Newcomer / Intro Newcomer with a couple of questions :)

Evilconevil · Mar 16, 2015

So I turned 21 today and my gift to myself is delving into this amazing looking game. I've had my eye on it for quite some time, but put off jumping into it, because I wanted to go in really hard and spend some money.

My first major question is about a joystick, I've seen some videos of some fantastic looking setups, using joysticks, etc. It looks like it'd be a ton of fun and I'd like to play the game like that, but before I do I wanted to see what people thought. Would using joysticks be a good idea or will it make it more difficult to play the game and if so, what brand/joystick model would you suggest I'd go for. I'd prefer not to spend more than about $200 on one.

Secondly, I saw that there was a store where you can buy packs/skins, etc from. Does this include ships, is there a particular ship I should start out with to give me the easiest time?

Thirdly, are there guilds/clans in this game and how do I go about joining one or finding a good starting faction?

Really any info or suggestions that you might have is appreciated, I want to really enjoy this game, but my main focus is what kind of hardware to use.

Gavski · Mar 17, 2015

Welcome to a (sometimes) tough Galaxy!

1. I play using mouse/keyboard and find it easy. I would have a go before shelling-out on some seriously expensive stick, but others will advise you of the best, if your heart is set on one.

2. You earn credits in-game and then buy different/better ships (you can upgrade various modules on an existing ship to improve performance etc. whilst you save-up). You can't buy a ship from the store and use it in-game; but you can buy fancy paint jobs for your ship(s).

You can own more than one ship at a time (and swap between them), storing the old ship at whatever station you buy the next one at. You can have just one ship if you prefer (some of the ships are expensive to buy and run).

I have a Cobra for general hunting/exploring etc. and a Lakon 6 (space truck) for large cargo trips, and swap between them. Aim for an Adder or Hauler at first, fairly good cargo and okay at combat.

3. No guilds in the traditional sense but people have/are forming all-sorts of clans/Wings etc. You can also ally yourself with the Empire, Federation or Alliance (or stay neutral). Some missions/ships rely on your allegiance to whoever, but don't worry about it initially, concentrate on getting some credits and a better ship!

p.s. Finally, do take time to read/view the manual and training videos - will save you a LOT of frustration, happy hunting!

http://www.elitedangerous.com/guide/

huwthomas · Mar 17, 2015

I'd go for a HOTAS rather than just a stick, but by all means have a go with a mouse/kb first.

The Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X is a solid HOTAS option that's well within your budget. Personally I use a CH Pro throttle with a T16000m joystick, I'd go for an all CH setup (CH=quality gear!) but I like a stick with a twist control for yaw, and CH doesn't have one. As you can see there's lots to consider/research which is why it might be worth starting with a budget option if you just want to jump in.

PS Happy Birthday

Evilconevil · Mar 17, 2015

huwthomas said:
I'd go for a HOTAS rather than just a stick, but by all means have a go with a mouse/kb first.

The Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X is a solid HOTAS option that's well within your budget.

I saw this on Amazon and thought about it as well. One of the things I was worried about is that it looks like a single unit, which would annoy me pretty badly. Do you know if it breaks into two?

huwthomas · Mar 17, 2015

The throttle is detachable, people have said that the cable between the two parts is a little on the short side.

There's a whole thread about this HOTAS.

Evilconevil · Mar 17, 2015

Thanks a bunch, to both of you, I'll read up on it. Cheers!

Newt Loranas · Mar 17, 2015

First of all Happy Birthday, none of the other miserable sods wished you many happy returns so I will

.

The thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X - it's not the most comfortable of sticks to use. The buttons are plasticy, they don't click particularly satisfyingly (you can tell they're keyboard rubbers rather than micro switches). Even on the lightest setting I find the spring resistance tiring after an hour (but that just encourages a break). It's too light and tends to shift around on the desktop (blu-tack the down) and the whole things seems a little unresponsive with quite a large deadzone.

That said it has a superb array of buttons, all of which you will use and it's the best value HOTAS stick under $400 (£280) until you decide you want the full on warthog. I paid £45 GPB for mine and consider it ok value. Amazon has them at $80 but I have no idea if that's acceptable to you. But it is the go-to budget stick to buy.

*sorry Huw, you wished him a happy birthday*

Webferret · Mar 17, 2015

Happy Birthday mate

Since the questions have been answered already, just going to say about flight sticks.

I have a X52 Pro (Desktop machine) and a Warthog (Flight Sim Machine setup) both are amzing and worth the money. I would recommend either of these if they are in your price range. Very well made, and I am quite heavy handed and still working as new.

djbordie · Mar 17, 2015

Happy b day

the Logitech extreme 3d pro is a popular choice, its capable and cost effective. ($like 40-50 new!)
I personally prefer this stile, as opposed to the throttle separate.
I can use both hands to manipulate the whole system, like throttle + buttons, stick, etc
But i bet HOTAS is pretty cool too

Also dont forget Voice attack, this is unbelievably efficient for ED.
the stick is not just for movement/weapons. most other things are controlled by voice...i cant explain how much more immersive it makes the game.

I had one sitting in a box for 5 yrs and its fantastic, that + rift = insanity.

so much so, im actually trying to work out how to get a 980 for my 970 + cash...lol

you would get more immersion from a dk2 or triple monitor setup than paying $$ for skins and frivolous items. IMO

game is amazing though eh!

Rutg3rO · Mar 17, 2015

Happy birthday. Congratz on being a real adult now

I bought the Thrustmaster t-flight Hotas X and I love it. It really enhances the game. It's price is pretty much the same as the logitech stick, but you get so much more fun out of separate throttle. And about those concerns of the cable length, I don't even have mine fully rolled out.