How to break out of ship jousting

lemon407

L
So im slowly getting better at combat, to the point where im learning how to properly manage pips and when to shift them to system, and when to shift to shields.
But the one thing im coming in and struggle bussing with, is getting locked into that duel jousting between two ships where you basically end up running back and forth across each other, like jousting.
Im flying a conda, with dirty drag drives, what manuver should i be doing to get out of that and get back ontop of the target?
 

scadh

scadh
Flight Assist off is probably the best way, but it's hard (for me, at least). Alternatively, boost at opportune times to try to get the jump on enemies before they're able to get head-on to you. Or sic your SLF on your target to distract them. Lacking any of that, you'll probably struggle to avoid the joust in an Anaconda against smaller, more agile ships.
 

here_it_comes

here_it_comes
If you're flying an Anaconda, you're not going to be able dictate the range and positioning of fights. You'll need to learn to be happy with jousting if you fly large ships. Large ships are poor in handling, that is their weakness. FA off will help you keep better time on target (ToT), but it won't stop a smaller ship from doing jousting runs on you. If you're looking to stick on targets, you'll need a medium or small ship.
 

Chrystoph

Chrystoph
Remember that maximum throttle (not boosting) means minimum maneuver. Learn to adjust your throttle to improve your turn rate.

This is also sound advice for disengaging an interdiction.
 

wenkman

wenkman
yes, throttle in the blue, sometimes boost, up/down thrusters and fa-off while turning can get you better time on target.

but ship maneuverability matters too.

if you can't stay at target with the big ones, maybe use turrets. they are build for that Problem.
 

DemiserofD

D
Ignore the people telling you to use Turrets. They're not for that, they're for efficiency and for dealing with targets that are MUCH more nimble than you. One or two won't hurt, but they also won't solve your problem.

You need to learn to use vertical thrust to control your turning radius, either to tighten it or loosen it, and you need to learn to use your cargo hatch or landing gear to control your boosts. They're the most useful tools for getting out of annoying jousts.
 

rrobes

R
Get a Corvette if you’re into the large ships. It will turn better.

Go F/A off, large NPCs almost always pull up when they fly at you, anticipate that and use your up thrusters. Fly slow or in reverse. They will present their belly to you. Turn F/A on to steady your ship and fire.

Deselect your target and fire over the open sights, the red outline, to get past the chaff. I aim slightly high and watch for the fall of the shots. Rails are good for keeping your target under fire at all times. F/A off as much as you can, it throws their aim off.

Medium ships behave similar to the large ships. The smalls can do burns and turns until you get some teeth into them.

There are other repeating characteristics for certain ships but it’s best for you to discover them.

Happy hunting.
 

Stealthie

Stealthie
Keep your throttle in the blue, switch FA off to make sharp turns and then switch it back on again to stabilise your ship.

Learn to lead your targets.
When your target is heading toward you, put your nose down slightly so he passes above you, when you get fairly close slow down, FA off and pull your nose up.
If you do this right you should end up behind your target as he's trying to make his turn after passing you.
 

Nadreck

N
In addition to the above suggestions, you might be relying too much on the damage you can inflict when he's heading in towards you.

With long-range weapons and/or an SLF, you can chip away at him from a distance. You could also try slowing him down with drag packhounds or force-shell cannons.
 

here_it_comes

here_it_comes
Turrets can be ok on large ships as utility (Corrosive/Thermal Vent/etc) and for keeping small ships from taking an irritatingly long time, but should be a minority of your firepower if used. They are pretty wimpy.
 

Sylow

Sylow
Just like others already said, this might be the core problem:

lemon407 said:
Im flying a conda
Click to expand...

This ship sure has impressive shields, especially when engineered, magical armour which gives a lot of protection at basically no mass, can carry lots of firepower and depending on how you set it up can haul a lot of cargo or have insane jump ranges. But it's not the model of speed and agility.

Try one of the more agile medium ships. It allows you a completely different combat style. (It's astonishing how many people by now are around, who started to learn combat in a large ship and perhaps an FDL and have no idea at all how a small ship handles in combat. )
 

Agony_Aunt

Agony_Aunt
DemiserofD said:
Ignore the people telling you to use Turrets.
Click to expand...

No don't ignore those telling you to use turrets.

At least on size 1 and 2 slots. Size 3 slots aren't so useful because they will only hit big ships, which you can hit with fixed/gimballed anyway. But size 1 and 2 are good and can keep the pressure on the shields of faster smaller ships.

Remember, if you stop hitting a target the shield will start to regen after some seconds. Turrets help reduce shield regen and keep pressure on targets.
 
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