Newcomer / Intro What is the benefit of a rank?

shroom2021

S
I've bumbled around for quite some time, but suddenly realized that I hold a few different ranks. I think i'm an elite merchant or something like that.

My question is: Other than being a nifty little trophy to remind me of some sort of achievement, is there any tangible benefit to having a higher rank?

IE. If you are an elite fighter do you output anymore damage?
IE2. If you are an elite merchant do you get better profit?
IE3. If you are an elite explorer do you get more money for cartographic data or have shorter scan times?

Never was really clear what the benefit of ranks (outside of the empire or federation) was.
 

Maymo

Maymo
You’re able to demand more for your services in each category when taking missions.

So an elite trader for example will be offered better rewards for simple cargo missions.

A high rank in exploration is very powerful because not only will sightseeing missions pay considerably more they also tend to be of a shorter distance.

Basically, if you combine a high rank with a high reputation (minor faction) you’re golden.
 

the100thmonkey

the100thmonkey
The higher your rank, the more obsequious the faction reps become.

Better missions.

More difficult (and rewarding) mission wrinkles.

Access to Shinrarta Dezhra.
 

Para Handy

Para Handy
The combat level of the NPCs that are randomly assigned to interdict you is based upon your own combat rank, plus a grade if you have one of the other ranks higher than your combat one.
 

Sapyx

Sapyx
You should also be careful with your terminology, to avoid confusion.

"Ranks" are the military-like titles you obtain while working for the Federation or the Empire; The Alliance and the Indies don't give ranks. You might be an Ensign in the Federation and a Serf in the Empire, for example. These ranks unlock permits for certain planets (such as Earth), but most importantly, they also unlock permission to purchase superpower-specific ships (like the Federal Corvette or the Imperial Clipper). If you want to fly those ships, you need the required rank. You obtain points towards your next "promotion" by doing missions for minor factions that are aligned to those superpowers.

The "Elite" scores in Exploration, Trade and Combat are more properly termed "ratings", rather than "ranks". These are awarded by the Pilot's Federation once you have proved proficient enough to earn the ranks (i.e. earned enough credits doing those things). Higher ratings do earn you more money with mission-givers, but it comes at a price: unless you've deliberately accepted a mission that was rated at above your skill level, NPC skill levels tend to match your ratings. So, if you're Competent at combat, the pirates that are randomly generated to attack you will also likely be somewhere around Competent, too. Thus, the game's difficulty increases the longer you play it.
 

Simon Templar

Simon Templar
My mission income has shot up since I started moving through the Federal ranks. I'm Lt. Commander now and the regular data missions are worthwhile cash earners in a way they never were before.
 

Maymo

Maymo
Simon Templar said:
My mission income has shot up since I started moving through the Federal ranks. I'm Lt. Commander now and the regular data missions are worthwhile cash earners in a way they never were before.
Click to expand...

Your navy rank won’t do that...

The credits you receive for completing data deliveries is governed by your trade rank. Federation/Empire navy ranks just unlock permits for some systems and unlock faction specific ships (Dropship, Cutter etc....).

It would be nice if they did more.
 

aRJay

aRJay
Simon Templar said:
My mission income has shot up since I started moving through the Federal ranks. I'm Lt. Commander now and the regular data missions are worthwhile cash earners in a way they never were before.
Click to expand...

That's a false correlation, the naval ranking process tends to improve your standings with the minor factions so because they like/trust you more they offer you the good missions if you went somewhere new you would be back to the cheapskate versions of the missions. If your rating has gone up, Penniless, Tycoon, Ranger etc. that can help as well.
 

Simon Templar

Simon Templar
CMDR Maymo said:
Your navy rank won’t do that...

The credits you receive for completing data deliveries is governed by your trade rank. Federation/Empire navy ranks just unlock permits for some systems and unlock faction specific ships (Dropship, Cutter etc....).

It would be nice if they did more.
Click to expand...

aRJay said:
That's a false correlation, the naval ranking process tends to improve your standings with the minor factions so because they like/trust you more they offer you the good missions if you went somewhere new you would be back to the cheapskate versions of the missions. If your rating has gone up, Penniless, Tycoon, Ranger etc. that can help as well.
Click to expand...

Thank you, both of you. I have four kids, two businesses and my wife has a full time job - I love this game, but sometimes think it is actually harder than my day job lol. I need to hire an assistant to assist me with Galactic Affairs!
 
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