million. All for 15-20 minutes work. Low CZs can be done with bought G3 gear. Start there. No point in engineering and modding suits and weapons until you have had experience.

Oh, and in ground CZs you get critically injured and return very quickly without losing any bonds.

Steve

 

[Hector]

The best way to see the CZs is to visit the Frontline mercenary desk in a station or ground port, you don't have to accept a trip to a fight, and even if you do you can cancel it at the desk. The system map will show the yellow "crossed swords" icon on settlements with CZ but you get a bit more info at the desk, like the difficulty level Low-Med-High and who the competing factions are.

To clarify is this IN a system that already has CZ's occuring? Am i correct in assuming I'd need to find a system with the combat already ticking off, then go to a station above said zone and then talk to this mercenary dude to be taken down to the fight?

At the moment i think my combat suits & weapons are completely un-improved. For Low zones do you need improvements at all? I'll have to try and keep an eye out for the stuff required to upgrade them i suppose.

Participating (not winning even!) in 10 LOW ground combat is an engineer unlock (Hero Ferrari).

Lows are easy and you can earn about 500k for a win. Mediums you can earning 1.5-2 million, and highs about 6 million. All for 15-20 minutes work. Low CZs can be done with bought G3 gear. Start there. No point in engineering and modding suits and weapons until you have had experience.

Good to know that it wouldn't take too long to upgrade that engineer, does it have to be G3 as a minimum? at the moment i think i have G1 (or 5... which ever is lowest!) stuff but i haven't bee keeping an eye out for better! I assumed you had to upgrade it all yourself so i didn't know you could buy better grades at all!
On that note, is the vendors that sell better grades of stuff something that pops up on inzara (or whatever that site is called)?

 

[SteveWW57]

Check out the caring/sharing thread where CMDRs post stuff found for others to buy.

The Great Pre-Upgraded Gear Sharing is Caring Thread

Nauksas Tull G3 L-6 empty Took the G3 L-6, thx o7

forums.frontier.co.uk

Many CMDRs will tell you that low ground CZs can be done with G1 gear, but there it experience that counts. Starting out, G3 gives you an edge. You will not be invincible, but you will learn.
Steve

 

[Hector]

Check out the caring/sharing thread where CMDRs post stuff found for others to buy.

The Great Pre-Upgraded Gear Sharing is Caring Thread

Nauksas Tull G3 L-6 empty Took the G3 L-6, thx o7

forums.frontier.co.uk

Many CMDRs will tell you that low ground CZs can be done with G1 gear, but there it experience that counts. Starting out, G3 gives you an edge. You will not be invincible, but you will learn.
Steve

Ah thank you! I'll have to search through the feed to see if anything of late is dropped that i can reach for the upgrade! I guess the alternative is to upgrade myself? Do iNEED to have this engineer unlocked to be able to upgrade to G3 stuff? Thinking maybe i can farm the materials myself maybe?

 

[SteveWW57]

Ah thank you! I'll have to search through the feed to see if anything of late is dropped that i can reach for the upgrade! I guess the alternative is to upgrade myself? Do iNEED to have this engineer unlocked to be able to upgrade to G3 stuff? Thinking maybe i can farm the materials myself maybe?

Upgrading suits and weapons to G5 is done at the Pioneer Stores at a cost of mats and credits. Mods are done by the engineers, so it is better to start off with a partially modded suit or weapon.

Look for restore/reactivation missions for empty (apart from scavengers) settlements that you can loot once you have powered them up.

Steve

 

[Hector]

Upgrading suits and weapons to G5 is done at the Pioneer Stores at a cost of mats and credits. Mods are done by the engineers, so it is better to start off with a partially modded suit or weapon.

Look for restore/reactivation missions for empty (apart from scavengers) settlements that you can loot once you have powered them up.

Steve

oh thats awesome thank you! So i could get up to G3 myself without having to worry about engineering etc. I'll try and keep an eye out for these missions you're referring to! Ugh i really regret stopping playing ED now for these years because i feel the catch up game is insane!

 

[SteveWW57]

oh thats awesome thank you! So i could get up to G3 myself without having to worry about engineering etc. I'll try and keep an eye out for these missions you're referring to! Ugh i really regret stopping playing ED now for these years because i feel the catch up game is insane!

