Ships Ship progression

[Alex Brentnall]

Thought it would be good to get a ship progression thread going. I'm interested to see if there are any people that saved for ages to go from a sidewinder to a T6 or if everyone followed the same routes. I've put a * by all ships I still own since in my case the ASP at the end is for exploring.
Ideally keeping any comments in a spoiler tab would be great to keep on topic and keep the progressions visible:


Sidewinder -> Hauler -> Cobra -> Type 6 -> Type 7 -> Clipper* -> ASP -> Clipper -> Conda

Update: Now sold all ships except to buy: Sidewinder/Viper/Python & Conda at Zaonce discounted prices. All stock and parked until my Clipper gathers enough money for upgrades.

Spoiler

Type 7 only for 3 days, Cobra retrofitted about 6 times for combat, trading, rares, exploring and mining.
Working towards trading Conda and FDL

 

[puca]

sidewinder -> adder -> cobra -> t6 -> asp* -> t7 -> t9 -> anaconda.

Bought a vulture at some point for combat. Kept the asp for exploration, anaconda is the trader. Sold all other ships. Sometimes I use a hauler as a taxi and sell it.

Most profit is from trading, second most from exploration, and a bit from combat.

---

edit: bought a discount python for later .

 

[Valadain]

Sidewinder to Viper, using the Viper still for combat/bounties. Used the extra funds to get a Cobra, which eventually was sold for a T6 for trading.

My next ship will likely be my suicide-run ship, something cheap but armed enough to have a chance.

Then an exploration ship.

Personally, I like the idea of some amount of progression from ship to ship, but I would like to see some options put in to make the lower ships more combat viable. Maybe just make them expensive enough that it is an alternate path to the pricy ships.

 

[who?]

Sidewinder -> Viper -> Vulture -> Asp -> Python

Spoiler

Sidey - obviously
Viper - I love, but too hard bringing down bigger ships.
Vulture - not crazy about, but it's too good for BH to ignore.
Asp - for a little exploring, and some trade.
Python - uhh... because it was discounted. Mostly for trade, but I'm terrible at trading, never can find good selling prices

I've kept them all. Bar the occasional Adder I use for taxiing.

 

[Arsen Cross]

As Cmdr. Aidan Patrick
Sidewinder > Eagle > Adder > Hauler > Cobra Mk III > Type 6 > Asp Explorer > Type 6 > Asp Explorer > Type 6 > Type 7 > Asp Explorer > Type 7 > Python

Spoiler

• Sidewinder - Yay! Elite wooo!
• Eagle - Poppin' Conda's for mad creds and buckets of sweat.
• Adder - First attempt at mining. I found cargo scooping in this ship difficult at the time. Sold it after 30 minutes of flight.
• Hauler - Better, making a little bit mining, not sure of the mechanics of mining yet. Sold & Upgraded to Cobra Mk III.
• Cobra Mk III - Reach my first milestone by having a ship decently equipped and a million credits in the wallet to spare. I then try out trading and discover its much more profitable than mining, with a lower amount of work input and a higher amount of reward output. Sold & Upgraded to Type 6.
• Type 6 - Trading with the start of a real cargo bay. Upgraded it heavily totalling 5m investment. It's efficiency at trading made it a staple ship.
• Asp Explorer - Purchased at first opportunity to try and get into combat. Blown away by damage potential. Becomes dream ship to have fully kitted. Return to trading to make that happen.
• Type 6 - Traded some more. But regretted not trying out trading with the Asp.
• Asp Explorer - Bought and fit for trading. Type 6 was simply more fun to fly with much lower risk while trading.
• Type 6 - Kitted out with my "Ultimate fit" proceeded to trade as hard and fast as possible. Sold & Upgraded to Type 7.
• Type 7 - Kitted out for trade to make highest possible CR/HR. Was almost as fun as the Type 6 to fly. Sold & Upgraded to Asp Explorer.
• Asp Explorer - Kitted and fit at a 45m total value. The ultimate "dream" fit for my asp as a literal all purpose workhorse. Played with it for a couple weeks. Took it on a 2 kylie expedition. I decide the ship is too small and set my sights on the Python.
• Type 7 - Equipped for best performance and speed traded until I could sell and upgrade to the Python.
• Python - Elation. Traded for awhile with intent on kitting it out like my Asp. Decided to buy a part early, died with no insurance in docking accident where I shaved my ship in half. Cmdr. Arsen 'Razer' Cross is born after I delete my save to start completely from scratch. I set my goal ship as the Python with the new Cmdr.

The life of Aidan Patrick was a fun and interesting one.

As Cmdr. Arsen 'Razer' Cross
Sidewinder > Eagle > Hauler > Cobra Mk III > Type 6 > Type 7 > Python > Type 9 > Anaconda > Python

Spoiler

I began this progression ladder with the sole goal on re-obtaining the Python as fast as possible.

