For combat I would expect 90 million credits for the Chieftain and at least 160 million for the Python. Here's my Chieftain build for Hi CZs. It runs cool so I don't need heat sinks when launching an SCB if I'm careful. It is so very fast and maneuverable I don't need expensive hull armour. Also combat speed and maneuverability is essential so I would max out the thrusters in a Python before going into harm's way. It can be a large slow attractive target in a Hi CZ.
Note we don't need no stinkin' cargo hold for Hi CZs!
Chieftain. The Python is over rated and is only a stepping stone for larger craft. The Chieftain on the other hand is quite amazing for combat, with its excellent hardpoint configuration. There is no reason why you couldn't leap frog the Python entirely by flying the Chieftain in combat CGs for one of the larger craft, if you even want to go in that direction. Be aware though that due to its weak shields, the Chieftain requires a hefty initial investment for a higher grade hull plus hull reinforcements.
"Over rated" - Not sure I agree by a long way. I have both an A-rated Chieftain and a Python. Currently doing the Ross 310 community goal in my Chieftain (combat bonds) and absolutely loving it. A complete joy to fly. However, if I want a good allrounder for running missions, collecting materials (space or planetary), or mining, I'll go back to the Python. Good strong ship with plenty of module slots that can land on medium landing pads. Very manoeuvrable too.
As many have said already, if you want an excellent fighter, go for the Cheiftain. If you want a very good multipurpose ship, then it's the Python without doubt.
The obvious best all round ship in the game is the Anaconda, its large landing pad requirement really is a moot point since 99% of the time there is no need to travel to outposts, and its easy enough to find systems where outpost missions don't clog the board. It's perfectly alright to fly the Python if you like it - I fly an SR DBS most of the time for PvP and PvE, but that doesn't necessarily make it the best possible choice.
Hey guys, I recently started playing again after like 18 months, and I see there's a lot of new content. I am in the "mid-game" I suppose, I have a fully A-rated, somewhat engineered Vulture. I think I am ready to move on to the next ship, I have about 60 million credits to blow. Some of my friends are recommending the Python, others are telling me the new Alliance Chieftain is good.
What would you guys recommend? (If you have a loadout to share, please feel free)
For the record, I am mainly interested in PvE combat, RES sites and Conflict Zones.
Chieftan is cute, but the Python is a ship that every CMDR has in their inventory because it is a MUST HAVE SHIP. It's a medium hull-sized ship (can land at all outposts) that can be fitted with 3x C3 weapons, 2x C2 weapons AND can carry more than 200T of cargo while rocking a class 6 or 7 shield (can't remember which atm). In other words, it is the single best mission board running ship in the game, allowing you do anything from moving cargo to killing elite NPCs comfortably. No other ship in the game provides the role flexibility + landing flexibility that the Python does. None. The only thing the Python doesn't do well is exploration. But Combat, trade, and mining? It checks all the boxes and it does so without even having to change loadouts.
The Python will pay for your Chieftan or whatever else you want to buy in short order.
Get a Python. And thank us later. Anyone who told you to get a Chieftan is giving bad advice. Don't listen to them ever again.
Chieftan is cute, but the Python is a ship that every CMDR has in their inventory because it is a MUST HAVE SHIP. It's a medium hull-sized ship (can land at all outposts) that can be fitted with 3x C3 weapons, 2x C2 weapons AND can carry more than 200T of cargo while rocking a class 6 or 7 shield (can't remember which atm). In other words, it is the single best mission board running ship in the game, allowing you do anything from moving cargo to killing elite NPCs comfortably. No other ship in the game provides the role flexibility + landing flexibility that the Python does. None. The only thing the Python doesn't do well is exploration. But Combat, trade, and mining? It checks all the boxes and it does so without even having to change loadouts.
The Python will pay for your Chieftan or whatever else you want to buy in short order.
Get a Python. And thank us later. Anyone who told you to get a Chieftan is giving bad advice. Don't listen to them ever again.
The spell check was reported to support by Quislings, and has subsequently been completely removed from the forums pending "a thorough investigation into allowing disagreeable opinions through the official narrative". Expect dysfunction to continue well into 2019 at this rate. Until then, buy a Python and r e c o g n i s e' a.
Ehh, there's an awful lot to scare OP away in this thread... There's being careful but then there's being melodramatic... 200m Credits for a Python... Don't think about buying one until you can A-rate everything...
People...
You guys are forgetting something important, while you're not wrong regarding rebuy and that yes, you definitely need to max some things ASAP on the Python to make it a good performer, one of the biggest fun-factors of a game with vehicles and mods is purchasing them and tuning a long the way, especially when they're new. Adapt to the feeling of the ship, get used to its shortcomings and strengths. Unless you're a vet, the last thing you wanna do is grind for 3x the ship's worth, buy everything top-spec and jump in. It's human psychology and it will kill any sense of achievement.
There's nothing wrong with purchasing one that's good to fly (with rebuys) and spending a day to a week finding your preferences with it and getting it up to-spec.
@OP, like others I'll recommend the Python purely because of its versatility, ability to bring you more wealth and the likes. The Chieftain is fun as hell, I love it, but I also love my Python very dearly, it's such a joy to fly and does so much. They're both different ships for different things.
If you go with the Python, (or in either case) I highly recommend purchasing them and their fittings (at least the more expensive ones) from a discounted (15%) station, firstly.
