Newcomer / Intro Total Beginner seeking advice

Vhayne · Mar 10, 2015

Hello all. I just discovered Elite Dangerous, and was shocked at how I have completely missed all information about it. Guess that's what I get for relying on Steam when it comes to new releases.

Anyway, I purchased the game yesterday, and tried to play it (just the tutorials now -- shooting barrels) with mouse/keyboard, as well as a ps4 controller. Neither one worked very well for me, so I decided to just jump right in, and I just purchased the Saitek x52 Pro Hotas setup, as well as TrackIR5. They will arrive tomorrow!

Super excited!

Here is where the questions come up.

I haven't used a joystick on any of my PC's since the old days of the Wing Commander games. Since then, I've used all types of programmable mice, keyboards, gamepads, and other device types like the razer orbweaver. I remember how they can sometimes be a pain to get setup just the way you want them, and of course, each program is different.

Can anyone give me a quick run-down of the sequence I need to proceed in order to get all of this setup as easy as possible? I'm not sure if the Saitek will come with profiles specifically for Elite Dangerous or not. Do I need to re=configure the controls in the Saitek software? Or do I do it ingame, just changing things?

I honestly have absolutely NO experience with this game at all. I've been watching tons of videos and trying to learn it as best I can at this point. I just don't want to even further complicate matters by adding a lot of confusion with getting devices working as well. As of now, I'm in for around $400 just to play Elite Dangerous! lol. So, yes, I'm dedicated to learn!

Evyl Minkey · Mar 10, 2015

Someone will be along soon to link to some much better advice, probably about that specific set up. I just wanted to say I found customising it for my own preference incredibly easy (more than any other game I've played).

And welcome to space

TiberiuS · Mar 10, 2015

Mouse and KB works fine. You just have to change the yaw/roll axis and set the mouse to 'relative mouse movement' and a low reset rate.

Vhayne · Mar 10, 2015

Thanks guys. As for getting the mouse and keyboard to work, I'll definitely try that tip! I'd love to actually be able to play a bit even if I do only have to wait until tomorrow before diving in truly.

How exactly do you "change the yaw/roll axis and set the mouse to 'relative mouse movement' and a low reset rate"? lol

Cody · Mar 10, 2015

I believe the game includes a profile for the Saitek X52 Pro.

Evyl Minkey · Mar 10, 2015

Go to options, then controls.There are more choices than you can shake a (joy)stick at.

Also do a forum search for the joystick you have ordered. Lots of threads on the subject.

adoredtv · Mar 10, 2015

Check out my new video on the T-Flight HOTAS X for some setup information on your stick. I spent hours trying to figure it out, coming from the same angle (haven't owned a joystick since the 90's).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJF2f0uQd0g

wilkie79 · Mar 10, 2015

Cody said:
I believe the game includes a profile for the Saitek X52 Pro.

Cody is right about a profile for the X52 Pro being included and also if you look at the cockpit in the game, you will notice the flight stick is an X52.

Although not needed, I would advise that you learn how the bindings work with the X52 HOTAS. I have my setup to work with Combat, Wings and Docking.

If you do a search in the forums or google you will find their are many tutorials that help you set up your HOTAS, but it is best to create your own settings, to settings that suit you. Once you have the settings all mapped out to how you want them, your memory muscle will take over the flying for you and you will be immersed into the game.

TiberiuS · Mar 10, 2015

Vhayne said:
Thanks guys. As for getting the mouse and keyboard to work, I'll definitely try that tip! I'd love to actually be able to play a bit even if I do only have to wait until tomorrow before diving in truly. How exactly do you "change the yaw/roll axis and set the mouse to 'relative mouse movement' and a low reset rate"? lol

Options --> Controls

set a/d = roll left/right
set mouse left/right = yaw left/right

there's also the option for 'relative mouse movement' (check the box) and some sliders... one of it is 'dead zone' (you can lower that, too) and one of it is 'relative reset rate' (definitely lower that one). ~5% of the slider should do it!

You have to play a bit around with the sliders to find the perfect setting for you.

Edit: It's called 'relative mouse rate' and ah, whatever... here's a screenshot

Vhayne · Mar 10, 2015

Guys, thanks SO much!

I'll be spending the rest of my day researching all your advice, as well as trying out those kb/mouse settings!

