Newcomer / Intro Protecting Modules

[Old Duck]

I've been playing 3/4 of a year, and I'm still a bit confused about module damage vs. hull damage. If one has a strong hull, are modules relatively safe from damage unless they are specifically targeted? And if that's the case, then there's probably little need to install module reinforcements on a fast, nippy fighter like a Viper III with a strong, reinforced hull, right?

If I'm confused, please feel free to educate me. Thanks!

 

[Dommarraa]

No, hull doesn't protect modules, neither can you rely on not being targeted. Some weapons with a high penetration value will do module damage, and maybe others. Splash damage is another term I have heard of in relation.

My advice is to keep your shields up, and run if they drop.

 

[Chris Simon]

I've been playing 3/4 of a year, and I'm still a bit confused about module damage vs. hull damage. If one has a strong hull, are modules relatively safe from damage unless they are specifically targeted? And if that's the case, then there's probably little need to install module reinforcements on a fast, nippy fighter like a Viper III with a strong, reinforced hull, right?

If I'm confused, please feel free to educate me. Thanks!

The way modules work in Elite is that they are placed kind of on the surface of a ship. For gameplay reasons. The hull can help to a certain extent. For example your cargo hatch is placed on the belly, so if someone is targeting (and shooting) in from the "top" it IS protected by your hull and they will need a weapon with enough penetration to damage it. But as soon as you show them your keel, they can shoot it straight and the hull won't help.

So if you are in a combat ship with weak shields and you want to hull-tank a bit, module reinforcements are a really nice thing to have.

 

[Old Duck]

The way modules work in Elite is that they are placed kind of on the surface of a ship. For gameplay reasons. The hull can help to a certain extent. For example your cargo hatch is placed on the belly, so if someone is targeting (and shooting) in from the "top" it IS protected by your hull and they will need a weapon with enough penetration to damage it. But as soon as you show them your keel, they can shoot it straight and the hull won't help.

So if you are in a combat ship with weak shields and you want to hull-tank a bit, module reinforcements are a really nice thing to have.

How's that work when someone isn't specifically targeting a module, but rather just the ship in general? Can one accidentally (or by eye) hit a module if it's not specifically targeted via the sub-system panel?

 

[Raino]

If You want save your modules, reinforcements are the only way.
cause they stack (they add x% to total!) you should mount multiple

 

[YinYin]

Can one accidentally (or by eye) hit a module if it's not specifically targeted via the sub-system panel?

Yes.

All module damage always happens the same.

Subtargeting only helps you aim for them.
You can still miss the targeted module and hit another one.

 

[Chris Simon]

How's that work when someone isn't specifically targeting a module, but rather just the ship in general? Can one accidentally (or by eye) hit a module if it's not specifically targeted via the sub-system panel?

Of course. Naturally when you don't target the module, hitting it is just "accidental" but very well possible. And for example - if you are running away from someone and they are shooting you, it's pretty much impossible to NOT hit your thrusters, even if they are not targeting them specifically.

 

[YinYin]

Of course. Naturally when you don't target the module, hitting it is just "accidental" but very well possible. And for example - if you are running away from someone and they are shooting you, it's pretty much impossible to NOT hit your thrusters, even if they are not targeting them specifically.

Do a barrel roll!

(a real one)

 

[Para Handy]

There was a dev post some time back showing the "hit boxes" (actually spheres IIFC) for some ships, explaining about damage infliction etc. I can't find it now, maybe someone has it linked. (Although it was before the reinforcement modules were introduced.)

 

[Old Duck]

Thanks everyone! I'd be very interested in that video if someone does find the link.

 

[YinYin]

https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showt...ussion-with-Mark-Allen-on-damage-and-defenses

 

[Para Handy]

https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showt...ussion-with-Mark-Allen-on-damage-and-defenses

That's the thread, thanks. Unfortunately the image (An Imperial Courier with its layout being debug rendered) doesn't load any more - presumably when they flushed the BB of attachments.

Happily I can oblige:

"blue spheres indicate external objects, yellow are internal - some modules have both an internal and external sphere"

YinYin's linked thread explains it.