Just got a kicking in HAZ Res under 2.1!

[Urbanezqmo]

I've been away from the game for a few weeks or so, so only just got round to the upgrade and took my A-rated Asp out for spin around HAZ res around Jupiter to test out the new NPC AI. No problem with the first contact (Clipper), then got stuck into a Vulture, was going fine, he then rammed me, dropped my shields but he was down to 3% hull, no problem I thought, I was without shields, but still had about 80% hull, and my ASP is quite heavily armoured, so I thought it was a formality... wrong, the NPC vulture seemed to sudden remember how to fly his ship and I couldn't get a bead on him and was starting to take a hammering. I tried to keep cool, he's only got 3% hull left I must be able to finish him(!) - nope, I couldn't get close to getting him in front of me, and he tore me to shreds... nice 1.4M re-buy.

Now I'm not ace combat pilot, but I've done ok in the past, but it seem that Elite is certainly more 'dangerous' than it used to be - will have to raise my game again, learn better FA off skills, and maybe go back to my Vulture/FAS for HAZ res!!

One question, do the NPCs have engineers weapon upgrades, as I'm sure I saw some funky coloured laser blasts hitting my ship? And just for sanity, they haven't nerfed the Bi-weave shields have they? as mine dropped faster than I've ever seen

Still, its nice to have more of a challenge, but I didn't expect it to be quite as dramatic (or costly).

Fly safe!

 

[Bran Tse Mallory]

There were some issues which have been dealt with as far as I know, others will no doubt give you far better information than I but I just wanted to commend you on your fine attitude towards your 'adventure'. +Rep is well deserved.

 

[Andovar]

Yeah, I'm not really sure where we're at with NPC's and engineer mods.
Ther was the bug where they would get crazy OP weapons like missile multi cannons, or burst plasma accelerators, and I thought the fix was to remove all eng upgrades from NPC's.
But I still see them as well, so I'm really not sure where we're at with them. It does seem like the crazy "hybrid weapons" are gone though.

 

[Cynaqq]

Edit to add: This is not a git gud comment. It's sincere questions and recommendations.

Proper power management is paramount now. More important than ever.

Did you have 4 pips to shields whenever you were under fire and during that ram you lost your shields?

Also, now, as a general rule (go outside of it depending on your confidence in your piloting capabilities) if you can't get the ship in your firing arc without putting four pips to engines, AND you are getting hit during that time, it's time to disengage and re assess the situation. Either break off outright and escape or run for a bit and look for a better position and time to recharge your shields.

Make sure you have 4 pips in shields while you are getting hit, no way around that.

Did I mention to have 4 pips in the shields unless you are sure you can keep out of the enemy's firing arc?

Also keep 4 pips in the shields.

 

[Kaybe]

The new AI has indeed learned how to fly. They also have stronger equipment loaded, including lots of railguns and missiles (which are stronger now). It is highly recommended you only hit a Haz RES with a wing of players now (unless you're going after transporters). Also make damn sure you have no cargo in your hold other than limpets (which don't count for NPCs now, thank god). Oh, and make sure to have at least one point defense loaded now, preferably two. REALLY important.

For solo players, it's recommended to go instead to a High RES and hang out with the security forces. They ALSO are a lot stronger and can 'tank' the enemy ships for you if you let them shoot first. And they can help you destroy your target really quickly too.

 

[Urbanezqmo]

I must admit I did adopt my usual default pip settings at 2 for shields and 4 for weapons, it always used to work(!) - I did shift to 4 pips on the shields after I was hit but the damage was already done. The bi-weaves used to hold up ok before 2.1 (unless I was being hit by multiple ships) Good advice though and clearly using boost and engine pips is a key factor in trying to bring the target into the cross-hairs. Time to re learn a few combat skills again.

So just to be clear, keep 4 pips to shields... is that what you are saying

- - - - - Additional Content Posted / Auto Merge - - - - -

Yep, High RES from now on, until I get the hang of these new 'uber' NPCs, as you say I'll let the local force do some damage first! I don't head in to RES sites with any cargo so thats no problem. I just used to ignore missiles before 2.1 (or just boost away) but clearly they are stronger in 2.1 - Point Defense is a good advice. Thanks