Dogfight technique

[Lorixis]

Hi guys,

I've played Elite few days, and I'm quite fine with trading and flying "normally" with my ship. I've done a part of the singleplayer campaign in "YOLO-mode" and I managed to win a few times.

But now I've got my joystick back and I try to do it seriously, and I'm affraid I don't even know how to fight properly ; I don't know any dogfight technique or any stuff like that.

So I hoped you could explain me basic dogfight techniques

Thanks a lot in advance

 

[lefty1117]

My tips so far are,

- When fighting a Cobra and you're in a Sidewinder, avoid at all costs the "jousting" runs. Cobras will usually outgun you. You should be able to out-turn him so get on his backside and stay there, even if you have to make risky use of afterburners. The hard part is that the Cobra has a higher top speed, so if he's really determined to get distance he eventually will.

- If you are quick enough, take a look at the scan data on your opponent. If opponent has a Rail Gun:
1) Target it
2) Avoid jousting at all costs, use lateral and up/down thrusters to avoid a head-on shot if jousting can't be avoided. Rail guns hurt.

- In a turning-battle, especially against other sidewinders, you can use up/down thrusters to help you get an advantage

- Map the yaw/roll toggle button on your gamepad, if you're using one. Once you line a target up yaw control will help you keep guns on him. Use roll if he cuts across you horizontally - your yaw won't be able to keep pace.

- Now that sidewinders start with two lasers, you need to manage weapon power. Go 3 pips in weapons whenever possible.

- Keep the throttle in the blue when turning.

- Sometimes opponents will go all Top Gun on you and hit the brakes, hoping you'll fly by and they can get on your tail. Use reverse throttle to foil that plan!

- If you're in asteroid field, or on the Federal distress beacon, you can use the terrain or dreadnaught to shake pursuit.

- Don't be afraid to run! Living to fight another day is cheaper, and now in standard beta you will lose mission progress if you're destroyed.

 

[Lorixis]

Thanks for your answer

In fact, I realised that I can't manage to "start" a turning battle. I really don't understand in what it consists exactly.

For exemple, in the "SideWinder face-off" solo mission, I'm not able to do something else that ending up face to face with the AI and pray to success aiming with my joystick.