Blocking in Elite Dangerous

[Old Duck]

The biggest problem to this whole scenario is that threads like this and players frustration in game are are like rewards for bad behaviour.

The original purpose of this thread was to brainstorm a clever way of using block to tailor one's experience at a CG in Open, allowing a player like myself to experience a more "realistic" flight between star and station while also being able to see lots of CMDRs once I got to the station. Through experimentation and discussion with many a fine and knowledgeable folk in this thread, we determined that this really isn't a feasible use of block.

If I find myself in a truly "this gameplay is not at all what I'm interested in" scenario (like flying my T9 through a gauntlet of two dozen gankers), then I'll just switch to Mobius. I got in, BTW! Unfortunately Mobius was completely empty when I tried it out, and this at a CG, though things might be different during the weekend.

All that said, sometimes threads like these will devolve into a war of words between "griefers" and "carebears" (which would make a great animated Pixar movie, like Monsters vs. Aliens). But that was not the original intention of the thread.

 

[Rampant]

I think this illustrates some of the differences among us. Some people play in terms of success or failure; victory or defeat. Others like being a plausible space pilot in a huge galaxy, just doing things. Maybe other approaches could be articulated too.

Both approaches are fine. It's one of ED's strengths that it caters for both.

This is another perspective of my own thoughts... what is the point in measuring success in terms of combat engagements "won" and "lost" if you have already stacked the odds so much in your own favour that you simply cannot lose?
I repeat - what is the point?

I repeat again - what is the point of using that thousands of G5 rolls engineered combat optimised fighting vessel to interdict; asymmetrically engage, and; destroy non-combat optimised vessels? Just what is the point? I don't "get it".

Take a step back and consider the situation dispassionately - is there any wonder that players are using the Block function for its intended purpose?

It's sadly a case of cause and effect and a sad indictment of players that croon about the Block function's existence.

Stay dispassionate, CMDRs, and nod your sage agreement.

 

[Rampant]

The original purpose of this thread was to brainstorm a clever way of using block to tailor one's experience at a CG in Open, allowing a player like myself to experience a more "realistic" flight between star and station while also being able to see lots of CMDRs once I got to the station. Through experimentation and discussion with many a fine and knowledgeable folk in this thread, we determined that this really isn't a feasible use of block.

If I find myself in a truly "this gameplay is not at all what I'm interested in" scenario (like flying my T9 through a gauntlet of two dozen gankers), then I'll just switch to Mobius. I got in, BTW! Unfortunately Mobius was completely empty when I tried it out, and this at a CG, though things might be different during the weekend.

All that said, sometimes threads like these will devolve into a war of words between "griefers" and "carebears" (which would make a great animated Pixar movie, like Monsters vs. Aliens). But that was not the original intention of the thread.

Your experience of Mobius - being the single biggest and well known PvE PG - and that it is empty, even in a CG - this is exactly what makes the Block Function so valuable to some CMDRs game enjoyment, and the prime reason (I conclude) that it even exists in the first place.

It is there to be used, and is a valid function within the context of the game, and perhaps is the function that will render the requirement for PGs such as Mobius obsolete... Just use it as you wish and disregard the side-effects. Which probably translates that I disagree with your assessment of it not being feasible - but that depends entirely on the individual and their views on what kind of entertainment they wish to gain from the game.

 

[Pseudo_Sapiens]

@Old Duck , I know what you were originally aiming to do. I've have been following this thread since the beginning. I rarely reply to any posts, as I usually find my ideas not suitable for the general public. I really couldn't care less if someone does this or that.

As for me, I only play in open. When I join open play there's a message (warning) that says I may meet other players, that is all the blockage I need. If I get caught by an "evil" cmdr, I will fight him with everything I possess, sarcasm, quick wit, humor. There's nothing like asking someone if they can kill me faster next time, and they may need to improve their pip management...

 

[Old Duck]

Just use it as you wish and disregard the side-effects. Which probably translates that I disagree with your assessment of it not being feasible - but that depends entirely on the individual and their views on what kind of entertainment they wish to gain from the game.

It's really not feasible for me, because despite some misconceptions, I actually enjoy PvP on occasion. If blocking could be easily be toggled on and off, then it would indeed work for me as a viable alternative to PG or Solo. Though to be totally useful, I would need block groups, because some people I want to always block, like cheaters and creeps.

But as it is, it's too much a hassle to use in this way, so I'll just have to stick to Mobius for those occasions when I don't want to be a lone Novice T9 in a system with two dozen Elite gankers.

 

[Old Duck]

It is there to be used, and is a valid function within the context of the game, and perhaps is the function that will render the requirement for PGs such as Mobius obsolete... Just use it as you wish and disregard the side-effects.

I confess that I haven't closed the book on this just yet. I do enjoy PvP on occasion, but not 4-v-1 ganks by Elite CMDRs in G5 ships, especially since I'm still in early game on PC. Even when I am in the PvP mood, that's not the PvP I'm looking for.

