FDL buff confirmed for season 2 :D

Maxwellou · Nov 13, 2015

There it is from the last dev update

EDIT: Not really confirmed, i'll agree with that. It's not 100% sure that something will be done, but having Sandro actually saying that the FDL might have/need a buff (therefore, they also think that there is probably a problem) is already something.
To me, it's this particular point that is the most important: we finally have a word from them about the FDL. We know that they know.

Sandro Sammarco said:
Hello Commander Nathan Explosion!

I think the FDL is probably due for a buff at some point during season 2.

I also understand that decisions and changes we make will not please everyone.

We don't make them lightly and we don't make them purely on limited feedback from a few folk. We make changes (and I want to stress that these changes are going out *to be tested in the wild*, which is why they occur in beta tests) to improve the game and address issues we have concerns about.

Of course, that does not give us the monopoly of being right all the time, and when folk disagree that does not make the wrong - but we have to make the calls as we see them.

EDIT 2:https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=200980

Confirmed (this time for real) for the next BETA update

And man, all this love, I'm just so excited !
C6 power generator !
25.2 MW at our disposal ! Even more with correct power managment ! <3

NullAndVoid · Nov 13, 2015

That's good they are looking at it, certainly in it's current state it's not something I enjoy flying. Bigger power plant, FSD, and fuel tank should be the minimum buffage.

Richard Voorhees · Nov 13, 2015

Good news. Bought an FDL then sold it within a week. Might try one again when 2.0 comes around.

Currently enjoying the A-specced FAS.

Lateralus · Nov 13, 2015

NullAndVoid said:
That's good they are looking at it, certainly in it's current state it's not something I enjoy flying. Bigger power plant, FSD, and fuel tank should be the minimum buffage.

An extra smallish internal slot would be nice too, maybe class 2 or 3.

CMDR Brock Samson · Nov 13, 2015

Buff?!What is this madness?I can already see your Nerfers Overlords scowling, FD.

Be4st · Nov 13, 2015

NullAndVoid said:
That's good they are looking at it, certainly in it's current state it's not something I enjoy flying. Bigger power plant, FSD, and fuel tank should be the minimum buffage.

It doesn't need a better power plant or FSD. The idea behind the FDL was that it was meant to be a 'Glass Cannon'. The only buff I can see them doing is maybe a slight base armour and agility buff. Maybe even a weapons upgrade (1 Huge, 2 Large, 2 Medium maybe). That should get you the better power plant, but it will probably be used up by the suggested loadout

SpitTheDog · Nov 13, 2015

Be4st said:
It doesn't need a better power plant or FSD. The idea behind the FDL was that it was meant to be a 'Glass Cannon'. The only buff I can see them doing is maybe a slight base armour and agility buff. Maybe even a weapons upgrade (1 Huge, 2 Large, 2 Medium maybe)

Who said it was meant to be a glass cannon? It was meant to be the luxury bounty hunter. Why would someone that got rich through bounty hunting fly something that doesn't make them richer, but only makes them deader?

tomalus · Nov 13, 2015

Thank god finally, it has to be stronger then python for combat.

Ziljan · Nov 13, 2015

It just needs to be brought in line with the other ships in its size class. About 18-20 LY combat range, a little more power (so the new power delays don't cripple it), and perhaps a little bit more agility (so it doesn't get demolished by every FAS).

Reprobator · Nov 13, 2015

Yeah and i'd like another variant in fact, an exclusive edition somewhat far more expensive 4c3 1 c4 200 mil. cred stock

Tinman · Nov 13, 2015

Before we use the word "confirmed" people should read the word "probably" in Sandros OP.

Otherwise we will get yet another "But but but...you PROMISED US!!!!!".

Nah...who am I kidding...that's gonna happen anyway...no matter what...

Be4st · Nov 13, 2015

SpitTheDog said:
Who said it was meant to be a glass cannon? It was meant to be the luxury bounty hunter. Why would someone that got rich through bounty hunting fly something that doesn't make them richer, but only makes them deader?

Its firepower and tank are satisfactory. It could maybe do with a few more utility slots for chaff and heat.

tomalus said:
Thank god finally, it has to be stronger then python for combat.

It already is. It has significantly more shields and it also has that wrecker of a hard point under the ship. The only thing the Python has that the FDL doesn't is that ability to fit 3x SCB (or more) and repair shields effectively. That will change after new patch. All big ships that require multiple SCB's will be rendered useless.

HeavyGroovez · Nov 13, 2015

Just stick another class 5 internal in her for a big scoop or fuel tank and no need to refit the bloody thing every time you go anywhere

Reprobator · Nov 13, 2015

Be4st said:
Its firepower and tank are satisfactory. It could maybe do with a few more utility slots for chaff and heat.

It already is. It has significantly more shields and it also has that wrecker of a hard point under the ship. The only thing the Python has that the FDL doesn't is that ability to fit 3x SCB (or more) and repair shields effectively. That will change after new patch. All big ships that require multiple SCB's will be rendered useless.

Useless? no they'll be rendered balanced with the rest of the fleet , they'll come back to what they are by nature : Multi role jack of all trade.

Be4st · Nov 13, 2015

Reprobator said:
Useless? no they'll be rendered balanced with the rest of the fleet , they'll come back to what they are by nature : Multi role jack of all trade.

Until the Devs give the larger ships better shield recharge times comparative to their size. It is coming.

Starender · Nov 13, 2015

it was time ! i sold it a long time ago because of its incredibly bad mobility and average agility, imo they should consider first to buff the jump range by a huge amount , while a little agility buff is also needed

Ceekay · Nov 13, 2015

The FDL buff has been discussed a lot, however using the current class 4 FSD the ship mass needs to be reduced significantly to increase range (290 T all up mass for 20 LY range A4 FSD), fitting a class A5 to the existing design ups the range to over 32 LY that's into Asp explorer territory so probably not going to happen.

I reckon they'll just fit a bigger tank, additional power I'm not so sure about as a class 6 plant will allow you to run big shields, thrusters, weapons and SCB's, it'd be easy to turn it into a monster (1000 MJ shields and SCB's too!)

Perhaps better cooling, a larger tank and some mass reduction to achieve a modest range increase (325 T all up mass for 18 LY range A4 FSD) that's about 70 T less hull mass so I reckon the armour will take a hit.

It's not an easy ship to fly but when it all comes together it's huge fun but it does take a lot more effort than a FAS or a Vulture but I wouldn't want to see huge changes as that'd ruin it and make it just another fighter.

{SAS}Stalker · Nov 13, 2015

For me the FDL (Which I use a lot) needs something doing to its heat management. The thing boils at the mere suggestion of fuel scooping/SCB/Rail guns etc etc. Its a pretty balanced ship IMHO, you could argue it could do with a slightly longer range but for me its main (read nonsensical) issue is how it deals with heat.

HeavyGroovez · Nov 13, 2015

{SAS}Stalker said:
For me the FDL (Which I use a lot) needs something doing to its heat management. The thing boils at the mere suggestion of fuel scooping/SCB/Rail guns etc etc. Its a pretty balanced ship IMHO, you could argue it could do with a slightly longer range but for me its main (read nonsensical) issue is how it deals with heat.

Yeah i stopped using rails on her because they just fry the ship.

EUS · Nov 13, 2015

Good, because I can't even fly this ship on paper.