Next Ship & confused by the Python.

[CMDR Zayn Till]

Greetings Commanders!

Apologies in advance if this should be posted in one of the other sub forums.

I'm having a bit of a quandry regarding my current Python & a possible next ship or two. Thought I'd seek opinions.

I started playing ED in Sept of this year. I play it on the PS4 Pro on a huge TV with 7:1 surround on a big comfy couch. It's relaxing & I dont have to hunch over as I'm prone to do on the PC which strains my neck and back.
The Game it self has become an addiction and I really enjoy it. Yes there's grind but only if you let the grind mentality set in. This game can be played any way anyone might like and offers up lore, sites to see, different modes of play & doesn't hold your hand at all. It blows me away every time i play it. Great Space sim. Even with some of the negatives that many (myself included) are aware of, it's very unique. Looking forward to the updates throughout all of next year.

After starting in the Sidewinder, I quickly worked my way to a Cobra Mklll and then picked up the ship that i truly love to fly the most, The AspX which I named The Hieronymous. It's mostly an exploration ship. It's heavily engineered and even carrying a full weapons loadout it does 45ly jumps. Every aspect of The Hieronymous is engineered & it not only flies like a dream but has taken me 10kly out of the bubble & is my go-to ship when gathering materials & data, unlocking all the engineers etc. I even got face to face with a Thargoid in the Pleiades with my AspX one night. Thankfully it only scanned me and didn't turn me into debris.

Along the way I also picked up a T7 (The Grey Mane) which is lightly engineered & while many apparently hate the T7, I find it an excellent hauler with its 256 ton capacity, & enough shielding & small extras to avoid pirates and the like. Even without visiting Felicity it gets 25ly unladen and over 20ly with full cargo. When I need to haul cargo, which is rare, the T7 has been just a great space truck.

I purchaseda Federal Assault Ship (The Raging Acorn) as well that is heavily engineered, gets 25ly per jump & flies like a dream. I love flying the Acorn in HazRez or for Bounty hunting CG's, it's just a great ship for combat. I had been using a Vulture prior but wanted a bit more & the FAS is an excellent combat ship.

I also picked up a Dolphin that I fell in love with which lead me to upgrade to an Orca that is totally unengineered (only A rated the important stuff) for single jump passenger missions that has made me a fortune. Without a lick of engineering the Orca is a Joy to Fly like the Dolphin before it.

So my natural inclination a few weeks back after experiencing the various modes of play was to buy a new ship.

I kept hearing how the Python is possibly the best overall ship in the game & I've seen so much love for this ship from so many that I decided to pick one up & outfit it.
So after visiting Li Yong-Rui Space & Jameson Memorial for the discount & one stop shopping, I puchased a Python with everything I needed.
The problem after a few weeks however, is that I'm really struggling to find any serious love for this ship.

I christened it "The Silmarillion". It is a good looking ship for sure, especially in the black friday paint job.
I outfitted it for two distict purposes, so 2 sets of loadouts. One as a mining ship and the other for combat.
I spared no expense, this thing is A Rated where it needs to be with only a few modules less than A that arent necessary. It's engineered every which way till Sunday.

I used it as a mining ship to open up Selene Jean & Bill Turner and it's great for mining. It defends itself excellent if any pirates stop by. Mining is sort of relaxing and interesting in how it's done.... gets boring quick though lol.

As a combat ship it's got the weaponry and hull with all the best modules and engineering with the lone exception of its FSD range. I rolled 30+ rolls with Felicity... I love the engineer concept but the RNGeezus aspect drives me nuts. An hour with Felicity trying to extend my FSD, every roll was horrid 'OPTIMIZED MASS' & terrible 'MASS'. Secondary effects gave me no love either. So frustrating. We all know how time consuming it is to gather materials & data for these (even with Places like Dav's hope & the like). Anyway, due to this, My Python only gets 23.58Ly in combat mode, More as a miner..but I find it's jump range disapointing. I never had this kind of luck with engineers prior and now im RNGeezuz traumatized lol.

So I dont use the Python as a cargo ship, I can't see using it as an exploration ship compared to my AspX and while it's pretty good for combat my FAS is much, MUCH, more enjoyable to fly in combat as it's more maneuverable with a slightly better jump range. Even without the two 6A SBC's & Heatsink that are on my Python, The FAS is just so much fun.

In short, other then using The Silmarillion for mining (Haven't mined since I unlocked Selene & Bill. Mining is an occasional foray but not profitable enough compared to passenger missions.), I have no clue what to do with my Python as all other aspects are handled by other ships.

