Waiting 300 seconds to download data... so I wrote this post in the meantime

I haven't read all 5 pages of this thread yet, so I don't know if this has been suggested:

Instead of standing around waiting for a download, you shove a memory stick into the data terminal. (Mem stick is a non-inventory item, it just exists.)

If you're spotted plugging it in, you get a warning, have to remove it.

You then start the download, and can head off to the rest of the settlement to do whatever you want. There's a download icon in your HUD so you know where you left the thing. Red while downloading, green when finished.

If an NPC finds the device, they remove it, cancelling the download. Marker in the hud flashes for 5-6 seconds, then disappears. You can go back and plug another one in and restart. No wanted/bounty/fine as the NPC won't know who left the thing. Maybe if they find 3-5 the settlement alarms go off.

When you go back and unplug the device, you get the data and the device ceases to exist.

Since settlements only have a dozen or fewer data ports, I'd suggest players be allowed to plug in multiple thumbdrives whereever they want.

If the player relogs, all the plugged-in devices vanish (are found by NPCs/removed). If the player dies, likewise.

If it helps FDev consider this, maybe they could call it a data limpet and make it a mod for the Maverick suit. But please, no restocking of limpets/thumbdrives.
 
Memory stick sounds like 1000 years out of date technology. Ships have data link scanners that work remotely. Why can't suits?
 
It should be determined based on signal strength.

Full bars - 4 times the download speed[1] (or 6 times if you have to be literally next to the console)
Next one down - 2 times the download speed [1]
Next one down - Normal speed
Zero connection - No download

[1] numbers plucked out of the air.
 
It should be determined based on signal strength.

Full bars - 4 times the download speed[1] (or 6 times if you have to be literally next to the console)
Next one down - 2 times the download speed [1]
Next one down - Normal speed
Zero connection - No download

[1] numbers plucked out of the air.
I would literally stick my finger straight into the port if it made the download faster.

A cap of 60s max would be a nice bypass I guess.
 
Youre downloading too much cat videos.


would-you-expect-anything-less-from-us.jpg
 
While waiting for data port downloads, I have devised several fool-proof plans to end hunger, achieve world peace, cure cancer and transition humanity away from reliance on fossil fuels both inexpensively and rapidly, and have many times been ready to immediately make those dreams a reality.

But then I got the "Transfer Complete" message and well, there was looting to do.
 
See... that screenshot is a great example of a tricky problem. I know where you are is a restricted area, and if you're caught you'd get fined and attacked.

So under normal circumstances, if you were trying to remain clean and covertly exfiltrate data, 387 seconds would guarantee you'd be caught in the restricted area and you'd receive a bounty; you'd need to minimise your download to just the files you need or find somewhere else to receive the download outside the restricted zone (although i don't think there is one here).

The fact you don't have a bounty and there's no NPCs present suggests it's an anarchy base and you've cleared out any NPCs who might interrupt you. In that context it's arguably an edge case.

The need to make the downloads time based when located in a restricted area is an obvious choice for creating a challenge... but slightly nullified by the ease of clearing out an area, whether anarchy or not.

I notice alarms never trigger when downloading data, only uploading, which suggests downloads are simply accessing publicly available information. Maybe FD needs to define two different types of data port; a public access port used in unrestricted areas where data downloads are instantaneous as there are no risks here), and a secure data port, used exclusively in restricted areas, and having requiring either;
  • an e-breach to be applied per file download (or a longer application for all files), with the same timing rules; and/or
  • security level restrictions, where appropriate clearance voids the need for ebreaches and the timer; and/or
  • dare i suggest a hacking minigame; the bio sampler minigame would actually be very applicable here, in a situation where you trade off keeping an eye out for potential threats with deactivating a security system as quick as possible.

But the redundant case where a threatening scenario has been "rendered safe" by the player is a hard one to resolve... simply because if it's an active measure to circumvent the time limit, that's the method that will always be used even if attempting to remain covert.

Honestly, this actually raises more questions:
  • is it too easy to clear bases and threats? The fact i can clear and loot a high security base with unengineered T1 equipment feels... wrong
  • are there insufficient methods of undertaking covert infiltration, such that "get L3 creds, disable alarms, run rampant" remains the best and most effective option?
 
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There shouldn't be a long wait time for downloads of data in the year 3307. 1-5 seconds for smaller data, and up to but not longer than 10 seconds for the big data. That's it. It is terrible game design to have a player standing in one spot for MINUTES doing NOTHING.
 
In my head canon, the 'download time' is actually the suit computer hacking in and decrypting the data. As for game design, I can only imagine they had visions of player frantically trying to finish the download while holding back the security, but that doesn't really happen in the game. I've had exactly one instance of fighting people while downloading was on and it went something like this: I was clearing out an anarchist base when I spotted a data port. Decided to start downloading before I killed everyone in the building. Couple of guys attacked me. I killed them, then waited for the DL to finish. The end.
 
I don't think shorter dl times is the answer. What kind of wireless only extends 5M? Once you select your dl you should be able to keep exploring the rest of the area. If you do something risky and you haven't finished the dl then that's the risk you take.
 
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