• Sidewinder - I started out as a scavenger, searching for salvage that I then smuggled for profit. Sold & Upgraded to the Eagle.
• Eagle - I keep a cargo bay and continue to salvage taking bounties that present themselves and continue the smugglers life while building equipment for bounty hunting.
• Hauler - I get frustrated with the income of under equipped combat. I begin trading.
• Cobra Mk III - I purchase the cobra as a clear stepping stone to the Type 6 and upgrade at first opportunity.
• Type 6 - A clear and concise upgrade, this is where income begins pouring in for me on the second playthrough. Traded a lot.
• Type 7 - Continued the trend of trading with a singular goal of regaining the Python.
• Python - Achieved a trade fit Python. Decided on a fitting goal of 300m Credits and that the Python wouldn't get me there fast enough. Traded until I can afford a Type 9.
• Type 9 - I loved flying this ship. It has a very stable and deliberate "big rig" feel to it. Made lots of money. Ultimately upgraded to the Anaconda due to the superior jump range.
• Anaconda - Fun ship. I actually felt like a high ranking member of the Pilots Federation. I preferred the Pythons feel though and did not deviate from my goal.
• Python - Jumped back in it with a complete fit valued at 280m. Returned to the life of a smuggler and wanderer.

After getting my Python back I haven't regretted it one bit. I'm happy with my obscene investment and it has actually far out performed my expectations when fully A-Grade fit. The only thing that gives me pause one on one is other Python's, and Conda's. The slow top speed of the Python however makes me wary of getting ambushed by groups. In PVE I am an unstoppable force to be reckoned with.

I currently however am finding myself wanting a fatter wallet and am considering switching to either the Conda or Type 9 to make a couple hundred million or more so I have the ability to buy and sell ships at my whim to partake in other portions of gameplay while retaining my primary flagship.

 

[BanzaiZAP]

Sidewinder > Cobra > Asp > Clipper
I saw no need to go for other ships, but I may be getting an Orca for the heck of it.

 

[X2Eliah]

Very simple so far. No idea what will be chosen next, though - depends on how powerplay turns out, both in terms of added ships and revamped mission structures.

Sidewinder (missions, sell free eagle) -> Adder (trade + missions) -> Cobra (trade, RES, missions, light exploration) -> Vulture (RES, combat bonds, missions) -> Asp (exploration-boat, haulage) -> Vulture (back to combat) -> Asp (back to exploration).

 

[Cmdr. Numa]

Sidewinder -> Hauler/Adder -> Cobra -> T6 -> Asp -> T7/Clipper -> T9 -> Anaconda

That's a trading progression.

 

[AntiDisco]

For me it was Sidewinder -> Eagle (only a short time) -> Adder -> Viper (again short) -> Cobra -> T6 (+ Viper for some time) -> ASP -> T7 (again + Viper) -> Clipper (bought a Vulture that I still have) -> Python -> T9 -> Anaconda.
After that I bought (back) the Clipper, ASP, FdL and Python in that order.
And of course there is the occasional Taxi Hauler.
All of it with a mostly balanced playstyle. I'm Dangerous/Entrepreneur/Ranger at the moment.

 

[Dreich]

Sidewinder > Hauler > Cobra Mk III > Sidewinder > Hauler > Cobra Mk III > Type 6 > Asp > Cobra Mk III > Asp > Type 7 > Asp > Type 7 > Type 9 > Anaconda

Spoiler

Got bounced back into my Sidey a few weeks in, which was a bit of a blow. I later lost my Type 6 while rares trading, but I'd kept my Cobra so I was able to recover pretty quickly. That was the last time I flew without enough cash to cover 3 rebuys.

I only kept my first Type 7 for about an hour, before running back to the Asp - I hated it! - but I eventually bit the bullet and used one to earn enough credits for the Type 9. The Anaconda came much, much later.

My current ships are

• Cobra Mk III - I think it's still parked up in Leesti, and I'm keeping it for some 80's-style nostalgia.
• A few Vipers, scattered around systems where I've fought in conflict zones in the past.
• Two Asps - one sort of multi-purpose one that I use for mission-running, and one set up for exploration.
• A Vulture that I bought when they were released and have used occasionally for some bounty hunting.
• The Anaconda that I used for trading, and some light bounty hunting if the mood takes me (though I prefer the Vulture or the mission Asp for the most part)

I'm currently in the exploration-fit Asp, approximately 1000LY past the core, and wondering how many updates and how many new ships there will be before I finally make it home!

EDIT: I also own a Clipper, which I am slowing fitting out to be a nice shiny fighty beast, but it's never been undocked as yet (hence my forgetting it in the initial list!)

 

[Leoben Capa]

Sidewinder -> Eagle (not for very long) -> Viper -> Vulture

Waiting to see what the specs will be on the Diamondback. If I like it that will be the next ship added to my fleet. I'll be keeping my Vulture. If not, then I have no plans to buy any other ships until one gets added to the game that interests me.
I originally sold my old ships on my way up to the Vulture, but I recently bought a Sidewinder and Viper to fly around for fun every once in a while. Might also buy an Eagle.