I've got close to a billion credits and I'm thinking even though I have no desire to get one of the REAL large ships (The T7 & the Orca are considered large ships but it doesn't feel like they actually are), I'm thinking I might have to give the Anaconda a try. I'm A Rear Admiral in the Federation & a Duke in the Empire but I really don't want either the Cutter or the Corvette(YET) since it seems the Anaconda can do a bit of what each offers but with a much better jump range. (I really like jump range). I'm actually dreading the maneuvarability of the larger ships. (I understand the Corvette is actually very maneuverable but I can't stomach a 14ly jump range and while the Cutter can get maybe what. 30lys per jump? I hear trying to turn in one is insane.)

So I thought I'd pop on here and write this post and ask for peoples advice. Am I doing something wrong with the Python? Should I get a Anaconda? Do I really need to get an Anaconda or whatnot?

Appreciate any advice and thanks for reading through. o7

 

[Safepuppy]

Hi, glad you're enjoying the game. My, you've got a few credits.
The Python needs good dd5 drives to make it come alive. Jump range is so so, but my combat does 27 ish, which is usable.
The main thing with the Python is missions, any and all missions. Being able to dock at outposts means you can take anything.
I've got 2 loadings, combat and cargo. Cargo is fitted for 180 ton runs where I am for very good money.
Plus, very good internal space, very good hardpoints.
Anaconda is a bigger version but slow. Still very very good, but a bit Whaley. Jump range varies 34-39ish fully loaded.
Corvette I love, handles well and also good internals. Mine jumps 20ly fully loaded.
I didn't like the cutter, too cumbersome, but a lot of people like it.
Hope this helps, and gets other people replying.

 

[Aashenfox]

The Python is a go-to ship, while there is a better ship for EVERY role, there is none so competent at everything at the same time. With an A rated thermal resist shield, 2 god rolled 60%+ boosters (about 1000mj shield value), you can tank a lot and that makes fighting multiple small ships or one big ship trivial. That gives you a lot of internal space for multi roling, just fit some powerful weapons and party with hunderds of tons of cargo and an SRV, etc. One problem though, it's got a paper hull, so run before the shields go down or fit a couple of HRPs. It does all that while being pretty fast and as log as you keep it in the blue zone, quite agile too. Just for giggles, here's how I use mine (currently in hybrid fit with a lot of hull and a biweave shield)...it;s not the most fun ship to fly, but it's not boring either, and it certainly kills stuff fast enough, even when I'm taking my time, as in this vid. It can stay in the fight til 30% hull, no problem, it's pretty tanky and the biweave is back in 45 secs.

Spoiler

[video=youtube;38AyafgOo3w]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38AyafgOo3w[/video]

Basically, when it's time to move to a new area, I take the python and do a few missions in that, cos it's the only ship that gives you every mission on the board, full combat capability with passengers or cargo, an SRV and a disco scanner. Then I'll move the Courier, the FAS and the Gunship and start taking more specialised missions. The python is also the best miner if that means anything to you.

 

[Sylveria]

Until they thoroughly rebalance all the ships, there's really no reason to fly anything but the Python and Anaconda unless you're looking at aesthetics.

Both ships are ridiculously OP as far as multiroles and by far overshadow any role-specific ship of the same class. Later, if you're looking for a hauler, the Cutter is pretty much it.

Python and Anaconda are not only combat capable and very survivable, but they don't really have to compromise in anything no matter what role you place them in.

Sad, really. I'm hoping FD gives a good balance pass and makes the other ships more viable- multiroles should NOT be "masters of all trades".

 

[Schmack]

Sorry if I missed it in your post, OP, but you could outfit your Python with economy seats, 162 in all, and make close to 200m a trip hauling passengers to Smeaton orbital. Make a few of those runs and you can buy anything you want. Then you can have several Pythons all outfitted differently, and select the version you want based on which role you feel like playing at the moment. That's the way to go, imo. I got into swapping engineered modules but that can leave you with a less than ideal build at an inopportune time, so it's best to engineer each ship to suit the role you want it for.

The reason you'd want the Python over the Anaconda for those trips is that you can hit the outposts and find a full load of passengers faster than sitting in the same station board flipping.

 

[Tiny_Rick]

Don't compare the Python to any other ship, IMO.

I like to think of the Python as the kid in high school who got straight B's on everything. Don't compare him to the jockey FDL's, or the preppy Clippers, or the tubby-but-academically-inclined Asp X's, or the weird goth Keelbacks. Because when you compare the amazingly-average Python against his peers, there will always be false equivalencies. Just think of the Python as the ship who's going to get the job done, and if he applies himself, will do an above-average job.

Edit: An artist's rendering of the Python -

 

[Aekero]

python is good at everything, but there will always be better options if you want to really focus on one thing. You could have a decently decked out python that could take out any npc, have a decent jump range, and still have a good chunk of cargo space left over. That doesn't mean there aren't ships with better jump range, better combat capabilities, and better cargo (individually). I think of a python as a slightly faster/agile/weaker anaconda that can land on outposts....I guess the one thing the python is the absolute best at is outpost cargo missions

 

[Maymo]

You probably owe it to yourself to give the Anaconda a go, just bare in mind that if you kit it out for war then its jump range will drop to a mediocre level. Its got the best potential jump range in the game if you strip it out so it might suit you.

