In this video I give an overview of the most efficient way to grind Combat Rank which is farming Thargoid Scouts. I show the build I used, where to go and how to do it. Earning Combat Elite is one of the longest grinds in Elite so be prepared for quite a time investment. Over 3500 scouts are needed to fully go from start to finish which can take 30+ hours. To given an idea, at Dangerous rank, i was increasing by 1% for roughly every 8 scout kills (2 NHSS). At Deadly, its around 16 scout kills per 1% (4 NHSS). Good luck! The reward is worth it when you finally get there!
Farming Thargoid Scouts for Combat Rank
- Thread starter dj_wylie
- Start date
"The reward is worth it when you finally get there! " What is it? 
A decal that looks like every other "rank decal" and the ability to scare people when you deliver goods at a CG with your cargo build FDL
Funny thing is elite combat doesn't scare people. It's deadly/dangerous. Because you know it's real.A decal that looks like every other "rank decal" and the ability to scare people when you deliver goods at a CG with your cargo build FDL
![[VR] Orodruin](https://forums-cdn.zaonce.net/data/avatars/m/237/237188.jpg?1614840532){kind=avatar}
... and in many cases the triple elite decal because people leave combat elite to last.A decal that looks like every other "rank decal" and the ability to scare people when you deliver goods at a CG with your cargo build FDL
It takes 1636 scouts to go from Deadly to Elite. I counted when I was doing it. So yes, 16.36 scouts per %.
Presumably it's quicker if you take on a proper Thargoid?
No, it's only the rank of the opponent, so an interceptor only gives as much as scout, (or an elite sidewinder).Presumably it's quicker if you take on a proper Thargoid?
Is that true? The easy Thargoids are worth just as much rank as the higher ones? Or you are saying that all Thargoids are essentially elite opponents and that's how the scoring works? I've never really looked into combat rankings. Does seem a little daft if all Thargoids are worth the same.
Yep all Thargoids count as Elite;
As far as rank is concerned the game doesn't differentiate between ship types. You do of course get more Credits for an Interceptor (and likely the Sidewinder) than you do for the Scout.
As far as rank is concerned the game doesn't differentiate between ship types. You do of course get more Credits for an Interceptor (and likely the Sidewinder) than you do for the Scout.
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This thread is a great example. I went from Deadly to Elite mostly by killing Thargoid scouts. But I didn't grind it; I was involved in a player group who were defending systems from Thargoid incursions. We were highly successful and had a lot of fun, and ranked up at the same time. Do what's fun, not what inches slowly towards a meaningless badge. Something else which is fun and which works towards a badge you haven't got will be along later.
The only thing combat rank does is making the game more tedious.
Interesting, I wasn't aware that the scoring was as simple as that. I've seen that table before, but I assumed that the Thargoids would have a different system (giving at least slightly higher rewards). Ah well, I guess the harder ones are worth it for the money.
You need the shield for credibility, no one will believe in a hull tank FDL. I mean the whole point is to not look like a cargo.
Ideally you would be able to put a smaller class 3 shield, but you have to work with what you have. I guess I should start asking for an FDL buff to optional slots.
Maybe an additional class 7 one ?
Ideally you would be able to put a smaller class 3 shield, but you have to work with what you have. I guess I should start asking for an FDL buff to optional slots.
Maybe an additional class 7 one ?
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One would think solo Hydra would be instant combat elite, but no, it counts the same as an elite hauler.