Thargoid invasion - Next target systems?
- Thread starter Aleks Zuno
- Start date
I'm based on Bachman Port in HIP 20485. I took my cutter out testing out a few settings, no SC used, just forward at full speed and within 10 minutes of testing out the anti-shut-down field thing, BOOM! here they come! Kept trying to fire at them and noticed that I still had the fire group set for "repair limpet and decontamination limpet" - couldn't get them to work no matter what I did. Got hit with a caustic missile, hull down to 12% by the time I landed, now they're sitting outside the door.
Oh, and about the non-working limpets? Um, there are signs all over the station, one of which is "DON'T FORGET YOUR LIMPETS"
Yeah, rookie mistake.
Victory in Vogulu! HIP 11111 to follow, then probably the huge surge in HIP 20485 will make that system next. HIP 113076 joins the fight!
Edit—misread the progress in Muruidooges.
Top targets at 01:10 16th January 3309:
HIP 11111 Invasion + 1 port – 92%
Hyades Sector EQ-O b6-3 Control (empty) – 62%
Chanyaya Invasion + 0 ports – 48%
HIP 20485 Invasion + 7 ports – 48%
HIP 20492 Invasion + 3 ports – 34%
Hyades Sector YZ-O b6-3 Invasion + 1 port – 30%
Jementi Invasion + 6 ports – 28%
HIP 22496 Invasion + 3 ports – 20%
Almost certainly no impact, a statement I would apply to any suggestion that anything can subtract a point of progress during a cycle. As usual, we can never be sure without a massive test of that.
Regarding stabbing an Interceptor—it is a good thought, although please note that you will only have any appreciable effect that way against its shield. Its hull has over 99% damage reduction applied to all damage sources which are not explicitly anti-Xeno. Either way though, it sounds as if one ought to be doing something differently regarding starship integrity!
Recognising them at a distance is a skill of its own, though in this case the Medusa and Hydra are definitely two of the easiest and more distinctive to identify. The Hydra especially, for it has additional leaf-like protrusions behind its petals, and the Medusa has unique serrations on the edges of its petals. Take a look at a list of Interceptors with pictures to help recall which is which.
As I left the station doors, I saw a sign upon the floor...
Edit—misread the progress in Muruidooges.
Top targets at 01:10 16th January 3309:
HIP 11111 Invasion + 1 port – 92%
Hyades Sector EQ-O b6-3 Control (empty) – 62%
Chanyaya Invasion + 0 ports – 48%
HIP 20485 Invasion + 7 ports – 48%
HIP 20492 Invasion + 3 ports – 34%
Hyades Sector YZ-O b6-3 Invasion + 1 port – 30%
Jementi Invasion + 6 ports – 28%
HIP 22496 Invasion + 3 ports – 20%
Almost certainly no impact, a statement I would apply to any suggestion that anything can subtract a point of progress during a cycle. As usual, we can never be sure without a massive test of that.
Regarding stabbing an Interceptor—it is a good thought, although please note that you will only have any appreciable effect that way against its shield. Its hull has over 99% damage reduction applied to all damage sources which are not explicitly anti-Xeno. Either way though, it sounds as if one ought to be doing something differently regarding starship integrity!
Recognising them at a distance is a skill of its own, though in this case the Medusa and Hydra are definitely two of the easiest and more distinctive to identify. The Hydra especially, for it has additional leaf-like protrusions behind its petals, and the Medusa has unique serrations on the edges of its petals. Take a look at a list of Interceptors with pictures to help recall which is which.
Oh, and about the non-working limpets? Um, there are signs all over the station, one of which is "DON'T FORGET YOUR LIMPETS"
Yeah, rookie mistake.
As I left the station doors, I saw a sign upon the floor...
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Operation Ida is working in HIP 20485, running a test to see how well they can clear a system solo without help from other groups. They would probably appreciate it if people didn't contribute without checking in with them first.
![[VR] SpaceGhostC2C](https://forums-cdn.zaonce.net/data/avatars/m/293/293485.jpg?1651615306){kind=avatar}
I had an interesting evening in HIP 20485 ! Jumped into one of the small space ports (med and small landing) clearing scouts, nothing turned up for an hour. Managed to get all the way up to 80% with NO low level interceptors which was a bit gutting to then be met with 2 Hydras, all the other CMDR'S bugged off and left me with both... Needless to say I had to do the same.