It sounds like you just ran into a hard time at the engineers, sometimes a frustrating experience like that can taint a ship for you, in your case the Python. Or it may be that the Python just doesn’t suit your style of play, not everyone loves it.

I like having a fairly compact fleet, a lot of the time I just own one ship (it’s just a bonding thing). The Python is therefore a top pick for me as it can accomplish so much.
If you’re not hamstrung by my kind of sentiment, and enjoy running multiple ships for different activities, I can see why the Python doesn’t feel right for you.

 

[EUS]

Aesthetically, I loved the python from day one.
I saved a long time for it, hauled in a T7 until the minute came where I could buy one.
However, as much as I wanted to love flying it, I was very underwhelmed by it's performance, and stuck with Asp, FAS, cobra, basically anything other than the python.
A year later engineers was released, I decided to try some upgrades.
The ship shines now, it's a well armed mission runner. I rarely fly anything else, except for combat stuff, FAS still.
For mining, nothing beats the corvette.

 

[Tiny_Rick]

For mining, nothing beats the corvette.

The secret is to ram the asteroid into dust.

 

[Deleted member 115407]

Python excels at multi-role. You can use it for just about anything. I have two - one RES-miner, one cargo/bulk passenger runner. For either, all I have to do is swap out the optionals and they could fill just about any role in the game, and do so well. (Honestly, I should just sell one and swap out modules on the other, but I like having them ready to go).

As others have said, there is no ship that "does everything" as well as it does.

Don't compare the Python to any other ship, IMO.

I like to think of the Python as the kid in high school who got straight B's on everything. Don't compare him to the jockey FDL's, or the preppy Clippers, or the tubby-but-academically-inclined Asp X's, or the weird goth Keelbacks. Because when you compare the amazingly-average Python against his peers, there will always be false equivalencies. Just think of the Python as the ship who's going to get the job done, and if he applies himself, will do an above-average job.

Edit: An artist's rendering of the Python -

https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net...est/scale-to-width-down/227?cb=20110807170511

lol- that's hilarious. Good analogy.

 

[Bottom Hat]

Oh my OP, could you edit your title post please and put a TL;DR summary at the bottom? I struggle at times to read such huge text walls, while I appreciate the irony of me saying such a thing!

Also, can I propose that you probably made that many credits exploiting, I mean running, the broken passenger missions from UA to Smeaton? I am astonished that a player can go from the starting sidey to 1 billion credits in a time scale of a maximum of 14 weeks [being generous!] - this is insane dude, but also a reflection of the current state of the game perhaps.

Try an anaconda next, and you can then run many many more passengers per trip, as post number 5 has also blatantly said - not my cup of tea to abuse the mission set up here that is currently in place; just promise not to use the chest, I mean method, where you can reduce the time in SC by forcing the game to stop as it does when somebody clogs.


Good luck, but please do a TL;DR as I skipped most of your 'filling' information. Cheers,
The Hat

 

[Siranui]

I don't use mine much, either. But when I do, it's for finding a mission hub and spending a day doing random missions. Because it can scrape by at everything, and fits on a medium pad.

I much prefer the Asp as a ship, but the Python has its place in higher-risk areas, as it is far more capable in a fight. I do not 'enjoy' it like I do many of my other ships, though. I would not pick it for performing a single role.

I have similar feelings on the 'Conda. It's great and can do everything, but does lack something. I'm using one of mine as a dedicated mining ship and the other as a dedicated multi-crew ship to play with friends. Considering how little I do either, this is indicative of how much I want to fly them!

 

[MadDogMurdock]

If you could only have one ship and want to do more than one thing, then the Python would be a clear winner, at least within the bubble.

- decent at everything
- can dock anywhere
- 7-8 jumps before needing to refuel
- has enough internals to multi-task

Engineering can stretch its FSD to 30ly+ and I remember back in the day when that was explorer type range.

I think your lack of love might be down to specializing up to now.
If you focus on one thing at a time then you might want a specialized ship, if you want to mix and match the Python is the best.

Seconded on the thruster upgrades - it does feel a bit sluggish until you do that.

 

[znôrt]

best overall ship

best all around, not overall. meaning the python has the least limitations and performs good in any sense. what she may lack in jump range she may put up with a big fuel tank. good cargo. can land on outposts. lots of internals and utility slots. godly powerplant. quite good hardpoints, quite maneuverable and ok speed. there is nothing the python can't do well.

also ships are personal. you do not have to like the python because many other do, her flying profile is quite unique and she isn't my preferred ship either, but she is incredibly practical and comfortable. i wouldn't use her for combat, though, but she packs quite a punch. i use mine for missioning or mat gathering. i don't like the cockpit, and although she purrs like a big cat i often end up yearning for my other ships.

you don't need a conda but by all means get one and see if you like it. completely different thing.

