Weapons fire [threat level 4] - doable on your own?

ithinkiam · Jul 27, 2020

As per subject. I'm not an FA-off kinda guy, so am wondering if they're doable by someone on their own? What tactics would work in a Krait mk II and a SLF or do I need to go bigger? Or is it purely something within the remit of a wing?

I'm just after a bit of challenge yet there's little middle ground. You either get shooting fish in a barrel scenario (threat level 1 or 2) or 5 very handy ships at you at once. The other scenario is they just run away...

Where's the wings of 2-3 pirates who fight back?

dubsdj · Jul 28, 2020

You'll be enabling your FSD soon after entering the signal source. But I do wish you the best! Try not to go after the big fish first, pick off the little ones if you can.

Sic Mundus · Jul 28, 2020

My understanding was that FA-off is an important skill to utilize in combat scenarios in this game. There's a method to applying this, mostly in sharp turns and deceleration. I can't offer much help otherwise OP. I'm still a combat newb.

EarlSinclair · Jul 28, 2020

Engineer your ship and use the slf to distract some of them. I think it's not that difficult.So yes it is doable solo.

Conflict zones are much harder. Especially the "pirate activity detected" threat level 5,6,7. Most ships in there are engineered and have huge shield and hull hp.

EarlSinclair · Jul 28, 2020

ithinkiam said:
As per subject. I'm not an FA-off kinda guy, so am wondering if they're doable by someone on their own? What tactics would work in a Krait mk II and a SLF or do I need to go bigger? Or is it purely something within the remit of a wing?

I'm just after a bit of challenge yet there's little middle ground. You either get shooting fish in a barrel scenario (threat level 1 or 2) or 5 very handy ships at you at once. The other scenario is they just run away...

Where's the wings of 2-3 pirates who fight back?

You cozld also go to a hazres zone and wait for a strong 3 ship wing to spawn. If you are looking for a fun challenge.

AdmiralXanos · Jul 28, 2020

threat level 4 only ever spawns an Elite Anaconda for me. I was able to win in a multirole Krait MII with heavy engineering + dangerous SLF pilot, but just barely. much easier in a T10 built for combat.

Hellfire85 · Jul 28, 2020

Everything is doable, even pirate ss threat 4-6 in a small ship, it all depends on your skill and ability to learn from your mistakes.

Just practice in lower threat SS until you can survive without a scratch.
Also: learn FA off.

ADAMtheWELSHMANz · Jul 28, 2020

Drop into a weapon fire/ haz rez with mission specific cargo onboard.

Every pirate that scans you will attack 15 seconds later.

Saves searching for targets as they'll come to you.

Great for pirate massacre missions.

Black box missions are ideal for this.

CMDR Harada · Jul 28, 2020

It can be done, depending on your ship and skill. I did a level 6 tonight ( kill pirate lord mission, single FDL + 4 vultures ), all heavily engineered, with my Vette. But my ship has a 5k joule shield, with 50% resistances, plus max engineered weapons. I just ignored the vultures, killed the pirate, and jumped out. Wasn't going to mess with 3 or 4 aggro'd vultures. But I could tank long enough to get my target and collect the reward.

Level 4 should be do-able with a heavy combat build for a good solo CMDR. I wouldn't hesitate in my Vette. If you can take a heavy elite HazRES wing ( Elite Annie with two escorts better then eagles ) you should be good. Another good match might be a wing led by an FGS, with medium escorts.

Python/Krait Mk II or better. Good mods ( 50% res on shields, weapons to match your style ) required. FA off... it will help, but it won't cover for 3 or 4 to 1 odds. Choose what works best for you : Kill the big one first and mop up, or kill the small fry and grab the bull by the horns. I prefer killing the smaller ones first if they're small, the bigger one is usually slower and you can run outside the 3k range to recharge. The escorts have the speed to chase you, so taking them first gives you a safe space. If the escorts are medium or better, then concentrate on the big one first. You won't be able to take one out on the first 'surprise' pass.

IPFreely · Jul 28, 2020

I have done level 4's with a single ship - A fully engineered Krait MkII to be specific -
I take out the 3 lesser ships 1st then work on the major one last -
It takes skill and the ability to avoid using up all the shields on your ship, backing away until recharged and returning to the fray, usually using this tactic multiple times.

Sir Ganksalot · Jul 28, 2020

I can handle threat 7's with ease. Pretty sure you can handle a threat 4. The real challenge is taking on everything in a convoy. Thats fun.

Schmack · Jul 28, 2020

Chaff, ECM and point defense. Then drag them out into the deep and drown them one at a time.

ithinkiam · Jul 28, 2020

ADAMtheWELSHMANz said:
Drop into a weapon fire/ haz rez with mission specific cargo onboard.

Every pirate that scans you will attack 15 seconds later.

Saves searching for targets as they'll come to you.

Great for pirate massacre missions.

Black box missions are ideal for this.

That's a good tip. Thanks!

ithinkiam · Jul 28, 2020

Thanks to all for the suggestions. Looks like I need to do some engineering and practice a bit more to git gud

ithinkiam · Jul 28, 2020

Hellfire85 said:
Everything is doable, even pirate ss threat 4-6 in a small ship, it all depends on your skill and ability to learn from your mistakes.

Just practice in lower threat SS until you can survive without a scratch.
Also: learn FA off.

The lower threat SS are no challenge for me. It's one or two ships who fly around taking hits. Sometimes they fight back but they barely touch my shields. It's hard to learn when you get obliterated in 15 seconds

galahad2069 · Jul 28, 2020

All kind of PvE combat situations are doable on your own, including wing assassination missions and suchlike, pretty easily tbh. You don't even need big ships with gigashields.