Newcomer / Intro Hello! Relatively new player, S&R playstyle and build Qs, and am I ready for Open Play?

[Achtung-Goomba]

Greetings CMDRs!

CMDR Achtung-Goomba reporting for duty! I bought ED (PS4) maybe a year or so ago, full of fond memories of Frontier on my ancient Amiga and having just watched the Expanse... let's be honest, space is just the coolest! I'm not a big online gamer normally so I started on Solo Play, got out the starter zone, messed about doing cargo missions and tried a few ships out. I eventually settled on a casual shipping/passenger/exploration style and had a nice time mooching about the Bubble sightseeing. Then I decided that I wanted to be an EXPLORER rather than an explorer, so I plotted a thousand or so LY route to a random empty system somewhere way off from what I thought was inhabited space (I did not and still do not have any idea how to 'start' an expedition, but tried it anyway). Off we go, into the Black! At some point, midway through my outward journey to parts unknown, for whatever reason (probably that horrible 'real life' thing) I stopped playing, perhaps 6-8 months ago? But recently, I looked up at the night sky, and sighed... the space itch was back, and I knew that becoming Elite was the only way to scratch it... so I'm back, and more determined than ever. I love the idea of emergent gameplay, the background sim, the constant and evolving interactions with a constantly evolving galaxy, even if only as a spectator. Plus, that 'real life' thing is overrated and full of managers and workmates and partners who want you to stop wasting your life and do something productive, pffft!

Therefore, I've decided to involve myself a little more in what's happening in the galaxy. I've not really done a great deal so far apart from some early shipping missions to earn some space-bucks and start working my way through the ships, then onto passenger ferrying and sightseeing with some light exploring mixed it. Now that I've logged back in I picked up my Asp Explorer idling in deep space and set a course for Alioth, to bring back what data I had for sale. So I've got a reasonable cash reserve, my Asp Explorer, and since last night my gorgeously brick-like Keelback should have arrived at Irkutsk station. I've joined these forums (hi guys!) and I've made myself an INARA account and linked it with my Frontier account, so I can get a bit more involved with the community. Now I've got a few questions before I start seriously thinking about what I do next.

So deep-space exploring was alright in my Asp Explorer, but obviously it didn't hold my interest when I first tried it. I'll put that down to a lack of direction, but we'll throw that playstyle in the hangar for now. I've been reading stories since before I got the game of the Thargoids, watched videos of rescue missions to damaged stations, and groups like the Fuel Rats which exemplify the best teamwork of the community. So my mind is made up; I want to refit my Keelback as an interstellar search & rescue vessel, the IRV Dorman Long. Now me and my Keelback have fond memories, it was the earliest 'bigger ship' I set my sights on, mainly for the gorgeously brick-like aesthetic and the fact that it can trade, it can explore a little, and with the fighter it can fight a little. I even slapped some missiles on it and took my improvised missile-boat into a combat zone which was ill-advised but exciting! So for you more experienced CMDRs out there, I'd like to tap into a bit of your expertise and see if you can help me out with some pointers and tips.

First Question: how suitable is the Keelback as a S&R boat? I have an idea about what the playstyle entails, checking out USS and planetary surfaces for points of interest. I've also once or twice encountered NPC vessels that needed fuel or repairs, but with no limpet controller I had to abandon them and this weighed heavily on my conscience. Never again!

So what are my essential modules for S&R work? Fuel and repair limpet controllers, adequate cargo space for limpets and stuff, planetary vehicle hangar... anything else? Will I still have enough room for the fighter hangar for defence, and do I need/is it worth taking an economy class cabin? The module slots start to fill up fast!

Second Question: the absolute pinnacle of what can be achieved with this playstyle as I see it would be to come across other CMDRs in dire need, and help them on their way. Like the Fuel Rats, but without it being a full-time job (I've already got one of those). You know, just helping out wherever it's needed. Maybe a little 'doctoring without bordering' hanging around outside combat zones as a neutral rescue ship or something like that, you know?

However, I'm aware that to do that I have to be brave and make the leap from Solo to Open play. I admire everything about Open play for the roleplaying, the emergent gameplay, being part of a living galaxy... from a safe distance, where I can't get ganked! But I do love the game, and I'd like to be a more 'active' member of the ED community. So you've helped me kit out my S&R boat, but am I ready to take it to open play? And from a immersion/RP point of view, how much subjective fun have you derived from playing like this, in Solo or Open?


