Hello Commanders, I'm currently running an all A-Graded out combat Python right now and I've been having a lot of success in conflict zones. But I would like to know all of your guys opinions on which ship you think is the best to farm conflict zones. Which one can bug zap the small ships and pop the powerplant of big game quickly the best. Your answers are greatly appreciated. (=
Best Ship for Conflict Zones?
- Thread starter Nacho2596
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Python is arguably the best ship for a CZ, though it doesn't have as great of a potential for damage/ no where near the defense capability of a A fit anaconda. It by far makes up for it by being a lot faster which really helps close the distance on targets which makes a massive difference. Talking strictly about kills per hour / money grinding a Python is your best bet. However flying more combat oriented ships like the FDL can be a lot more fun and can generate almost as much depending on skill level.
Imperial courier or clipper. No question.
I'm surprised no-one has said the Vulture. It's cheap, hits hard with the C3 hardpoints, is really nimble, and has good shields. With an all laser setup you can stay in a CZ indefinitely.
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I would say the Vulture would be a real contender in a wing. It has good shields, but not good enough for the inevitable focus-fire the NPC's like to do. Even the Python will have to start popping SCB's if three or more ships start to gang-up.
It's limited in hardpoints. In the CZ you can have multiple contacts and might need to engage them (at least you get credits for engaging them, regardless who actually kills them in PvE). I used to take the Vulture but it's a one on one dogfighting platform and doesn't do well with 5 pew pew freaks at your back.
I'm doing quite well in CZ in my vulture.
Sure there is some Radar Threat Assessment skills, Furball Positional Awareness, and non cell boosted shield management skills (all related to general Situational Awareness) to master, but I've personally been there months ago. Often when I return to base its to cash in 2.2-2.6 million CR each sortie, the only thing bringing me away is either pilot fatigue, Ran out of Chaff, or the occasional anaconda ram.
But that just me. The important thing to realize about "best ship for X" is each individual pilot's skillset. So what's profitable and fun for me may be sheer suicide for you, and honestly- vice versa- I may perform lousy in your ship/style. There is no cut and dried clear better ship. An elite pilot could probably do quite well in an Eagle when compared to a competent Python. when I reset my savegame at newyears, I was KILLING it in the humble sidewinder (made my money for outfitted cobra in about an hour)- again; its more about the pilot than the ship.
But when comparing Vulture to Python- Ive found when winged up with a buddy in his python he had to return to base 3-4 times more often than I did (to rearm/restock shield cells)- and in the end, my combat endurance (no expendables besides chaff) netted me more bounty payouts in the same afternoon's play. (he would get ~400M each dock, I would get ~1.7M)
Sure there is some Radar Threat Assessment skills, Furball Positional Awareness, and non cell boosted shield management skills (all related to general Situational Awareness) to master, but I've personally been there months ago. Often when I return to base its to cash in 2.2-2.6 million CR each sortie, the only thing bringing me away is either pilot fatigue, Ran out of Chaff, or the occasional anaconda ram.
But that just me. The important thing to realize about "best ship for X" is each individual pilot's skillset. So what's profitable and fun for me may be sheer suicide for you, and honestly- vice versa- I may perform lousy in your ship/style. There is no cut and dried clear better ship. An elite pilot could probably do quite well in an Eagle when compared to a competent Python. when I reset my savegame at newyears, I was KILLING it in the humble sidewinder (made my money for outfitted cobra in about an hour)- again; its more about the pilot than the ship.
But when comparing Vulture to Python- Ive found when winged up with a buddy in his python he had to return to base 3-4 times more often than I did (to rearm/restock shield cells)- and in the end, my combat endurance (no expendables besides chaff) netted me more bounty payouts in the same afternoon's play. (he would get ~400M each dock, I would get ~1.7M)
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Vulture does ok but a Python will last longer tanking because you can use more cell banks.
I have been trying out a Anna and it tanks better than the Python but you still can get overwhelmed.
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I would imagine a wing would skew things a fair bit.
I have been trying out a Anna and it tanks better than the Python but you still can get overwhelmed.
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I would imagine a wing would skew things a fair bit.
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A combat Anaconda is the best ship for CZ work due to it's sheer staying power. It can still be overwhelmed and may have to booge-woogie out of there when SCB's run out.
A spec'ed sidewinder or go home.
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"Best" is always a relative term — I use a Clipper so I can play (ironically 
) "Vulture style" by picking off ready damaged enemies. Clipper is great for that in the long run, because enemies are so spread out. Its speed means I can close that gap quickly before the NPCs destroy the targets.
For raw 1v1 tanking a Vulture or Python will do nicely. For raw firepower the Anaconda is the obvious choice.
) "Vulture style" by picking off ready damaged enemies. Clipper is great for that in the long run, because enemies are so spread out. Its speed means I can close that gap quickly before the NPCs destroy the targets.For raw 1v1 tanking a Vulture or Python will do nicely. For raw firepower the Anaconda is the obvious choice.
Close, but no. The clipper and courier are best in AI combat because they have the indisputable ability to -escape- using speed. They don't have to rely on shield cells, so can use them more efficiently in concert with chaff. They have more firepower than the Cobra and Viper, more armour and shielding, and when used well will let you handle any and every circumstance, including the 'dreaded focus-fire' with casual ease.
Non-Empire alternatives would be the Cobra and the Fer de Lance.
Or you could just take your Python in and be the wrecking ball.
It all depends on what you would define as best. Anaconda has the highest DPM and the highest survivability.(A speced of course) So for me it is a no brainer. Its going to provide the highest profit per hour. Other than that I would say Python>iClipper>Federal Dropship. If you want a fun ship go with what you prefer. I enjoy Vultures and Vipers for fun. No other ship gives me the pleasure of the Vulture going all out.
I would put myself in the Viper camp too. I mean, I know I'm no threath to anyone serious in a Viper. The ship just doesn't have the firepower or shields to do or receive any real damage. But how fun it is to zip by at 440 spd with 4 multicannons blazing! Fly like a butterfly, sting like a bee.
If any of the big ships actually decide to bother with that pesky viper pilot, by the time they have actually turned and started firing I'll have chaff boosted away and i'm so small a target they hit nothing but cold empty space.
If I go into a CZ to make money, Vulture it is. Don't have the money to fly the big ships. Don't care to grind to them, I'll just have fun playing the game instead. Something tells me I'll spend most of my time in CQC once it launches anyway.
Under those criterias, you should really try the diamondback scout.
Same hardpoint, close to the same speed and is as nimble as a vulture. Also has a better power plant.