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« on: April 20, 2014, 02:54:28 PM »
Early game:
I go for the Enforcer with 2 regular/dual flak cannons on either side for amazing PD, a single Mauler to punch through armor, and 2 Thumpers to shred anything left. Can easily tear through most low-tech ships with ease. Not very good against shields, but I usually stick to fighting pirates until I get a larger fleet.
Mid game:
Apogee. In my opinion the only viable flagship in the cruiser size category. It balances damage, both burst and sustained, with excellent shield coverage and respectable speed. Out of combat it is able to haul enough fuel and cargo to make freighters non-essential. I equip it with a single Autopulse laser, 2 anti-matter blasters, 2 heavy blasters, and 2 tactical lasers. Along with the Expanded Magazines hull mod, the Autopulse is a master of suppressing fire. 1-2 full barrages from this weapon can take down almost any shield generator, allowing you to sucker punch them with your dual Anti-Matter blasters. The heavy blasters are the epitome of high DPS in a small package, able to take on cruisers and even capitals. The high travel speed of the blaster round also makes it able to pick off fighters and bombers with ease. The tactical lasers could be swapped out for burst PD, but with your 360 degree shields, PD is almost obsolete.
Late game:
Onslaught. A ship that has so much armor you question if it actually has any hull behind it. Able to take an entire salvo of harpoon missile without scratching the paint, the Onslaught is the king of fighting without shields. Load it up with Heavy Autocannons, Railguns, Light Assault Guns, Dual Flak Cannons, and either Hephaestus or Mjolnir Cannons and nothing will be able to stand in your way. Burndrive right into the middle of the enemy fleet and watch them fall to your hail of bullets. The only downside to this ship isn't in combat, but in logistics. The Onslaught is a logistics black hole, taking massive amounts of supplies and fuel to cart it from battle to battle. In order to keep battle-ready you need a small fleet of tugs and cargo ships to back it up.