Thanks for taking the time to read my posting, hopefully it was clear and you get what I'm waffling about, and I appreciate any and all advice and suggestions. Perhaps one day I'll see you in the black!

CMDR Achtung-Goomba

 

[Chris Simon]

Hi and welcome.

In general, you are ready for Open whenever you think you are ready. If you're afraid of being PvP'd to death, well, the reality of it is that it doesn't matter. Money are easy to come by and if you have at least a couple rebuys worth of cash, you're "ready for Open".
PvP in this game is broken in a way that you basically don't have a chance of winning any. No matter how good a pilot you are. Because it's all about the ship you're flying. You can either kit your ship for PvP and be competitive, but then that ship is basically useless for anything else. And you're gonna get ganked by wings of commanders anyway.
If you don't kit your ship foir PvP (i.e. make it "normal", useful ship), then you don't stand a chance against a dedicated PvPer.
There is no "casual PvP" in Elite. (ouside of organized groups like "The Fight Club)

So again, don't worry about it. If you meet a ganker, try to escape, if they kill you, just rebuy the ship and avoid that system for a bit. That's all.

As for your questions:
1) Keelback is a fine little ship. One of my favourites. Handles well and can be set up for any job you want. So if you like it, it's the ship for you. You pretty much already know about the S&R modules.

Which brings us to
2) If you are interested in this kind of gameplay, I think the best thing you could do is to contact the Fuel Rats and see if they're hiring. They're an awesome group.
And they know everything about S&R and will help you to choose and build the best ship for that.

Good luck out there!

 

[Achtung-Goomba]

Thank you for your input CMDR! I do indeed like the Keelback, it looks like a spaceship should (like a brick with engines) and I probably had the most fun as I’ve worked my way through to it (I think I got to it via the Adder, DBS, DBX which was another lovely ship to fly, and after a while in the Keelback I went for the AspE). When I say about getting more involved, I’m definitely going to ‘look the part’ by spending some real-world money on fake money to get a nice bright salvage paint scheme and the ship kit, gotta support those developers!

As for the Fuel Rats, you’re probably right that they’re the best position to advise on this playstyle as it seems like their raison d’etre. I’ll perhaps trial it on Solo until I feel like I know what I’m doing, but I think you’re right that you’re ready for open when you’re ready. I just feel like this style of play will really benefit from that organic human interaction, even if it means a rebuy or five...

So on that note, is that something that you’d expect to see in Open? Self-appointed S&R ships in potential danger zones, broadcasting their presence and advertising refuel and repair services? I understand the comm system is a little unwieldy, as it’s all text based isn’t it? A little awkward for my peasant’s console but I can use the PSN app on my phone/tablet and have it set up as a second screen keyboard. Is that something you can do with the comms, invite requests for aid? And if you were limping out of a PvP or PvE fight would you appreciate that?

I’m not in space for the profits, or the grind. It’s all about the role play, immersion, and seeing cool stuff as we tell our shared stories out in the black.

 

[Chris Simon]

Yeah, the comuntication is the main issue. People are generally not keen on broadcasting their location even if they need help both because the game doesn't really encourage it and because the comms systems are really limited.
What good about fuel rats is that they have their own comms, dispatch and services organized outside the game simply because the game mechanics themselves aren't complex enough the allow that in game. So that's why I recommended them.

But when comes to just RPing it, yeah, nothing will prevent you from trying on your own. Elite sometimes does feel more like a "Digital LARP playground" rather than a true MMO.

 

[Ashnak]

Regarding the Fuel Rats: it's only a full time job if you want it to be. But if you want to do that job, you'll need a second window (monitor) open on the Dispatch channel, so nothing I could do in VR.
Same goes for the Hull Seals - a similar organization (ok, that may be an overstatement) focussing on hull repairs. While the rats operate mainly in the Bubble (ok, some of the most famous operations involved crossing the Galaxy), the Seals are more geared towards explorers. Or at least were when they formed as the repair troupe for Distant Worlds 2.

