Newcomer / Intro Help - What to head for

[_Schicksalsleser_]

Dear pilotes,
I have just started with ED and it can be at the beginning a little bit overwhelming with all of these possibilities.
I started out with doing some PVE Anti-pirates combat, earned enough to switch the sidewinder to a Cobra MKIII (with 4A Frame Shift SCU) and fulfilled in the recent time some Robigo passenger missions.

Now I have around 58m Credits in my pocket because I was aiming to buy and outfit a Python for even better runs (63m Cr?!?).
But during my last run I got destroyed and respawned at The Penitent in the Pleiades Sector.

So time to think a little bit about the next steps like:

• Is it really the best idea to head for the Python right now?
• Should I probably first head for farming materials to engineer FSA with Increased Range because Range is key, isn't it?
• Is it smarter to head for any explorer like the ASP Explorer?
• Should I maybe head for any cargo hauler first to also rank up as trader and unlock access to Jameson Memorial?

Currently i have unlocked Elvira Martuuk and pinned her blueprint and I do also have an invitation from Felicity Farseer.

Maybe there is someone here, who can give me a tip what might be a smart decision at this point of time.
Sooner or later I will anyway visit these different waypoints/milestones and unlock also different type of ships but some decisions will make your path easier while other make it more stony, right?

Therefore I would really appreciate any tip from more experienced pilotes who have already walked the line.
Maybe you have also some tips you would liked to have known before?

 

[Ashnak]

Is it really the best idea to head for the Python right now?

That's a matter of opinion. In my opinion, the Python (Mk.I) is overrated as general purpose ship.

Should I probably first head for farming materials to engineer FSA with Increased Range because Range is key, isn't it?

If you want to upgrade your FSD for higher range, you'd better unlock Felicity. As for "range is key" - that depends on what you want to do, and in which ship. I have to admit, though, that in most of my ships I run a long range engineered FSD (and will have to do it all again now the SCO FSDs are available...)

Is it smarter to head for any explorer like the ASP Explorer?

Again, you seem to be running from an old manual/guide/whatever. Sure, the AspX is a nice multirole ship, but as an explorer, she's a bit outdated.

Should I maybe head for any cargo hauler first to also rank up as trader and unlock access to Jameson Memorial?

Currently(!), the easiest way to get an Elite rank is probably Exploration/Exobiology. And the cheapest ship for that is a Hauler.

In general, though - you should have at least 4x the cost of the bare ship on your account before you buy that ship. There are thousands of (ex)players who bougth the Python, then immediately lost it and were sent back to the free Sidewinder because they coudn't afford the rebuy...

The Cobra Mk.III is a nice ship. The Cobra Mk.V, if you want to spend the money, is probably the best general purpose ship currently in the game.

My suggestion would be, if you want to favour space flight over ground action, to go the Engineer route. Unlock (and rank up) the engineers as they come along. Each unlock will attempt to familiarize you with one aspect of gameplay - exploration, combat, mining, smuggling, .... When you've done this, you will have a better idea of the available careers.

 

[aRJay]

Do what you enjoy.

In my opinion it is a bad idea to buy a new ship if your credit balance isn’t at least three and preferably five time the cost of that ship, remember you will need new better modules and the rebuy will have gone up so you need to keep more money around to cover that a few times over.

 

[SlickPBW]

The python mk 1 is a great multi purpose ship. Not the best at anything but it can be configured very well for any task. It’s more than capable for pve combat, trade, general mission running, or anything else. I wouldn’t take it on any long range exploration because its jump range is mediocre but it can certainly explore. And it’s a medium ship that can land at outposts.

So yeah, I would recommend it. When I was a new player, I worked for several weeks to afford and outfit my first python. This was back when credits were harder to get. It’s still my “go to” ship for multipurpose use.

 

[JetsonRING]

Dear pilotes,
I have just started with ED and it can be at the beginning a little bit overwhelming with all of these possibilities.
I started out with doing some PVE Anti-pirates combat, earned enough to switch the sidewinder to a Cobra MKIII (with 4A Frame Shift SCU) and fulfilled in the recent time some Robigo passenger missions.

