Newcomer / Intro Catch 22

[Perropantis]

After a few teething problems about not actually being able to download the game, I now have it installed and have actually started playing. It's only been a day, but undocking, docking and generally getting around all seem straightforward. What currently has me stumped is how to start earning.

I have checked the bulletin in the few stations I have visited so far, but they have only offered contracts to go and kill someone, and I don't think I am in a position yet to complete one of those.

I initially thought that I could check the commodities market to do some trading, but this is where the Catch 22 situation arises. My ship doesn't appear to have any cargo capacity - it currently shows 0. In the outfitting section I can purchase cargo space for 1000cr, but as I only start with 1000cr, that wouldn't leave me with anything to purchase commodities. There is obviously something I am overlooking, but I don't know what. Any suggestions?

 

[Juby]

Your standard sidewinder should start with 4T of cargo space. Maybe that zero is your current cargo usage rather than capacity? Have you tried purchasing any cargo in the commodities market?

As for bulletins, I agree, if you have not upgraded any of your weapons or systems the assasination missions may be a bit ambitious. You can often get courier missions though for 3-5k take this from here to here kind of thing. They are quite common but not necessarily available all the time. When they are not I try and grab some cargo and fly to the next station to see what missions they have (no good if your cargo capacity is truly zero).

Having said that I accepted a "kill 5 pirates in system x" mission last night and when I get there and got to the Unidentified Signal Source it was an honest trader who offered me 16Kc to abandon the mission... So not all kill missions need a fully equipped ship.

 

[Perropantis]

Having watched the official training video about Starport Services, I noticed on the screen when they were looking at the commodities tab that the presenter's ship showed cargo as 0 of 4, which would confirm your assertion that the Sidewinder starts with a cargo capacity of 4T. However, my ship shows 0 of 0, and when I try to buy anything, it informs me that my cargo hold is full. I thought it might be because I was in Solo play whilst I get to grips with how to fly etc. but I have also tried the Open Play option, and it's the same there.

 

[Legionnaire]

First thing to do, is Use the Right UI panel, default 4 key and check the Cargo tab there. If that is empty, then its time to go to outfitting and look to see if there is an actual cargo rack fitted in one of the internal compartments. IF there is a space rather than an cargo rack, then the starting cargo rack has likely been removed. Because all the equipment on the starting Sidewinder is loaned, removing it doesnt gain any credits. If there is no cargo rack there, then you will have to fit one, and if that costs 1000Cr then you will have to pay that. however, once fitted the bulletin board should show you haulage missions. just make sure you check your galaxy map to make sure you can get to the destination with a full cargo hold before accepting the mission.

If once you check the right UI panel and the Cargo tab shows something in your cargo bay check to see what it is, and whether it has anything written on it. IF you have something there and its stolen you need a black market to sell it, look for one on an outpost, rather than a station as outposts dont have security patrols, and being scanned with stolen goods get you a wanted and a fine. If it says Haulage, then check your left UI panel Default 1 key transactions tab to see if there are any active or failed missions there that relate to the cargo.

 

[Perropantis]

I've only been playing for 2 days, and the ship is completely default as supplied when I logged in for the first time. I'd be extremely surprised if there was anything illegal on board. I thought it might have been a bug connected with the download issues I originally had, so thought I would just replace it with a new one. Seeing that the sale price was 0 cr, I thought the replacement would also be 0 cr, like the noobie ships in Eve. Big mistake - a new Sidewinder is 32,000 cr. Oh dear. Not sure where to go from here.

 

[Legionnaire]

Thats Easily Resolved. Save and Exit Game. Go to options. Select the Clear save option and any verifications it might ask you for. This wipes your existing character, so when you start again its with a new character, new ship etc.

 

[EtherDragon]

I've only been playing for 2 days, and the ship is completely default as supplied when I logged in for the first time. I'd be extremely surprised if there was anything illegal on board. I thought it might have been a bug connected with the download issues I originally had, so thought I would just replace it with a new one. Seeing that the sale price was 0 cr, I thought the replacement would also be 0 cr, like the noobie ships in Eve. Big mistake - a new Sidewinder is 32,000 cr. Oh dear. Not sure where to go from here.

That sounds like a bugged start, then. By default your sidewinder should be able to haul 4 tons of cargo. I suggest going to the main menu / options and wiping your save, and starting over.

ALSO, file a ticket on this so FD knows about the bug.

 

[Perropantis]

Thats Easily Resolved. Save and Exit Game. Go to options. Select the Clear save option and any verifications it might ask you for. This wipes your existing character, so when you start again its with a new character, new ship etc.

As I purchased the Mercenary edition, which gave me a free Eagle, if I follow the Clear save option, I assume that means I will lose the Eagle.

 

[Feldspar]

You will get the eagle back, it's tied to your starting state.

 

[Perropantis]

Thanks for the replies guys. Clearing the save put everything back to it's starting state, complete with complimentary Eagle, and my Sidewinder now has 4t cargo capacity. YAy.

 

[Muthax]

Thanks for the replies guys. Clearing the save put everything back to it's starting state, complete with complimentary Eagle, and my Sidewinder now has 4t cargo capacity. YAy.

And now go conquest the galaxy! Or build a steady route for trading, whatever rocks your boat

have fun!

 

[titas]

4T of cargo probably isn't very likely to get you a huge profit, but along the road you might end up running into someone with a nice bounty to boost your net worth

 

[flint read]

ok fly to the place your eagle is stored and sell it you will get 40k credits and can use that to upgrade your side winder or even buy a new one and buy some cargo problem should then be solved.

also don't worry you will get a new eagle if you wipe your save and start over.

i did this and was in a hauler within 3 hours of play then trading and mission running gets more lucrative.

im now in a fully loaded top of the line ASP bristling with top line weopons and still have 44 million creds in the bank, so money will help you make more money. hope that helps

and two and a half weeks ago i was in a side winder too so you can do it!

the galaxy is the mollusc of your choice!