I've only got 2 pre-engineered guardian plasmas as I have modified AX cannons to clear scouts and they don't do enough damage for a solo run against Hydras. I take it I need 4 ?
I've only got 2 pre-engineered guardian plasmas as I have modified AX cannons to clear scouts and they don't do enough damage for a solo run against Hydras. I take it I need 4 ?
![[VR] Mad Mike](https://forums-cdn.zaonce.net/data/avatars/m/27/27910.jpg?1553527108){kind=avatar}
i wonder if that was you in my instance.... i was in a similar one too. i had been in one full of interceptors and made a killing (well 100mil anyway which is a lot for me) , went to sell my bonds, when i came back there was 1 other player in the instance and 2 hydras both on full health (they dropped in around the same time that i did). I had a go at one of them but got utterly battered escaped with just over 25% hull and many modules taken out and had not even gotten the 1st heart to go red.
i can take out the basic interceptors on my own, and with another ship helping can mess them up pretty good, but that hydra was a whole other level. shame i have barely seen any of the other 2 (medusa or basilik) mosty cyclops (i am not an expert in identifying them, just count the heart numbers..... but that hydra looks a mean SOB
btw i have 4 of the guardian plasmas (and a cooling beam laser) i can 1 shot the scouts and no problems popping hearts of cyclops' but against a hydra even 4 was no match (or maybe it was a PEBCAK issue i dunno)
i am no expert so others may correct me but i think those hydras are meant for organised team play, ideally with the gaus weapons...... am sure it is possible with guardian plasmas but solo with them? not with my skills.
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Victory in HIP 11111! Activity is now looking more like 11–12 systems, the latter six being those listed below. HIP 18075 joins the fight!
Top targets at 08:20 16th January 3309:
Hyades Sector EQ-O b6-3 Control (empty) – 66%
Chanyaya Invasion + 0 ports – 52%
HIP 20485 Invasion + 7 ports – 52%
HIP 20492 Invasion + 3 ports – 34%
Hyades Sector YZ-O b6-3 Invasion + 1 port – 34%
Jementi Invasion + 6 ports – 30%
That is something of a tricky puzzle; I value the results of Operation Ida testing a lot, though I also would not dictate to anyone nor hide it dishonestly. To Operation Ida, my suggestion would be to focus initially on a single day or single evening, and cause a mid-cycle surge at an unexpected system (on a Friday, perhaps). Other Commanders will notice and help out this cycle, so abort that test and finish the system normally, but then use the initial result to calculate a later time next cycle and try it again. For example, if we suppose the result is that just over 50% can be done in a day without help, the best evidence would be if one can name a target as late as Tuesday and still finish it within the cycle.
Congratulations! Given the rewards one reaps while fighting as a group, it occurs to me that fleet transport should be at most a temporary problem for many combat pilots.
You need every bit of damage you can get against a Hydra just to offset its regeneration. Even with four Plasma chargers, likely you will find that their Piercing limits the damage more so than with Gauss. Then again, even with Gauss, usually a solo Hydra kill involves synthesis, premium ammunition, and a lot of patience. Based on respect for time I would not recommend aiming for that as a standard approach, only once as a personal achievement if you must.
Incidentally, if your Hardpoints are packed closely enough, four Plasma chargers are lovely against Scouts! Change to Trailing sights in the Ship menu, both for Scouts and for Interceptor petals.
Top targets at 08:20 16th January 3309:
Hyades Sector EQ-O b6-3 Control (empty) – 66%
Chanyaya Invasion + 0 ports – 52%
HIP 20485 Invasion + 7 ports – 52%
HIP 20492 Invasion + 3 ports – 34%
Hyades Sector YZ-O b6-3 Invasion + 1 port – 34%
Jementi Invasion + 6 ports – 30%
That is something of a tricky puzzle; I value the results of Operation Ida testing a lot, though I also would not dictate to anyone nor hide it dishonestly. To Operation Ida, my suggestion would be to focus initially on a single day or single evening, and cause a mid-cycle surge at an unexpected system (on a Friday, perhaps). Other Commanders will notice and help out this cycle, so abort that test and finish the system normally, but then use the initial result to calculate a later time next cycle and try it again. For example, if we suppose the result is that just over 50% can be done in a day without help, the best evidence would be if one can name a target as late as Tuesday and still finish it within the cycle.