Now I have around 58m Credits in my pocket because I was aiming to buy and outfit a Python for even better runs (63m Cr?!?).
But during my last run I got destroyed and respawned at The Penitent in the Pleiades Sector.

So time to think a little bit about the next steps like:

• Is it really the best idea to head for the Python right now?
• Should I probably first head for farming materials to engineer FSA with Increased Range because Range is key, isn't it?
• Is it smarter to head for any explorer like the ASP Explorer?
• Should I maybe head for any cargo hauler first to also rank up as trader and unlock access to Jameson Memorial?

Currently i have unlocked Elvira Martuuk and pinned her blueprint and I do also have an invitation from Felicity Farseer.

Maybe there is someone here, who can give me a tip what might be a smart decision at this point of time.
Sooner or later I will anyway visit these different waypoints/milestones and unlock also different type of ships but some decisions will make your path easier while other make it more stony, right?

Therefore I would really appreciate any tip from more experienced pilotes who have already walked the line.
Maybe you have also some tips you would liked to have known before?

Ask 1000 CMDRs, get 1000 opinions. This is mine: Buying a new ship if you do not NEED a new ship is probably the biggest credit-sink facing newer players. Until you actually NEED a new ship, for more cargo volume, more jump-range, more pew-pew, whatever, it is often better to upgrade your current ship into an A-rated and Grade 5 modified beast then to purchase an expensive new ship and have to upgrade that.

Sixty-three million credits just buys the basic E-rated Python. When considering the purchase of ANY new ship it is a good rule-of-thumb to save up three times (3x) the shipyard cost of the ship before buying the ship. This allows the CMDR to purchase the basic ship, immediately outfit the ship for almost any job (combat builds can easily go much higher) using A-rated modules, with enough credit left over for at least one Rebuy. So save up about 180-190 million before getting a Python.

Never Fly Without The Rebuy. It's Rule #1.

IMO you should spend a few weeks unlocking most of the Engineers and getting your ship's modules modified. Modifying your ship's modules greatly enhances the performance of your ship(s) making the ships much more powerful and competitive, and making the game generally easier to play. Start with EM and FF, get the Extended Range FSD module modification and add the Mass Manager experimental effect. While you are there (sic) you may as well have the Thrusters module modified too, for Dirty Drives with the Drag Drives experimental effect. You might not always be able to do it all at once, but always try to modify modules all the way through Grade 5 to gain those last few percentage points that could mean the difference between victory and destruction. Also, don't modify down-level modules. Nobody modifies E-rated modules, for example. Try to have your ship in its final, A-rated form before modifying.

You will notice EM and FF modify basically the same modules, so why unlock both? Because you can PIN a SINGLE blueprint (mod) from each engineer and then, apply that mod/blueprint REMOTELY at any space station or settlement that has Remote Engineering. More engineers unlocked = more PINNED blueprints (and more convenient access to modifications). Note Experimental Effects can only be applied at Engineer bases.

This is a link to a primer I wrote a few years ago for the Robigo Runs. It specifies using a Python to take criminal kingpins to visit the tourist beacon for very decent credit. o7

 

[Hugh Jardon]

Dear pilotes,
I have just started with ED and it can be at the beginning a little bit overwhelming with all of these possibilities.
I started out with doing some PVE Anti-pirates combat, earned enough to switch the sidewinder to a Cobra MKIII (with 4A Frame Shift SCU) and fulfilled in the recent time some Robigo passenger missions.

Now I have around 58m Credits in my pocket because I was aiming to buy and outfit a Python for even better runs (63m Cr?!?).
But during my last run I got destroyed and respawned at The Penitent in the Pleiades Sector.

So time to think a little bit about the next steps like:

• Is it really the best idea to head for the Python right now?
• Should I probably first head for farming materials to engineer FSA with Increased Range because Range is key, isn't it?
• Is it smarter to head for any explorer like the ASP Explorer?
• Should I maybe head for any cargo hauler first to also rank up as trader and unlock access to Jameson Memorial?

Currently i have unlocked Elvira Martuuk and pinned her blueprint and I do also have an invitation from Felicity Farseer.