Sapient6 · Mar 10, 2015

If you're going to have a flight stick soon you may want to save yourself some trouble and just wait it out.

Why?

Hands down the best mouse configuration is for the mouse x-axis to control Yaw, with keyboard shortcuts for roll.

This is not the case with a flight stick. On your X52 it's my opinion that you should stick with the default X52 mapping such that the stick's x-axis controls roll, while the rudder (twisting the stick) controls Yaw. The reason for this is that Yaw in ED is extremely slow and really only useful for fine tuning. Controlling pitch and roll with the stick turns out to be very natural and you'll get much more mileage out of it.

These two setups are very different, though, and it can take a lot of time switch from one to the other.

Bluebird007 · Mar 10, 2015

Welcome to the galaxy!

All I can offer about the joystick is once you have it set up exactly as you want it, you will be loving it!!!

Vhayne · Mar 10, 2015

Sapient6 said:
If you're going to have a flight stick soon you may want to save yourself some trouble and just wait it out.

Why?

Hands down the best mouse configuration is for the mouse x-axis to control Yaw, with keyboard shortcuts for roll.

This is not the case with a flight stick. On your X52 it's my opinion that you should stick with the default X52 mapping such that the stick's x-axis controls roll, while the rudder (twisting the stick) controls Yaw. The reason for this is that Yaw in ED is extremely slow and really only useful for fine tuning. Controlling pitch and roll with the stick turns out to be very natural and you'll get much more mileage out of it.

These two setups are very different, though, and it can take a lot of time switch from one to the other.

Ahh, I plan to pretty much, just wait until the stick arrives tomorrow to actually start playing. I just wanted to goof around a little in the tutorial. Actually I was just about to log into the main game and try out the mouse stuff a little, but it told me to update, and now it is taking forever lol. Apparently it's re-downloading the entire client?

TiberiuS · Mar 10, 2015

Vhayne said:
Ahh, I plan to pretty much, just wait until the stick arrives tomorrow to actually start playing. I just wanted to goof around a little in the tutorial. Actually I was just about to log into the main game and try out the mouse stuff a little, but it told me to update, and now it is taking forever lol. Apparently it's re-downloading the entire client?

Yes, but good news. Update 1.2 is out. This means you can play with your friends in a wing now!

Btw: You should be able to safe your current bindings from C:\Users\YOUR USERNAME\AppData\Local\Frontier Developments\Elite Dangerous\Options\Bindings. Copy the custom.binds to \EDLaunch\Products\FORC-FDEV-D-1002\ControlSchemes and change the name to whatever you like. This way you should be able to fast switch between different configs (e.g. X52 and your mouse+kb settings)

I have't tried it though, yet!

MetalMicky · Mar 10, 2015

Hi CMDR. If I was to say anything, would be. Use the Tutorial sections on docking, taking-off and combat. These will allow you to set up to your liking the main flight controls as you want. Make sure your happy with your weapons buttons options. As for booster and SC buttons make them familiar to you that aside, enjoy your adventure. There are NO right ways or wrong ways to play this game, JUST remember the BIG difference between OPEN & SOLO play is 2 main factors!!!!

1. In "OPEN PLAY".While docking don't be surprised to be over jumped by PLAYERS going about there business coming and going, the High Way code has no relevance here, "Bigger means move out the way" ha ha. And don't be surprised to find you have to wait for a landing pad on the "Out-Posts" some times.

In "SOLO PLAY" the Ai ships tend to use the highway code and wait in an orderly line coming and going from stations "Most of the times"... If you get a Docking Computer, Its more forgiving in SOLO mode as it automatically follows in line for docking etc. "Most of the time".... ha ha.

2. In "OPEN PLAY" Might is right, in the eyes of players.(IMHO) So be prepared to initially run from most fights with players."UNTIL" you start to not only get the hang of flight directions, but some TEETH on your ship. RULE of thumb, I've learned is to keep a close eye on your scanners just after you've come out of a jump. if you see a hollow marker near you its more than likely a bad guy ( No offence to Bad Guys lol) In the early days!!!!!!!. Once your familiar with routes, ship controls you will be earning credits, and more to the point TEETH !!!!!!.

In "SOLO PLAY". Yes, you will get bad guys, but Ai bad guys and they are a different thing all together. Again, in the early days.. boost, run, boost. Then when you get some TEETH, you will find yourself handling most things that come at you.