 

[M00ka]

I confess that I haven't closed the book on this just yet. I do enjoy PvP on occasion, but not 4-v-1 ganks by Elite CMDRs in G5 ships, especially since I'm still in early game on PC. Even when I am in the PvP mood, that's not the PvP I'm looking for.

Therein lies the problem, there is no stepping stones for PvP, no 'easy PvP', 'fun PvP', 'equal PvP'. If you are in Open you only have the level of PvP dictated to you by the one you are attacked by or are attacking. And because of that, so many are expecting and building to the worst case scenario (Ducky's 4-v-1 ganks by Elite CMDRs in G5 ships) that the chance of any other type of PvP is fast disappearing.

 

[Rick6549]

Oh I dont care about people blocking etc, I dont even care about combat logging anymore.

What i did care about was when I tried for 3 years to police the bad guys (fighting Code, SDC and so on), instancing, blue tunnels of death and a myriad of other ignored bugs shat on that big time.

Anyone remember people dumping bioware in a station instance to kill fps or being teleported into a stations interior or infinite premium ammo or items disappearing from your inventory or the heat weapon bug. There are so many bugs.

Nearly everyone I used to play with in beta and gamma stopped playing ages ago. I myself have not played in months and only saw this thread as it popped up in my suggestion feed. I was going to write something about man babies, but I stopped short as I thought I'd eat a forum ban. But in reflection, maybe I should of.

Know doubt I'll come back to the forum in December to laugh at people who are being grieffed in their fleet carriers.

Can i have your stuff, you know, before you go ?

 

[Deleted member 182079]

Therein lies the problem, there is no stepping stones for PvP, no 'easy PvP', 'fun PvP', 'equal PvP'. If you are in Open you only have the level of PvP dictated to you by the one you are attacked by or are attacking. And because of that, so many are expecting and building to the worst case scenario (Ducky's 4-v-1 ganks by Elite CMDRs in G5 ships) that the chance of any other type of PvP is fast disappearing.

Yep, pretty much. Was in the CG system in my PvE Viper (complete with SRV bay and collector limpets lol) scavenging for mats, I dropped into the CNB to scan the beacon, and before I knew it, an RoA wing of 3 was attacking me - I just about managed to FA-off boost away but all I could do was just wait until my ship blew up, which didn't take more than a few seconds thankfully. It's not a big deal, I just went there again shortly after without problems, but the point is, unless you come prepared and tooled up, and lucky in terms of having fitted counters to the various silly magical effects of weapons, you have no chance in hell getting anywhere close to pushing back.

Imagine being able to stand a chance in a ship that's not completely stacked with hull and shield reinforements i.e. one you can use for other tasks than combat. I'd even get into PvP more actively if that were the case. Right now, it's like having to drive an F1 car whereas what you really want is an SUV.

 

[Old Duck]

"I like Jim". This is what I typed in comms today. A bunch of us greens were in a CZ, and here comes Jim, the lone red triangle, blasting those he could, damn the odds. Eventually we chased him off, but I had to hand it to him - he had gumption! One of the greens even typed, "Let him go, poor guy."

Yep, I like Jim.

 

[Deleted member 182079]

"I like Jim". This is what I typed in comms today. A bunch of us greens were in a CZ, and here comes Jim, the lone red triangle, blasting those he could, damn the odds. Eventually we chased him off, but I had to hand it to him - he had gumption! One of the greens even typed, "Let him go, poor guy."

Yep, I like I Jim.

Hehe. What was he flying?

 

[Old Duck]

Hehe. What was he flying?

A Krait if I recall correctly.

 

[Rick6549]

A Krait if I recall correctly.

He woldve won if it was a beluga

 

[CMDR Cknarf]

Yep, pretty much. Was in the CG system in my PvE Viper (complete with SRV bay and collector limpets lol) scavenging for mats, I dropped into the CNB to scan the beacon, and before I knew it, an RoA wing of 3 was attacking me - I just about managed to FA-off boost away but all I could do was just wait until my ship blew up, which didn't take more than a few seconds thankfully. It's not a big deal, I just went there again shortly after without problems, but the point is, unless you come prepared and tooled up, and lucky in terms of having fitted counters to the various silly magical effects of weapons, you have no chance in hell getting anywhere close to pushing back.

Imagine being able to stand a chance in a ship that's not completely stacked with hull and shield reinforements i.e. one you can use for other tasks than combat. I'd even get into PvP more actively if that were the case. Right now, it's like having to drive an F1 car whereas what you really want is an SUV.

I wouldn’t bring an SUV (Asp) against an F1 car(FDL) and expect to win— it makes sense that a ship built purely for combat will outperform one that isn’t, just as a purpose-built race car should easily defeat a car designed for commuting.