 

[PanzerKadaver]

Scrapwinder -> Hauler -> Viper -> Type-6 -> ASP -> Type-7 -> Federal Dropship

Spoiler

When i need money I put my Fed' on the garage and buy an T7 to make some trade

 

[Redbubble]

Sidewinder > Hauler > Adder > Cobra > Type 6 > Asp > Type 7 > Vulture > Imp Clipper

I have 4 ships atm Asp, Type 7, Imp Clipper and Vulture. Asp for exploring, Type 7 for trading, Vulture for murdering and Imp Clipper for looking good.

 

[SoulTechnology]

sidewinder -> eagle -> viper -> -> type 6 (explorer) vulture -> whereimatnow/ something medium -> type 9 -> anaconda -> cobra mk3

right now i'm getting decent (and unbeatable for the under 10mil cost) income in a vulture, but i want something a bit tanker and bigger just for the feels. but don't want to go to high on the insurance cost (something that costs under 40mil with upgrades. was thinking of dropship but with the same 35mil i was gonna put into that i could get a clipper that would be MUCH better and it seems a bit unbalanced how 35mil is just a waste on the dropship almost. im really hoping the diamondback (or at least the courier) can do what i want.

them ima sit in that for a while till i can afford a type 9, and grind the hell outa that till i have 200mil for the anaconda loadout i set up on ED shipyards (downgrade to class 5d engines saves you allot)... after anaconda goal has been achieved then i guess ill just dump 12mil'ish into a cobra set up for pirating and blow some money on dying a bunch cuz im not gonna be one of those pirates who pays off there bounties and fines like i'm a good boy.

good to note i keep almost all my ships (except sidewinder and the T6).. although gonna be interesting moving everything from various stations around sol to the founders world. feel some time will be spend quicky retrofitting sidewinders ills ell immediately and rebuy again to make the trip (although the time in the T6 in exploration will quickly help you not care about long journeys). may re-buy T6 for journey to the centre of the galaxy.

 

[Guido]

sidewinder>re buy sidewinder > rebuy sidewinder>Adder>Cobra*

I did have a few bumps to begin with.
Not got much time to play at present, but will keep the cobra as it's great fun, happy with it at present so not looking for anything other than making it as capable as possible.

 

[Mephane]

Cobra*+Eagle->Eagle->Viper->Hauler->Adder->T6->Cobra->Clipper->Cobra->Eagle*->Viper->Hauler*->Adder->Python->Adder*->Clipper*->Eagle*->Python*->Viper*

And yes, there is some sort of story about the same ship appearing with and without asterisks, or multiple times in general. No, none of these stories involves flying without insurance. I have been very careful to be able to afford 2x rebuy cost at all times. And no, that is not a mistake, I currently do own two Eagles, identical ones in fact parked at different locations.

 

[Thebadmf]

Sidewinder + Freagle > Hauler > Cobra > T6 > T6 + Cobra > Asp > Asp + T6 + Cobra > T7 > Clipper > Clipper and Asp > Python > T9 > Anaconda > Anaconda + Asp + Eagle + Cobra + Viper + Vulture + FdL + Clipper + Python + Cobra.

Now I'm in the Anaconda with 452T cargo I'm free to do CG's and build a fleet, only trading when I need upgrade capital. The eagle, cobra, viper, vulture and FDL are combat grade. Asp fitted for exploration, the clipper at d grade (Thanks discount!) and the Python is nearly at combat grade and the current project. I adore that ship.

 

[clampitts]

Thus far

Sidewinder (and Eagle <- Beta Backer) -> Adder (tonight), been too busy to get really stuck in as always working on my Mac and couldn't be bothered to move 1m to my left hand desk at home and use the PC!
Thoughts are
Sidey -> Adder - > Cobra -> Type 6 (but will probably be next at the rate I get to play !)

 

[Dommarraa]

Sidey -> Hauler -> Cobra -> Cobra + T6 -> Asp -> Asp + Clipper -> Asp + Vulture (+ Clipper) -> Asp + Python (+ Vulture + Clipper)

 

[Draxxen]

I did 2 separate progressions, first in federation space, second in empire space. The second progression was due to a financial setback.
(read: crashed my anaconda with all assets into a starport, lacking rebuy coverage; yes, I know.)

First progression: Sidewinder -> Cobra -> Asp -> Type 7 -> Python -> Python+Fer-de-Lance -> Anaconda; Sold off when upgrading, keeping just one ship, with exception of when I owned both Python and FDL.
Second progression: Sidewinder -> Cobra -> Asp* -> Imperial Clipper* -> Python* -> Anaconda*. As you see, I have kept my most cherish-able ships this time, making sure I have a large buffer in case of anything crappy happening

Off Topic:
(seriously forum moderators: why is s-h-i-t and s-h-i-t-e auto-edited out? Do you think that will prevent the full use of the English language in any way? Gad... I hate that crap as much as I hate bleeps in videos and movies; it's as if authorities think we are in need of protection against a way of communication we will hear anywhere else anyway. Time to grow out of the censor idiocy.)