Here we go...The Update has Started

[Ashnak]

I've looked but can't find anything definitive. Is this a patch (does it update 3.2)? or will it need a full re-install? Can't remember what happened at the last update.

Yes.

It'll update 3.2, but, depending on which core files have changed, the launcher may need to effectively download everything. If it still works as usual, having the beta still on the HDD may reduce the download time somewhat.

 

[Sylow]

Not sure how this is for people with complex HOTAS set ups (using an XBox controller on PC myself) but the bindings were not an issue at all for me, the only thing that bugged me was the different exit button and they addressed that.

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The only thing for a HOTAS are the three new buttons:
- Toggle between Analysis and Combat mode
- Enter FSS
- Toggle Night Vision
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The last one is purely optional, but handy to have. The other two you need for exploration. Luckily you can use modifiers in the game. I have a button for FAOff. But that button, when holding it and then pressing other controls, also triggers other things. (FAOff does nothing in supercruise, anyway. ) So i hold the button and then use the 4 way switches on my stick to trigger different functions than what would happen when not pressing the button there.
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It actually works very well in this game.
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[Cymoril]

Yes.

It'll update 3.2, but, depending on which core files have changed, the launcher may need to effectively download everything. If it still works as usual, having the beta still on the HDD may reduce the download time somewhat.

Thanks Ashnak

 

[Branithar]

In some ways, it’s actually easier finding valuable planets with the new system. High metal content planets and metal rich bodies sometimes look an awful lot like rocky bodies...especially in M Class star systems. The FSS removes any confusion whether a brown clump of dirt is acutually something that’s valuable.

 

[StuBaDub]

I love the new exploration mechanic. Finally it feels like I am exploring instead of mindless honking.

Completely opposite sentiment here. I'll give it a few tens of hours more but it's got me contemplating life without ED.

I'm curious to see the reactions of those who approach it with fresh eyes.

 

[Deleted member 182079]

.
The only thing for a HOTAS are the three new buttons:
- Toggle between Analysis and Combat mode
- Enter FSS
- Toggle Night Vision
.
The last one is purely optional, but handy to have. The other two you need for exploration. Luckily you can use modifiers in the game. I have a button for FAOff. But that button, when holding it and then pressing other controls, also triggers other things. (FAOff does nothing in supercruise, anyway. ) So i hold the button and then use the 4 way switches on my stick to trigger different functions than what would happen when not pressing the button there.
.
It actually works very well in this game.
.

Good to hear.

I'm sometimes tempted to buy a HOTAS, but the Xbox controller feels very comfortable, especially since most functions can be mapped via the context (?) preset - i.e. hold a button and press d-pad. There were a few things that threw me off and/or caused conflicts in-game, but they all require minor tweaks of my current set up, which is very close to default.

Overall, Saul Goodman!

 

[Jaylem]

 

[Deleted member 182079]

In some ways, it’s actually easier finding valuable planets with the new system. High metal content planets and metal rich bodies sometimes look an awful lot like rocky bodies...especially in M Class star systems. The FSS removes any confusion whether a brown clump of dirt is acutually something that’s valuable.

Yep. Also worth mentioning that stars and other bodies such as black holes are now fully scanned during the initial honk I believe.

And, from what I remember in the most recent beta, if you pass planets/moons etc. close enough they get automatically scanned.

 

[Wasp0]

so is this the Unofficial official 'What shall we do until the servers are back on line' Thread??

If so, i am in!

 

[bootsam]

Nuts, I forgot to call my space taxi to Robigo. So I gotta wait some more before I can Mamba. I knew I had to do something last night.

 

[Factabulous]

Oooh - they cleared all the bug forums. I'm sure they'll fill again soon

 

[Deep Thought 42]

No its a Bug free game now lol

 

[Wasp0]

Nuts, I forgot to call my space taxi to Robigo. So I gotta wait some more before I can Mamba. I knew I had to do something last night.

LOL.......Did that last night last thing, the transfer time from Robigp to Shin is 1Hr 17Min

used Robigo to max out EFC, MEF and BIO, called in on Crashed Cobra site Topped off Adaptive things, ten trips and topped off DWE. Sunday went to Dav's and topped off most of the conductive stuff, Focus Cry, RFC, Polymer stuff.