Now if I was getting groceries, the SUV(Asp)would be much more practical than the F1(FDL),of course.

While driving my SUV(Asp) to the store, I would certainly fasten my seatbelt(Shield generator), periodically check my mirrors(Sensors), and be prepared to react to other people on the road. If I get into an accident, the airbags(Shield boosters, armor) should improve my chance of survival.

To be competitive in PvP, you generally need the best possible gear, and the skills to apply it effectively.

To simply escape danger, you need only a basic understanding of the techniques involved. Low-level engineering certainly makes it easier, but isn’t always required.

The sacrifices necessary to make a non-combat ship more ‘open worthy’ are relatively minor when compared to a min/maxed PVP machine. As wicked as a PvP spec ship can be, they suck for literally everything else besides combat lol.

Kinda how an F1 car would suck for getting groceries...

Spoiler

Or would it?

 

[Rat Catcher]

Yeah, being 'open ready' my explorer ship is ok I guess....

Exploring can be dangerous, y'know...

 

[CMDR Cknarf]

One of the last ships I multicrewed on was a surprisingly sturdy Vette lol. Guy had decent defense numbers, and was a little beyond the core.

 

[Deleted member 182079]

Edit - it's way too late for me and M00ka already made the point I struggled to make properly, much more eloquently.

On that note, good night

 

[M00ka]

I wouldn’t bring an SUV (Asp) against an F1 car(FDL) and expect to win— it makes sense that a ship built purely for combat will outperform one that isn’t, just as a purpose-built race car should easily defeat a car designed for commuting.

Now if I was getting groceries, the SUV(Asp)would be much more practical than the F1(FDL),of course.

While driving my SUV(Asp) to the store, I would certainly fasten my seatbelt(Shield generator), periodically check my mirrors(Sensors), and be prepared to react to other people on the road. If I get into an accident, the airbags(Shield boosters, armor) should improve my chance of survival.

To be competitive in PvP, you generally need the best possible gear, and the skills to apply it effectively.

To simply escape danger, you need only a basic understanding of the techniques involved. Low-level engineering certainly makes it easier, but isn’t always required.

The sacrifices necessary to make a non-combat ship more ‘open worthy’ are relatively minor when compared to a min/maxed PVP machine. As wicked as a PvP spec ship can be, they suck for literally everything else besides combat lol.

Kinda how an F1 car would suck for getting groceries...

Spoiler

Or would it?
View attachment 148368

Interesting comparison but you are assuming that the road is perfect with no speed bumps, no gutters to climb, no pot holes and no traffic law. Otherwise your F1 is sitting on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck whilst the SUV continues on it's merry way non the wiser that F1 is stuck at in the car park and can't get out

 

[Riverside]

Yeah, being 'open ready' my explorer ship is ok I guess....

View attachment 148369

Exploring can be dangerous, y'know...

Best way to fly

The Wayward Wanderer:

Number Two:

 

[Rampant]

I wouldn’t bring an SUV (Asp) against an F1 car(FDL) and expect to win— it makes sense that a ship built purely for combat will outperform one that isn’t, just as a purpose-built race car should easily defeat a car designed for commuting.

Now if I was getting groceries, the SUV(Asp)would be much more practical than the F1(FDL),of course.

While driving my SUV(Asp) to the store, I would certainly fasten my seatbelt(Shield generator), periodically check my mirrors(Sensors), and be prepared to react to other people on the road. If I get into an accident, the airbags(Shield boosters, armor) should improve my chance of survival.

To be competitive in PvP, you generally need the best possible gear, and the skills to apply it effectively.

To simply escape danger, you need only a basic understanding of the techniques involved. Low-level engineering certainly makes it easier, but isn’t always required.

The sacrifices necessary to make a non-combat ship more ‘open worthy’ are relatively minor when compared to a min/maxed PVP machine. As wicked as a PvP spec ship can be, they suck for literally everything else besides combat lol.

That all makes sense in a logical fashion, and all, but there's a real snag at work here.

The real point is that it must be so very, very tedious to take a combat craft and actively seek to destroy unarmed others. Unless there's some other outside of game factor at work here that I fail to understand?

Even more tedious to be that other vessel, with no guns, no cargo, no PP allegiance, no carto data, no missions, no engineering (even a vanilla A rated ship is no match for any engineered ship) - just going to an engineer to begin the crafting process from scratch... Get pulled and destroyed.

I mean, the other guy must be so very proud of the victorious engagement.

Pah.

I've convinced myself - 'm definitely using the block feature from now on, because this is the way the galaxy has been subverted by tedious individuals. I got no time for tediousness in what is otherwise an incredibly beautiful (in VR), interesting and engaging game. Got plenty of (Kickstarter discounted) rebuys at my disposal and plenty of energy to facepalm the tedium and plenty of space on the block list.

Roll up, roll up... LOL