Congratulations! Given the rewards one reaps while fighting as a group, it occurs to me that fleet transport should be at most a temporary problem for many combat pilots.
You need every bit of damage you can get against a Hydra just to offset its regeneration. Even with four Plasma chargers, likely you will find that their Piercing limits the damage more so than with Gauss. Then again, even with Gauss, usually a solo Hydra kill involves synthesis, premium ammunition, and a lot of patience. Based on respect for time I would not recommend aiming for that as a standard approach, only once as a personal achievement if you must.
Incidentally, if your Hardpoints are packed closely enough, four Plasma chargers are lovely against Scouts! Change to Trailing sights in the Ship menu, both for Scouts and for Interceptor petals.
dont want to anoy anyone but regardless of how respected a group are, they cant expect to be able to tie up a system in open....... surely this sort of thing is exactly what PG is for, they can make a group and everyone they want to be involved gets invited to it, that way the unwashed masses cant affect their experiments?
(unless they are hoping everyone stays out of a system accross all modes in which case that ask is never gonna happen imo)
(unless they are hoping everyone stays out of a system accross all modes in which case that ask is never gonna happen imo)
For their experiment to work properly, yes, they'd need everyone to stay out across all modes. Although I imagine that won't happen, reducing it to just one or two solo commanders will mean the results aren't too badly contaminated.
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I did this by myself. couple days, died once, interceptor wouldn't let me dock.
Any new struggling pilots need help, you can come tag inceptors with me and I will make you a billionaire. I can run a CZ at a station alone up till the Hydra's come out.
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Currently @ HIP 18075 Condit Depot
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O7
CMDR SpaceGhostC2C
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Just been hauling cargo into Jeng (in Alert) and have a couple of questions:
1. Info panel says invasion in 2 D - is this correct? Don't the states change with the Thursday system maintenance?
2. OP on here says that cargo delivery has "Strong Effect" - so what is better: volume of cargo, transaction amount, profit amount or percentage of demand per delivery?
1. Info panel says invasion in 2 D - is this correct? Don't the states change with the Thursday system maintenance?
2. OP on here says that cargo delivery has "Strong Effect" - so what is better: volume of cargo, transaction amount, profit amount or percentage of demand per delivery?
It rounds down - system maintenance is in less than 3 whole days now.
I don't think there's any way to know that short of getting an extremely well-coordinated group of haulers together and trying out a few approaches on fresh systems until they hit 2%. That said, I doubt it matters that much - the difference in overall difficulty between any two individual systems is generally within measurement error, so I don't think there's really much "you're hauling that wrong" to worry about.
(I'd be interested to know what the source for "Strong Effect" is, too - I don't believe we have anything like enough data to conclude that for ourselves, so I assume there's some Frontier mention that I missed)
There is, although I don't have access to it - a PM with a CM confirmed that commodities with high demand affect the war state, similar to how old burning stations would always have the desired commodities for repairs set at high demand.
Sure, though there's a difference between "affect the war state" (the in-game text says that much) and "have a strong effect on the war state compared with other things you could be doing instead" which is a much more specific claim.
That very statement has a source link directly after it! Phill P of PDES clarified a lot of that early on (thank you!). It has been a while though, during which any combination of new discovery or changes by Frontier could occur, so I am happy to revise anything which could use such. Admittedly I had presumed that these were cargo delivery missions; if the Commodities Market is involved then I agree with adjusting it to address that difference, and I am very grateful for any cargo-related wisdom to help with that.
The qualitative intention of "strong effect" is to be deliberately simple enough that a Commander who just wants to get started can get an overview of the different possible actions in a few seconds without necessarily worrying about the source. It was established quite confidently that cargo was greatly superior to passenger evacuation for Alert systems, hence "strong" and "weak". If we know of a difference in impact between missions and markets then I will call the lesser of those "moderate", and any known factors within the market approach (such as volume, credits and demand) become a case of stating simply which of those is best to maximise.