Maybe there is someone here, who can give me a tip what might be a smart decision at this point of time.
Sooner or later I will anyway visit these different waypoints/milestones and unlock also different type of ships but some decisions will make your path easier while other make it more stony, right?

Therefore I would really appreciate any tip from more experienced pilotes who have already walked the line.
Maybe you have also some tips you would liked to have known before?

Here's what I'd do.
1. Any one of the four main money-making activities until you've bought your Fleet carrier.
- Robigo with a shieldless Python gets around 100 mil/hr. Missions also count towards the Corvette, get you the Sirius permit and unlocks an engineer. You should be getting 40 to 60 mil per hr using a Type 6, so a Python won't take long.
- Ngalinn Pirate massacre missions gets you fairly quickly up to well over 100 mil/hr (up to 250 mil/hr with enginneering and 300mil/hr with help from associates. Missions count towards the Cutter. use a Vulture with two lasers. Kill the pirates in the LOW RES in the last planet in Mainani
- Mining for Platinum with a Python in Paesia haz RES soon gets you over 100 mil/hr, which goes up to 200 mil/hr with a Cutter. You can start with a Type 6 to get 40 mil/hr. An Asp Expl gets a bit more, and so does a Cobra mk5.
- Exobiology scans using a DBX. I can't put a figure on it because nobody ever gives real verifiable long-term data from take off to landing and selling, but if you do it for a while, you get a lot.

2. When you have your fleet carrier, go and do the Guardian module unlocks - FSD booster, shield booster, PD and PP

3. Work your way through all the engineers.

4. Go to Colonia, unlock the engineers there and don't forget to pin the blueprints.

Along the way, you can have a go at any community goals to get the rewards.

As an alternative, after a few nights, you can stop making money at around 2 billion, which will give you enough to buy all the ships you need, then do the fleet carrier later.

I have detail instructions on how to do most of that, so if you need help on them, just ask.

 

[Felix DiCestria]

It depends on what you want to do Cmdr.
Do you want combat, trade, mining, exploration or something else.
For a long time the Python was the best medium trade ship, but has recently been usurped by the T8.
For combat there are plenty of better ships, the Python mk 2 being one of the best in this regard.
Exploration wise the Asp Explorer and Diamondback Explorer have long ruled the Black, though the Mandalay will take that position soon.

 

[the100thmonkey]

That's a matter of opinion. In my opinion, the Python (Mk.I) is overrated as general purpose ship.

You wash your filthy heathen mouth out with soap right now!

If you want to upgrade your FSD for higher range, you'd better unlock Felicity. As for "range is key" - that depends on what you want to do, and in which ship. I have to admit, though, that in most of my ships I run a long range engineered FSD (and will have to do it all again now the SCO FSDs are available...)

Martuuk also offers G5 long range FSD upgrades.

Now I have around 58m Credits in my pocket because I was aiming to buy and outfit a Python for even better runs (63m Cr?!?).

The Python Mk. I (or just "the Python") is a great multirole ship. If I were you, I don't think I'd buy one right now, though, given your current credit balance. I'd suggest you need at least 100m credits to buy the hull and outfit it properly.

But during my last run I got destroyed and respawned at The Penitent in the Pleiades Sector.

Naughty boy!

So time to think a little bit about the next steps like:

• Is it really the best idea to head for the Python right now?
• Should I probably first head for farming materials to engineer FSA with Increased Range because Range is key, isn't it?
• Is it smarter to head for any explorer like the ASP Explorer?
• Should I maybe head for any cargo hauler first to also rank up as trader and unlock access to Jameson Memorial?

Currently i have unlocked Elvira Martuuk and pinned her blueprint and I do also have an invitation from Felicity Farseer.

The single quickest way to make lots of money in the game right now is exobiology.

I would recommend that you buy a Diamondback Explorer fitted for exploration. This will enable you to immediately do four things which will unlock the rest of the game:

1. Do exobiology. You need an Artemis suit and a ship with a good jump range. A surface vehicle is an optional extra. Just one trip should make enough cash to never have to worry about money again. If you do start to run low on funds (there's plenty to spend your money on in the early game), you will know what to do.
2. Visit the Crystal Forests in HIP 36601 and gather a bunch of raw materials that will make your life just so much easier in a short while.
3. Easily visit Jameson's Cobra (or other data-rich crash sites) for the data materials. You can trade materials at a broker, so when you're running short you will know where to go to replenish your supply.
4. Get the invitations from Professor Palin and Chloe Sedesi.