One of the unexpected changes caused by the introduction of Odyssey, is the increased use of the smaller ships for many missions/activities.

Steve

 

[Greasetrap42]

To avoid grinding I recommend taking on one self-made mini-mission per week. Each self mini-mission includes a bit of learning, but really not tough. After 6-8 weeks of casual gameplay you will have fairly solid foundation to build from. Beyond the mini-missions.... just do whatever you like. Trade, mining, combat missions, foot missions, whatever.

Examples of little mini-missions:

• Unlock a ship engineer per week. There are 5 or 6 easy ones, so one per week is very easy.
• Play with third party tools. INARA especially. And then Coriolis or EDSY for designing ships.
• Unlock and obtain the Guardian FSD booster.
• Unlock and obtain the Guardian Shield Booster.
• Pledge to a Power Play power and after whatever weeks get the special power play module (its really easy).

 

[Jack Winter]

To clarify is this IN a system that already has CZ's occuring? Am i correct in assuming I'd need to find a system with the combat already ticking off, then go to a station above said zone and then talk to this mercenary dude to be taken down to the fight?

Yes, you need a system in war status where at least one of the involved factions has an odyssey settlement. To be able to use Frontline you also need a large station (or a planetary port) as the small ones don't have the service, if so you have to go there in your own ship.

At the moment i think my combat suits & weapons are completely un-improved. For Low zones do you need improvements at all? I'll have to try and keep an eye out for the stuff required to upgrade them i suppose.

FWIW, once I wanted to die in a low CZ as the instance was bugged. I turned off the shields and went to stand in front of some NPCs, it took them a lot of shots to kill me, mostly they seemed to miss. So I don't think it's actually as hard as I first thought, though with a bit of bad luck like getting shot from 2 sides with plasma can kill you very quickly. The key is to keep moving, in that case the NPCs mostly miss you.

 

[SteveWW57]

"once I wanted to die in a low CZ as the instance was bugged. "

Should have fragged yourself. Much quicker.



Steve

 

[aRJay]

Damn i was hoping this wasn't the solution but i was worried that it was! The engineering cliff is so huge at the moment that it will be a long time until this is the viable solution for me unfortunately (though obviously something to aim for eventually)

Considering SCB's have now completely changed their viability, is there anything else combat-wise that has changed? E.g. do you need to carry Point Defence/Electronic Countermeasures for PvE content? (to be clear I will never engage in PvP, i just don't have the skills for that sort of stuff)

I have never used SCBs so don’t know how/if they have changed.
Electronic Counter Measures I haven’t used or fitted since just after starting, I understand it might play apart in some of the new Thargoid stuff but I haven’t been around that much.
Point Defence I often have fitted often aiming for one each side of the hull for maximum coverage, mounting a couple on the top of something like a DBX is useful at Guardian sites as they can deal with Sentinel missiles for you.
I used to use Chaff but it is most effective in protecting smaller ships and too many NPCs use fixed weapons that it doesn’t do anything against.
Heat Sinks can be useful as if you are cold enough and far enough away the enemy can lose lock on you.
Shield Boosters will increase the strength of your shields but all that extra shield means more to regenerate.

I have almost never done PvP and most of that was prearranged.

Ah thats worth a thought, does a heat sink immediately dump heat though? because if it does I have a horrid feeling that i'd have to keep them separate and time them better.
As an alternative, would it be viable to chain-chaff and use a bi-weave shield with faster regen to work as an alternative?

Chaff only works against gimbal and turret mount weapons.
Builds that I intend for fights against multiple opponents in succession I will usually have Bi-weave shields because of the faster regeneration, builds where I am not expecting encounters in rapid succession I will fit standard shields for the higher strength. I don’t have PowerPlay equipment. When you get to engineering shields you can add faster regeneration to bi-weaves to speed them up even more.

Seems like this is something I'll definitely have to look into as an alternative way to "farming up credits" in between other pursuits of professions!!!

Its a useful extra activity when exploring.

Ground based Combat Zones, are they new-ish friendly? is it something that benefits you as a player in more ways than JUST credits or is it a case of you ONLY do this for creds? Are they displayed on systems in the same way as high-res sites are for space combat?

 

[FrozenTomato]

First engineering to do is increased fsd range. Once done, go get that FSD Thargoid range improve thing by collecting required mats for it (it's the only Guardian item I unlocked). From there, as you feel.