As for player contact in Open - it's so/so. A lot of them are in Open for the kills. Depending on where in Open you hang out, they're also there for the lulz and killz. Cooperative PwP often takes place in private groups, often by announcement/agreement in these groups' Discord channels - Discord taking the place of the game's borked comms system.

As far as things going on in the Galaxy, that's currently littel enough as Frontier seems to have turned down the heat under the storyline for quite some time now - no more Community Goals, no Thargoid Incursions, no new developments. The things that are currently going on and that I'm aware of:

• DSSA. A move of the Explorer's community to station a support carrier in every sector of the Galaxy.
• Operation IDA. A joint effort to repair all the space stations that had been damaged in the last wave of the Thargiod conflict.
• Turning The Wheel. An attempt to force the storyline, and if not that, at least test the BGS to the breaking point, with respect to the most mysterious faction in the Galaxy, The Dark Wheel.

Myself, if I'm not crashing ships in the attempt to race around the Engineer places (ok, that's over now - see my sig, at least for another few days) or get my other account back from the other side of the Galaxy, I'm occupied with turning the wheel and slowly climbing towards my first billion. That new Mamba tore a big dent in that, though.

 

[Ethaidan]

I can (almost) guarantee that you'll find Open is not anything as horrifying as some forum posts suggest. As a PS4 Cmdr, there are far less potential threats than on PC, and with a bit of basic guidance you should be fine.

1. Learn how to spot other Cmdrs quickly and recognise key danger signals (ship type, flight path / pattern, modules).

2. Know where to be extra cautious:
Engineer systems
PP core systems
Shinrarta
CZ/II (not relevant atm)

3.Learn about ship design & interdiction evasion & escape.

If you haven't done so already, I'd suggest heading over to the PS4 forum and introduce yourself - there's a dedicated thread. You'll get responses from the usual suspects and will more than likely find someone/people to wing up with (if you want) who can answer any questions you might have, help you find your feet, etc. Sometimes it's easier to ask questions while playing while things come to mind, and have a live response.

 

[Achtung-Goomba]

Well thanks guys, you've been jolly helpful!

I've knocked up a S&R Keelback, and I've departed Alioth for the Pleiades to see if there's some good to be done. I've only dipped my toes into Open for an hour or so, but as long as I've got at least enough in the space-bank for a rebuy what's the harm eh? I'm having a leisurely trip out, stopping to check out USS and planetary PoI, and I answered my first distress call! I mean, it was only an NPC who needed a bit of fuel, but it felt good not to have his virtual death on my conscience for a change.

So here she is in all her glory, the IRV Dorman Long...

As far as things going on in the Galaxy, that's currently littel enough as Frontier seems to have turned down the heat under the storyline for quite some time now - no more Community Goals, no Thargoid Incursions, no new developments. The things that are currently going on and that I'm aware of:

• DSSA. A move of the Explorer's community to station a support carrier in every sector of the Galaxy.
• Operation IDA. A joint effort to repair all the space stations that had been damaged in the last wave of the Thargiod conflict.
• Turning The Wheel. An attempt to force the storyline, and if not that, at least test the BGS to the breaking point, with respect to the most mysterious faction in the Galaxy, The Dark Wheel.

Myself, if I'm not crashing ships in the attempt to race around the Engineer places (ok, that's over now - see my sig, at least for another few days) or get my other account back from the other side of the Galaxy, I'm occupied with turning the wheel and slowly climbing towards my first billion. That new Mamba tore a big dent in that, though.

Good god, I started reading 'Turning the Wheel' in bed last night and that's one hell of a rabbit hole, haha! It's stuff like that that makes a sandbox game innit!

If you haven't done so already, I'd suggest heading over to the PS4 forum and introduce yourself - there's a dedicated thread. You'll get responses from the usual suspects and will more than likely find someone/people to wing up with (if you want) who can answer any questions you might have, help you find your feet, etc. Sometimes it's easier to ask questions while playing while things come to mind, and have a live response.

I shall indeed good sir, shoulda thought about that myself really! Thanks for the help guys, if you ever find yourself in need of an amateur space-rescue just holla


CMDR Achtung-Goomba

 

[Patrick_68000]

And welcome on the forums Cmdr.

Fly safe.