I posted this in a completely different thread, but thought it might be useful here for explorers, especially those new to having a fleet carrier.
There are travel several methods for explorers to use a fleet carrier for deep space travel and exploration:
1) Repeatedly jump jump jump fleet carrier to get somewhere. Once there do some exploration then jump jump jump to next destination.
2a) Jump carrier ahead. Then using exploration ship catch up to carrier. Explore systems on the way. Repeat.
2b) Explore ahead of carrier, periodically have carrier catch up.
3) Explore in a mini 'bubble' around the carrier. When done board the carrier and make a jump and explore the next location.
4) Exploring very sparse regions.
Depending on what the cmdr is focused on they might switch between methods.
There are travel several methods for explorers to use a fleet carrier for deep space travel and exploration:
1) Repeatedly jump jump jump fleet carrier to get somewhere. Once there do some exploration then jump jump jump to next destination.
- Good method for moving carrier somewhere quickly. Example: Gettiing away from bubble or returning to bubble.
- Uses a lot of tritium.
- This is a time intensive method.
- You can sit at computer and watch youtube videos while waiting. Or you can go do your laundry, make dinner, etc.
2a) Jump carrier ahead. Then using exploration ship catch up to carrier. Explore systems on the way. Repeat.
- Cmdr is never waiting for carrier to make a jump. Carrier jump happens while cmdr is exploring systems.
- Casually travel across the galaxy in ship, using your carrier as a short-term destination.
- Cmdr can zip fwd jumping as fast as possible to catch up... or relax and take lots of time exploring systems.
2b) Explore ahead of carrier, periodically have carrier catch up.
- Similar to (2a) except cmdr explores ahead of the fleet carrier.
- It is the equivalent to dragging your fleet carrier around on a dog leash.
- Set carrier to jump while exploring last system or at end of play session.
- Good method for placing your carrier in a specific type of system. Search for the perfect system then call your carrier. Good for mining, exobiology, etc.
3) Explore in a mini 'bubble' around the carrier. When done board the carrier and make a jump and explore the next location.
- Cmdr is never waiting for carrier to make a jump. Typically set the jump when play session is done. Carrier is in desired new location next play session.
- Casually travel across the galaxy in ship, using your carrier as a portable base.
- The fleet carrier is always very close. Exploration ships are used to visit nearby systems.
- Short range ships become more useful. Mining, exobiology, investigating areas of interest.
- Cmdr can land on carrier and swap ships whenever. And cash in data, repairs, etc.
- Nice for cmdrs that like to end the game session parked on their carrier.
4) Exploring very sparse regions.
- Carrier jump to each system using >100 Ly jumps.
- Very time consuming, uses lots of tritium.
- Lots of time watching youtube videos or doing laundry.
- Necessary for very remote regions of galaxy.
Depending on what the cmdr is focused on they might switch between methods.