Ok Mining is a HOOT ! in Powerplay

[Agarthan]

You simply can't beat the mining in Space Engineers, though the excitement there comes in overcoming the engineering challenges of buiding a ship to drill into an asteroids surface...
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I am very much looking forward to trying mining again in ED now we have these changes, my two biggest frustrations in mining before 1.3 was low yields and finding the right ore, so hopefully these have been addressed by the two additional ores and the prospecting drones.

You know, I've never played SE, I was hoping it would fill out more and be more than just mining/ship building, kind of where this game is basically. I really liked the concept of what they are doing but it seemed really time consuming, even for me. I'd like to hear your thoughts.

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I tried the drones out although I plan to continue mining the normal way. They are good but way too fast!
Someone with drones would be able to easily steal my ore before I collect it. That's my only worry.

Just have the game designate when a piece has been loosed by a player, if another player grabs it, it's no different than taken stolen cargo, but you could add that if you have report crimes turned on, this would constitute stealing.

 

[Kiblams]

You know, I've never played SE, I was hoping it would fill out more and be more than just mining/ship building, kind of where this game is basically. I really liked the concept of what they are doing but it seemed really time consuming, even for me. I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Will PM you to not derail this thread

 

[Drelthar]

To make prospector drones better, they.should give you the readout, but also show target zones on the roid which give the highest percentage of the more valuable substance in the fragments. That would make them better than using a mining laser.

 

[ozrix84]

I love the cute sound the drones makes as they whizz around Mining got much more enjoyable thanks to these little fellas, that's for sure.

 

[Tangy Red Smurf]

I've been giving mining a thought over the last few days leading up to the beta and having now played the beta last night I've come to the conclusion that the Python will indeed be the ideal ship for the job.

You need cargo space, both to carry the ore you refine and to hold drones. The Python certainly has cargo space.

The best refinery is 4A so you'll want a class 4 slot. Not a bigger one, which would be wasted. Not a smaller one, which would be less efficient. The Python has such a slot.

The drone launchers take slots too. The Python's two class 3 slots lets you mount both type of launchers with two ammo each. That's enough to be usable without feeling like you're wasting slot space which could be used for cargo or shielding.

You need mining lasers. With two medium hardpoints the Python has that covered.

You probably want weapons and shields to defend yourself, along with utility slots for a KWS and other goodies. That's the Python.

It's also a reasonably agile and quick ship. Certainly enough to float around the extraction site firing off drones, mining chunks or fighting pirates.

Other ships are bigger but you're either "wasting" slots and/or flying a brick.

The Asp would probably be my second choice.

After testing this myself I would say you are spot on with this assessment (I tested an Anaconda/Python/Clipper & Asp.)

 

[Ulfar]

All we need now are mining lasers with a tractor beam effect. All sounds a bit EVE to me.

Runs for the hills, cackling like a madman.