 

[Squid Gumbo]

The Python is a one-stop shop for many things, if I may be so bold. As mentioned above, her jump range may not (and is not) the best, but she's got it where it counts, kid. Plenty of hardpoints for combat if you so choose, as well as defense for trading. I use her for mining and bulk trading, both of which she fills the role perfectly. She's got a big booty to be honest, I've misjudged her size more than once. If you can find a niche for her to fill, I think you'll be happy. With the combination of both cargo capacity, medium pad ability, and all-around survivability, she can really be a money-maker!!

 

[CMDR Carbo]

Even 24 ly jump range isn't that bad for a full modded combat ship. Compare that to a Gunship, FDL or Corvette.

The FAS is a bit unique in that it has actually a decent jump range for a combat ship.

 

[Oopsie Daisy]

snip...

So I dont use the Python as a cargo ship, I can't see using it as an exploration ship compared to my AspX and while it's pretty good for combat my FAS is much, MUCH, more enjoyable to fly in combat as it's more maneuverable with a slightly better jump range. Even without the two 6A SBC's & Heatsink that are on my Python, The FAS is just so much fun.

...snip

LOL, I just bought a Python and fitted it for trading and exploration (while on trade runs) as I decided I wanted to go on some epic trade runs. Loaded it up with mines as a "thank you sir, may I have another" gift to wannabie pirates as I high wake outta there. Each to their own. I'm not one to care too much about maximizing efficiency and I am not sure why you would be too if you really do have that many credits. The Python is not the best at any one thing as you have already explained (AspX excels at FDev's view of what exploration should be, T7 is the best hauler, FDL best at combat (or at least the most fun IMO... or maybe the Vulture gets that distinction) it just does a lot of things well. Maybe it is just 'not the ship for you' (tm).

 

[Urbanski101]

Until they thoroughly rebalance all the ships, there's really no reason to fly anything but the Python and Anaconda unless you're looking at aesthetics.

Both ships are ridiculously OP as far as multiroles and by far overshadow any role-specific ship of the same class. Later, if you're looking for a hauler, the Cutter is pretty much it.

Python and Anaconda are not only combat capable and very survivable, but they don't really have to compromise in anything no matter what role you place them in.

Sad, really. I'm hoping FD gives a good balance pass and makes the other ships more viable- multiroles should NOT be "masters of all trades".

Devs please ignore this post...they've been on the gin again

Leave my Python alone (ooo er missus)

It's a great all-rounder but there are better ships at each individual role, apart from mining maybe. It's also the best mission runner IMO being able to stack high value haulage missions, land at outposts and defend itself...

 

[CMDR Zayn Till]

@andicoombes: For what it's worth, I've never done the Smeaton runs for money. I do a variety of things with the ships I have. The Dolphin used to earn me 10 mil an hour at a couple locations transporting passengers & upgrading to the Orca brings in 30-40 million an hour similiarly. Is that exploiting? The empire & federation grind was reasonable at the locations I found & ended up bringing in a lot of extra money. The CG's I participate in regularly with my FAS & sometimes the T7 brings in decent money etc. It all adds up. a few hours a night during the work week, and marathon sessions on Sundays. I will say I'm fortunate to be able to access tools like ED Shipyard & the like & appreciate the people who created & maintain them.

My problem with the Python & is that even with a stripped down ship for cargo or passengers, even with the C5 DD, the Enginered BiWeave shields, the lightweight alloy or reactive surface armor heavily engineered, the variety of engineered modules, any combination I have & use still leaves me with a ship that has a lower then anticipated jump range due to the horror show of 30ish pitiful rolls at Farseers.(Spent last night reaccumulating materials for Felicity).I may go back & try my luck on the Wheel-of-Fortune-O-Tron™ for a better FSD roll in the near future.

I do understand the ability to land on medium pads is key. But it hasnt effected me too badly with the Large ships I have now, and again, the AspX has been such a great ship for all manner of things. I really want to like the Python & I won't give up on it, I'm just not feeling "It" just yet & it might not be for me. Still, It's a member of my fleet & will not be neglected especially since I'm reluctant to go with the Large Ships.

FWIW, I'm not out to be the best player ever or have the best gear, stats etc. There's just a few things that for my playstyle, I find important.
Thanks to everyone who has responded with positive and helpful information. It really is appreciated and why I posted here in the first place.

I'll keep it brief for now on when I post in the future.

#StayCrunchy everyone! o7