It was stated very confidently; I'm not that confident in the actual result as there are plenty of alternative explanations available.
What we've got is a (large and organised, yes) group doing one activity in the first half of the week, and another in the second, and seeing that the second half has faster progress. That's important data, but while it could be caused by the second activity being more efficient, it could also be caused by, for example (some of which I think are highly unlikely, definitely, but can't be ruled out with just one data point):
- a greater number of unaffiliated CMDRs helping out in the second half as they see it's one of the only systems likely to complete
- progress primarily being on a "second highest" determinant so A then B makes B look stronger but B then A makes A look stronger
- it's not that cargo missions are intrinsically better than passenger missions, but the position of that system made them more efficient in that specific case, which might not be true for other systems (or after Frontier's "rebalance", which did not noticeably change the total winnable systems per week)
- the progress bar moves faster in Alert systems on Mondays
- the measurements took place while new Maelstroms were arriving, which we know made things easier ... what if that making things easier applied on a continuous basis rather than a weekly one?
For comparison, there's growing evidence that the further away from a Maelstrom a system is, the easier it is to win. But how much easier? We have no idea. Among the things we don't know and are unlikely to find out for quite a while:
- is it definitely distance or just coincidence or something which happens to be correlated with distance right now but isn't necessarily?
- is it the same relationship to distance for each state?
- is it actually distance to the maelstrom, or is it the number of nearby control systems?
- is it linear? exponential? reciprocal? stepwise or continuous?
- are there other factors which partially mask the distance factor, or is that just the inevitable measurement error?
"Systems further out might require a bit less effort" is about as confident as I'm willing to be - and that's with four weeks of data from every system in which half-decent progress was made.
Barlowe Terminal was the attacked one, this was a space station.
Surges seen in HIP 20485 and Muruidooges, both of which have attention from large organisations, where especially the latter seems on-course to overtake several other systems. I have listed down to Muruidooges below, but please be warned that only approximately half of those systems will be able to finish this cycle.
Top targets at 19:00 16th January 3309:
Hyades Sector EQ-O b6-3 Control (empty) – 68%
Chanyaya Invasion + 0 ports – 58%
HIP 20485 Invasion + 7 ports – 56% (rising surge)
Hyades Sector YZ-O b6-3 Invasion + 1 port – 42%
HIP 20492 Invasion + 3 ports – 38%
Jementi Invasion + 6 ports – 32%
HIP 22496 Invasion + 3 ports – 28%
Muruidooges Invasion + 4 ports – 28% (rising surge)
Barlowe Terminal, a large Starport!
Quite true; I am thinking to include the phrase "as best we know". Also, at least some of your questions/checks there could be relatively easy to test, such as Maelstrom distance. Given the abundance of Control systems and some Commanders to help out, I think my approach would be to fix some number of Scouts (such as 1000) and choose a couple of reference systems away to the side (such as by M. Hadad, in the direction away from M. Taranis). Assuming the number is enough for a few visible 2% increments, that could start confirming or refuting some of the various ideas.
Top targets at 19:00 16th January 3309:
Hyades Sector EQ-O b6-3 Control (empty) – 68%
Chanyaya Invasion + 0 ports – 58%
HIP 20485 Invasion + 7 ports – 56% (rising surge)
Hyades Sector YZ-O b6-3 Invasion + 1 port – 42%
HIP 20492 Invasion + 3 ports – 38%
Jementi Invasion + 6 ports – 32%
HIP 22496 Invasion + 3 ports – 28%
Muruidooges Invasion + 4 ports – 28% (rising surge)
Barlowe Terminal, a large Starport!
Quite true; I am thinking to include the phrase "as best we know". Also, at least some of your questions/checks there could be relatively easy to test, such as Maelstrom distance. Given the abundance of Control systems and some Commanders to help out, I think my approach would be to fix some number of Scouts (such as 1000) and choose a couple of reference systems away to the side (such as by M. Hadad, in the direction away from M. Taranis). Assuming the number is enough for a few visible 2% increments, that could start confirming or refuting some of the various ideas.