Secondly, what ship/s are you coming from? Do you have any modules/weapons you can transfer over to the Python (even if temporarily) to save you some initial coin? What Engineers do you have access to?
For a cool 75m (try to purchase the stuff thats 250k-1m+ from 15% discounted stations) you can get yourself a fully workable Python, plus have enough for 3+ rebuys (remember, lower priced modules/hull, lowers your insurance too):
Stock Hull ~ at least G1 it with Heavy Duty, higher if possible. 6C Power Plant ~ (can sell it and purchase an A-class later, you don't really need a 7 unless you want to make it thermally sound/strong) G1 OC, maybe with Monstered, or G2 at most will suffice. 6C Thrusters ~ This is one area you will want to A-rate firstly if possible, however 6C with G3 Dirty Drive will more than suffice until you can save up. 5A Frame Shift Drive ~ Reasons. 4D Life Support ~ Can LW this later if necessary, or if you have the power, get an A-rated one and LW that instead. 6A Power Distributor ~ If you have access to Lei Cheung, Charge Enhanced this ASAP. It'll save you a pretty penny (and weight) over the size 7. You'll only feel it if you like to perma-boost or have a heavily-draining weapons loadout, either way it does the job fine. I actually run a 6A on mine. 6D Sensors ~ G2 Long Range these will perform nearest to an A-rated, at less than half the power consumption, and a little more weight. 6C Bi-Weaves ~ Go Thermal Resist on these. High as you can. 4A Fuel Scoop ~ Can go with 3 or a C tuntil you can afford A, or whatever floats your boat, I find 4 Optimal on the Python. 2G Vehicle Hangar ~ If you like to drive.
Rest you can fill with Cargo, HRPs and MRPs. I personally like to use at least 2 MRPs on every ship I can (3D+5D on this) and 2x4D HRPs with Heavy Duty.
For Cargo/Passenger runs, swap the size 6 Shields with a Size 3, lose everything else for maximum Cargo/Cabins (can easily do 2x 120T missions, or 1x180 and 1x80-100T missions with a size 3 Shield).
Weapon-wise, I don't know your preferred loadout, but to save money and for a starter loadout, you can throw 2x Large Multi-Cannons on the upper, a Large Beam under the nose and 2x Medium Rails or 2x Beams/Pulse on the lower top-side and pretty much murder anything while you save up.
I run at least 2x A-class Boosters with Resistance Augmented (however high you can go) to compliment the Bi-Weave, throw whatever else you want in the two remaining Utility Slots.
So if you really want, buy her on discount with your current funds and throw 3-4m into whatever for her, weapons or whatnot, keep 8-10 back for a couple of rebuys and find yourself somewhere that'll reward you with Cargo/Passenger missions to save up. Or save up a little more and throw a few bits at her, no need to go crazy off the bat though.
The Python works great as a Support fighter in a Wing with Healing Beams, or alone as a BH/whatever. She's not the best at any one thing (except Medium Landing pad stuff), but she does pretty much anything decently.
Chieftain. The Python is over rated and is only a stepping stone for larger craft. The Chieftain on the other hand is quite amazing for combat, with its excellent hardpoint configuration. There is no reason why you couldn't leap frog the Python entirely by flying the Chieftain in combat CGs for one of the larger craft, if you even want to go in that direction. Be aware though that due to its weak shields, the Chieftain requires a hefty initial investment for a higher grade hull plus hull reinforcements.
Agreed. Python is by far the most over-rated ship in the game. So much more viable things to do with the 200 million you need to buy and A-rate a python which isn't going to be great at anything.
My Python paid for my Conda. Its great at doing Med Pad Deliveries and being able to bust some skulls in the process. With that said. From a pure combat standpoint. The Chieftain wins hands down. People complaining about the Canopy. Does face tank crap in it. I sat in a High CZ for over a hour yesterday in my Chieftain and shields would go down. I have it hull tanked. Shields come back up continue on. Never had the canopy drop below 90%.
The Chieftain can run circles around stuff fully engineered. I like flying it more then my FDL and FAS on most days.
Isn't the Python utterly horrible to pilot? I remember trying one out and being absolutely horrified by its handling. I may have come from the Asp at the time, not sure.
Personally I'd rather have several cheaper ships that are super effective at their specific roles, than buy a Python and constantly refit it for the role I'm doing.
Isn't the Python utterly horrible to pilot? I remember trying one out and being absolutely horrified by its handling. I may have come from the Asp at the time, not sure.
Personally I'd rather have several cheaper ships that are super effective at their specific roles, than buy a Python and constantly refit it for the role I'm doing.
The Python gets better with engineering. The thing I dont like about it is the turn stall unless you have juice to boost. It stalls even when riding the power ban
The Python gets better with engineering. The thing I dont like about it is the turn stall unless you have juice to boost. It stalls even when riding the power ban
Yes but this guy is wanting to make credits, I doubt he's getting into the engineering game at this point. And even if he is, he could still engineer other ships and end up in a better place.
For example, if you want to run cargo, the Asp Explorer is a very cheap ship compared to the Python, it has a lot less cargo but handles well and has an epic jump range. Or there's the Type 7.
If you want to do PvE bounties, there are much, much better ships than the Python, for less cash.
If you want to run missions... well, what missions, exactly? I'm sure there are better options.
