Should Elite have some sort of test to gain Combat Rank?

[BDelacroix]

I am Dangerous rank now, but I'd fail this test intentionally just so I dont have to deal with the crazy Elite cobras and Deadly FAS that keep on intercepting me.

The original idea has merit, but yea, this would be tempting, too.

 

[Bazil]

Spawning npcs according to rank is another word for "level scaling", the worst game technique used, when devs are lazy to design the game properly. Robs players of choice and achievement and is opposite to player immersion and fun.
Any sane game would spawn progressively harder enemies in zones that are progressively more profitable (in any way...). Logical and clean. Where it is safe, prices are down. Buy where safe, sell where dangerous (for profit) or grind in safe zone.
Mine gold with other losers safely, mine painite with the (dangerous) pros.

But no, in fdev, pirate in anaconda will attack you over five tons of copper. I wish fdev could wake up.

Obviously, exploration could be the same, but fdev would rather work on perfectly balanced bobbleheads and rng-grind engineers, that 90% of players hate for poor game design.
(kudos to gui and other nongame design departments, looks really good)

I don't think there is much level scaling in game, if there is it certainly plays 3rd fiddle to other factors. I think some level scaling may be worthwhile, although consequences through choices made should still be a very major thing. It would seem logical that a Deadly Python pirate wouldn't be interested in a Mostly harmless Adder trader and would more likely target a bigger ship with more on board and likely a much more valuable cargo.

One problem is that we are all just guessing about the exact mechanics that determine AI level that spawns for a player.

I think you are saying that the scaling of the in game choices is unbalanced? i.e. the consequences of doing fairly minor stuff is attracting overly hard AI.
If they have it scaled properly by whatever means, everyone can have the game they want just by making suitable in-game choices.

 

[CMDR Cillian Raynor]

Well, since your rank can supposedly affect the number of high rank NPCs you will see, it isn't a crazy idea.

if that is true id wish they'd have had the ai increase last year....i only got to dangerous because i killed lot of useless Elite/deadly/dangerous npcs. I can't actually handle most ships at master or above 1 on 1 now.

 

[Limoncello Lizard]

I like the idea of some sort of Boss Fight to gain a combat rank. Should work for navy ranks too.

 

[Spiridon]

How do you progress in faction ranks?

You earn standing, and then you go pick up a special mission. Complete the mission and you get a rank with your chosen faction, right?

So if you want a combat rank, you go and shoot ships until you've earned enough reputation for the Pilot's Federation to boost your rank, then go do a mission just like you do with factions. Only these missions shouldn't be pushover easy gimme getouttamyway so I can get back to grinding missions, they should reflect the rank you're earning.

No no no, you got it all wrong. I don't want a combat rank, I already made one I'm glad with - Elite.

What I want is you to mind your business with your own rank, don't try to touch mine.

IMake the Elite rank for trader require them to fly an unshielded T9 halfway across the bubble carrying Palladium they bought with their own credits.

That'd be fantastic.

Fantastic indeed. I'd like to see you come here and try to take my billions.

 

[Kaocraft]

Spawning npcs according to rank is another word for "level scaling", the worst game technique used, when devs are lazy to design the game properly. Robs players of choice and achievement and is opposite to player immersion and fun.
Any sane game would spawn progressively harder enemies in zones that are progressively more profitable (in any way...). Logical and clean. Where it is safe, prices are down. Buy where safe, sell where dangerous (for profit) or grind in safe zone.
Mine gold with other losers safely, mine painite with the (dangerous) pros.

But no, in fdev, pirate in anaconda will attack you over five tons of copper. I wish fdev could wake up.

Obviously, exploration could be the same, but fdev would rather work on perfectly balanced bobbleheads and rng-grind engineers, that 90% of players hate for poor game design.
(kudos to gui and other nongame design departments, looks really good)

100% objectively correct. Although so far as I know it's never been officially confirmed that Elite uses level scaling.

 

[K-Rose]

What kind of res site?

Vague, useless comments like this show just how little everyone knows about what factors go into NPC spawns. If you're Harmless rank you're expected to keep your silly little derriere in a low RES unless you WANT to find Dangerous and Elite NPC's.

Nice and personal, these forums have gotten toxic recently... Ive been playing for 18 months, I've reset my save for the engineers, apologies for not being perfect with my persuasive & factual writing skills. If you want to know it was the nav beacon in a system next to the starting system.

I was kind of focussing on the random spawn vs bounty. Why does a Mostly Harmless FAS drop like a stone for 80k when a dangerous Adder runs rings around my sidewinder and the security forces for 12k?