So bring it on you 2 new ships, i have booked all engineers workshop for Wednesday, and they have promised me a good deal!

 

[Hooplah]

so is this the Unofficial official 'What shall we do until the servers are back on line' Thread??

If so, i am in!

It is more about too many players worrying about the upgrade versus actually playing the game with the new features. Many don't like change. I understand this as Frontier started with the rebuy system thus many players worry flying expensive ships especially with a game upgrade.

 

[Inscydeus]

As someone that played the beta quite extensively, I say worry not.

At first glance I found the FSS a bit over complicated and unwieldy, but after maybe an hour of playtime it 'clicked', once you understand the concept and get used to the controls it all makes sense.

Since that moment I couldn't bear going back to 3.2 exploration mechanics and put that on hold until... today.

In fact, even the thought of deep space exploration prior to 3.3 put me off (went to Sag A* once - pre-engineers, and Colonia twice) due to the basic jump/honk/supercruise for ages mechanic. Now I'm actually motivated to go out there and actually discover stuff.

I'm 76% Pioneer and got to that stage largely due to Passenger missions, but am determined to fill the rest just through proper exploration now.

Gaining a slot due to dropping the ADS is also a nice little bonus.

Edit: and just to add, the fact you can now identify USS's is a MASSIVE QoL improvement and will make engineering so much less grindy now.

It removes a big barrier to entry to exploration for new players now that even the Sidewinder comes with ADS equivalent capability pre-installed.

 

[Sylow]

Oooh - they cleared all the bug forums. I'm sure they'll fill again soon

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Hehe, yea. There was quite a number of bug reports of mine, where i got the answer along the line "please check again, it the problem still exists in the life game". Guess i'll take a look into that on the weekend. I'd be very surprised, if -all- of the bug reports i wrote would be taken care of.
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[GreyAreaUK]

It is more about too many players worrying about the upgrade versus actually playing the game with the new features. Many don't like change.

For those of us with some degree of mental health issues, change is downright scary. I'm not bashing the game though - it just means that I'll need to bite the bullet and get the keybinds done and familiarise myself with the new mechanics.

 

[Phazon Xenomorph]

Not sure how this is for people with complex HOTAS set ups (using an XBox controller on PC myself) but the bindings were not an issue at all for me, the only thing that bugged me was the different exit button and they addressed that.

And you can still check whether a system has whatever types of planets instantly by reviewing the frequency band. In fact I would say it's easier now because you don't have to listen to the sounds (water/earth) or zoom in on the system map, or check the holograph for clues. Honk, open FSS, check if any objects are in the relevant bandwidth, if yes, find them (which takes less time than actually going there via SC).

And if you enjoyed spending minutes sitting in SC waiting for a number to count down, fair enough - during those moments I usually question whether I make the best use of my free time doing so.

Edit - and on your last point, well I'm actually happy Elite doesn't have more story content. Quite like the blaze-my-own-trail approach, and the older I get the less satisfaction I get from game stories - if I want a good story I usually just watch a movie or read a book.

Well I got used to that map that showed every possible coloration for each planet / star. So I got used to being able to see at a glance after a honk if it was a water world or earthlike, or just a high metal content... so I never had to "listen" to anything. Was just easy. Plus when navigating to a certain planet like C 4 e it was easy to know at a glance where I was going. Garbage frequency meter is garbage, everyone else is in love with it.... must be some old person thing.

 

[Rat Catcher]

must be some old person thing.

Only some old persons

(and depends how you qualify 'old' - I'm retired but don't feel 'old')

 

[Deleted member 182079]

Well I got used to that map that showed every possible coloration for each planet / star. So I got used to being able to see at a glance after a honk if it was a water world or earthlike, or just a high metal content... so I never had to "listen" to anything. Was just easy. Plus when navigating to a certain planet like C 4 e it was easy to know at a glance where I was going. Garbage frequency meter is garbage, everyone else is in love with it.... must be some old person thing.

Well I'm also not that young anymore and play Elite since launch, so my muscle memory needed some adjusting, but I wholly embrace the changes and consider them a 100% success (well, maybe 95%)... but in the end it's a matter of personal preference, and FDev can't please everyone unfortunately.

To be honest, I personally wouldn't mind if the honk would also populate the system map like before, so you can play in both the old and new way, similar to what they did with the Mining update. Assume they had a good reason for not going down that route.