Like I said from the beginning, there are NO right or wrong ways to play, JUST PLAY .... thanks for reading.....

Vhayne · Mar 10, 2015

Wow, I hate to sound like a complete idiot, but is this game an mmo?? That would be incredible if it is! You're making it sound like it is actually though. I thought it was just a single player with perhaps optional multiplayer (like 4 players max or something). Seriously?! If it is an "mmo", can we communicate with each other??

To think, I LOVE mmos, but haven't been able to find one I really enjoy in a long time. Then I literally stumble across this game, not even looking for it, and it ends up being the game of my dreams?!

willowfan · Mar 10, 2015

You've come in at the right time if you like multiplayer. Todays new patch 1.2 has drastically improved the multiplayer aspects of the game.

Zal Faran · Mar 10, 2015

I got the X52 Pro for ED and although I haven't had much chance to use it or play as yet, what little I have done it makes the game so much more immersive. Also Headtracking (I have the EdTracker) adds greatly to the experience too. Your going to love both once set up and into the game.
I'd keep things simple at first and just use the ingame default profile for the X52. I did download the software for mine which is great, but I could do without the hassle so deleted it. Using the games setup is fine along with a little customisation of the bindings.

Have fun, and enjoy

Conde · Mar 11, 2015

If you played those brilliant Wing Commander games (and WC Privateer) you will feel right at home here with the different ships and general feel of flying with a joystick. Whether ED is a MMO or not is the subject of hot debate within the community but yes indeed, as you head out and find your way you will find CMDRs (us humans!) as well as AI controlled ships. Use the tutorials to experiment with your key bindings and joystick settings, it's worth every second of your time to learn the controls and options until you find what's comfortable for you. And don't be afraid of open play, (I never play solo) In my experience unless you are very unlucky most human players should be friendly and won't bother you much unless you become wanted. If you do get shot down it's no biggie as your ship insurance will normally take you back to your last save and ship (for a modest fee!)The good news also is that you get to keep you accumulated cash and progress. Unless you are stupid and deliberately target and shoot clean CMDR's , NPCs or the local authorities, or more clandestine activities, your main threat is being interdicted whilst in supercruise, try and aim for the escape vector, otherwise wait until you are fired upon before letting them have it. But that is the beauty of ED, you have complete freedom to choose your own path! If you are are sitting in your Sidewinder at station wondering what to do take a look at the local bulletin board and accept a few light cargo runs, you'll then learn the local trade routes. Forget about bounty missions until you have a more powerful ship and weapons. Once you have some cash for a ship with greater jump range you could start exploring and scanning, or invest in a cheap Hauler ship that can give you 18 tons of cargo space to start raking in some serious cash, eventually you can invest in a bigger transporter, or go bounty hunting in a Viper or Cobra or eventually a Vulture etc etc or do some serious exploring...... Now we have the 1.2 update forming a wing with some friends or joining a group is another great way to go. If you follow the Galnet News reports when docked you'll get to see where "the action" is, I like the community goals feature that was added in update 1.1. I'll leave it there as I've only scratched the surface of the Sidey's paintjob lol but one final tip: You best selection of ships/weapons/upgrades will always be in a "Hi-Tech" system. Press M to study the Galaxy/System maps. Good Luck and see you out there Commander!

Vhayne · Mar 11, 2015

This game is awesome! I was able to get my keyboard and mouse to a playable level thanks to the guy on here that told me exactly what to do!

Thanks so much!!

So far, I've just logged into solo and I did a few cargo runs. Then I accepted a run, and didn't realize the system was outside my jump range. I tried to get to a closer system to refuel, thinking that it was just a fuel issue, but nope, it was still outside the range.

I had to abandon it, then I realized I had 4 scrap that was labeled as "stolen"! So I dumped them on the black market. Hated to do that, but I honestly didn't know what to do lol.

I can't wait to get my stick, so I can start doing some fighting though. No way I'm going to attempt that with the mouse lol. The tutorial stuff was mixed. Sometimes it was easy, and other times it took me over 10 minutes to finally take the AI guy out.

I've noticed a lot of the missions seem to be "bring us (random resource) and be rewarded" types. So far, I've found no way to figure out where to go to find these things. I suppose you could just hope to get lucky when landing at a port, and they have it for sale. But those are kindof confusing. Missions that I can actually do as a complete n00b seem to be kindof rare.