Low Intensity Combat Zones - Has FD gone to far this time ? ;-)
- Thread starter mp1963
- Start date
Vipers are difficult opponents in a Python, mainly as they can zoom about and be very annoying. When I fought in Lugh and other CZs I would normally leave Vipers and Cobras as they were just too much hassle.
It is satisfying to kill them though. I made an example of one particular NPC Viper and shot out his life support. I enjoyed watching him suffocate after him giving me the runaround.
It is satisfying to kill them though. I made an example of one particular NPC Viper and shot out his life support. I enjoyed watching him suffocate after him giving me the runaround.
I am no expert combatant -- I need my gimbles on my tricked out viper, and I just upgraded my Cobra to a Courier. I've been to a few low and high combat zones, and here's what I found:
* my Cobra shields went from full to gone in a blink of an eye, because I got dragged into a crossfire with 3 Eagles. Don't underestimate the small ships and stay on the edge of the battle.
* If you find a group of friendly ships, stick near them.
* Conserve missiles/ammo/shield cells for when they are really needed -- it's not a race, take your time.
* if you are chased, drag you opponent away, and then finish him.
* Speed is your key to survival! Be prepared to boost any time you get in an improper position.
Just my 2 credits worth ...
* my Cobra shields went from full to gone in a blink of an eye, because I got dragged into a crossfire with 3 Eagles. Don't underestimate the small ships and stay on the edge of the battle.
* If you find a group of friendly ships, stick near them.
* Conserve missiles/ammo/shield cells for when they are really needed -- it's not a race, take your time.
* if you are chased, drag you opponent away, and then finish him.
* Speed is your key to survival! Be prepared to boost any time you get in an improper position.
Just my 2 credits worth ...
I haven't flown a combat Python in 1.3 and I have a full Novice combat ranking (i.e pretty bad) But have you tried flying backwards? That used to work for me vs NPC Eagles and Sidewinders. If that does not work...err turrets? But I have the nagging feeling we will have to become less bad at this. And to be honest this is not why we (bad pilots) buy Pythons and Anacondas. We buy them because we want to go into a contested zone, not really aim and still kill everything...well that was my bright idea anyways.
But yeah,when flying a Python, don't get into a turn fight with an Eagle...don't get into an acceleration fight with an Eagle either. You have to force a head to head shoot out. Flying backwards does that trick.
But yeah,when flying a Python, don't get into a turn fight with an Eagle...don't get into an acceleration fight with an Eagle either. You have to force a head to head shoot out. Flying backwards does that trick.
I have read through this thread and am still confused how a novice solo viper almost killed you. I was in a CZ filled with nothing but elite hostiles ranging from sidewinders to Annies. I only had to use 1 SCB in my courier, and I only left because my multi-cannon ran out of ammo.
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Not everyone has the same reflexes and coordination. I've met hepped up teens on Red Bull who can fly circles around me in other games. For me combat is a challenge and while I do get my butt kicked on occasion I'm getting better than I was.
Before the changes you could get away with taking on the Condas in a CZ or even deal with 2 or 3 ships firing at you.. But now you do have to be way more spacially aware. I was in CZ taking on a Python with my Python (A-rated shiled + booster), not realising a Conda was also starting to shoot at me, even though it was a low rez one my shield got taken out pretty fast! Had to boost out of there.
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+1 rep and kudos for honesty!
TBH Eagles are a pain without gimples (and I only use gimped cannon which are a pain against Eagles who dodge all but under 200m shots), even flying in reverse has mixed results if you are too close before you initiate the the reverse.
The FA-Off Boost Flip is probably the best tactic against Eagles, it gives you the space to get your fixed weapons onto them.
Of course you could go for gimped pew pew, or the totally hands free turnip beams but then you're using a much weaker weapon, and the computer is doing all the work (should be 2 combat ratings, one for the targeting computer, another for the pilot
)...and if the opponent is using double chaff then you're forced to unlock and deal with the lack of convergence and subsystems targeting...best to fit a few fixed beams and gimp the cannon (unfortunately due to lead sights having both weapons fixed is a no-no).
It comes to something when you visit a low intensity CZ and find your nice shiny Python being ripped apart by a novice Viper. Has FD given the NPCs some new godlike powers which totally negate your shields/shield boosters/etc ?
No.
A.I. are only now beginning to get to a place where they actually mean something. Personally I feel they still have someways to go to be really effective and not fish in a barrel but we're getting there.
I can understand your predicament, however. I was also a novice like you and it took many hundreds of hours to get to where I am today. Cliche yes, but practice makes perfect. You should pick your battles accordingly (A Python is an armed trader, not a fighter). If your combat skills are novice, don't fight with a Python. If you do, make sure you dictate your engagement parameters, ie on the outskirts of the zone and preferably have a wingman to assist.
Trust me, one day you'll be smacking Conds in your python. Today is however not the day - you have a ways to go yet. Elite is a Journey: Take it easy and enjoy the ride.
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not getting a scratch in my ASP (Asp for those that hate ppl writing ASP) in conflict zones. To me it was harder half a year ago.
We definitely know (and feel!) that NPCs are now better at shooting at us. But a Viper versus Python... Have you tried deploying your hardpoints?
Or a python with anything less than A grade thrusters, dead in the water...
+Rep.
Yes , yes and yes.
Did I say yes ?
It is so true. I maybe only decent at combat, but I enjoy I have to now , in a 175 mill Python THINK of who I choose to engage and how I do it. This is soooo rewarding. True for some Cmdr's the NPC's are still walk in the park, but that is life, some people are always real good.
But improved AI , to me is the best improvement so far in game.
Just accept some stuff is simply not doable with your ship and level of skillz
I do.
Cheers Cmdr's
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