Exobio will make you enough money to buy a Python or Asp Explorer on your first run. After that, the only thing stopping you from buying any ship you want will be superpower rank.

 

[_Schicksalsleser_]

Many thanks to all of you for your quick and valueable replies.
I was in process of replying two times till another post was send and I was editing my draft again to summerize all the knowledge.

I had definitely in mind before that i have to grind some more money so that I will not violate the most important Elite Dangerous rule: Never ever fly without a sufficient rebuy amount!!!

But I had just calculated the balance of possible one rebuy based on the insurance costs.
Will try to keep in mind to have around 3x - 4x the amount of the shipyard costs (not only the rebuy insurance - thanks for the explanation @JetsonRING )

I also like the idea very much to concentrate on the Engineering way because this will anyway give me insights in every aspect (thanks for open up my perspective for that @Ashnak )
I don't own Odysee (yet ... Edit: But while I'm writing it gets more and more realistic that i spent the bucks ... Edit 2: it's now almost sure i will buy the expansion) which makes Exobiology option unavailable for me but I also like exploration much so I would try to head in this direction first.
Given that decision and with the formula of rebuy in mind I would chose the Diamondback Explorer:
Schicksalsleser DBX
Jumprange:
Max 44,06Ly | Laden 44,06Ly | Total 274,05Ly
Costs:
Total 19m CR | Insurance 1m CR

Annotations:

• Purpose is Planetary Exploration
• Installing 5A FSD (SCU) because it's the best Class 5 FSD
• Advanced Docking Computer & Supercruise Assist (for cozyness and to reduce a possible crash after a long run and plenty of exploration data gathered)
• Buying a new ship because it is a balanced decision based on the desire to fly something new and don't have a blank credit account at the end / make a smart longtime invest

Why not the cheaper Hauler?

1. Not planning to crash a lot
2. DBX looks like a decent small explorer vehicle with a long range (worth to be a longtime invest)
3. Has Class 5 FSD instead of 4 or minor

With the DBX i will then concentrate on unlocking the engineers (following also the great recommendations of @Hugh Jardon & @the100thmonkey ).

Once again thank you all for your replies and your efforts ... Your experience and given feedback is astonishing and really helpful for a newbie like me.

 

[aRJay]

…
Schicksalsleser DBX
Jumprange:
Max 44,06Ly | Laden 44,06Ly | Total 274,05Ly
Costs:
Total 19m CR | Insurance 1m CR

Annotations:

• Purpose is Planetary Exploration
• Installing 5A FSD (SCU) because it's the best Class 5 FSD
• Advanced Docking Computer & Supercruise Assist (for cozyness and to reduce a possible crash after a long run and plenty of exploration data gathered)
• Buying a new ship because it is a balanced decision based on the desire to fly something new and don't have a blank credit account at the end / make a smart longtime invest

Why not the cheaper Hauler?

1. Not planning to crash a lot

It isn’t the planned crashes that hurt.

1. DBX looks like a decent small explorer vehicle with a long range (worth to be a longtime invest)

It is a very capable ship for exploration and I have used it for that quite a bit, but it isn’t a ship I enjoy being in that much. Despite its downsides I prefer the Hauler and have more distance covered in one, the smaller landing footprint is great the smaller fuel tank size is a pain at best.

1. Has Class 5 FSD instead of 4 or minor

One of the problems with the DBX is that it has a size 5 FSD and fuel tank but the largest optional slot is only size 4 which means the fuel scoop is going to take a while to catch up. This is a minor problem most of the time when actually exploring a system but if there is nothing in the system or you are just travelling then scooping is going to feel like it takes an age.

With the DBX i will then concentrate on unlocking the engineers (following also the great recommendations of @Hugh Jardon & @the100thmonkey ).

Once again thank you all for your replies and your efforts ... Your experience and given feedback is astonishing and really helpful for a newbie like me.

O7