Starsector combat requires logistics support. Running low on supplies and mass is unforgiving when you're still learning the game.
This guide shows you one way to bootstrap a viable, sustainable combat character that doesn't rely on slurping down supplies and fuel at every market.
Step 1: The Mercenary LifeHit
e, 1, w and select "Bounties" on the left. You're looking for system-wide bounties from factions that don't hate you.
Everyone hates pirates so they'll be your primary target. (And Corvus starts with one, what a coincidence!) The bounty could be for anything though - you'll get paid for any hostile ships you destroy in the area.
Getting a commission with a faction is a fairly permanent choice, but doubles your payments if you know where you're going to end up. Being hostile to their enemies won't be a problem for long.
Step 2: Fleet EfficiencySee the supply cost of whatever fleet you're engaging? Your goal is to spend less supplies killing it than it's carrying.
You need a bunch of force multipliers to do that. Fortunately there's plenty to be had:
- An officer in every combat ship. They don't cost supplies and provide huge benefits.
- Since you'll be fighting pirates at first, specialize in swatting low-tech frigates and destroyers. Fighters and high-speed missiles supporting a front line of fast frigates are great at this.
- Focus on ending combat quickly and decisively. Safety Overrides and missiles are your friends. So is the accelerated ammo feeder on a Lasher or Hammerhead.
- Your flagship is your most deadly asset. With some offensive combat skills, you can roll up a flank by picking off enemy ships one by one before they can retreat or be supported. Learning to be effective with different hulls is also fun!
- Only bring ships that pull their weight. Try different refits in the simulator both manually and under AI control - does the ship fill a useful role in your fleet? If you're missing the weapons/hull mods/officer needed to make it shine, store it for a future date.
- Finally, fight outnumbered. Your ideal fleet is sitting on the system's jump-point in hyperspace, looking outgunned while protecting a bunch of unarmed civilian-hulled freighters. The freighters are for gathering loot from the stream of pirates attacking what looks like an easy kill.
Step 3: Skill SelectionYou'll level quickly. The following is a rough guide to possible skills to focus on, though they're optional and there are many other variations:
Combat skills should be your first investment. You can boost your fleet later as it starts to grow. Since your main supply drain will be combat, logistics and industry skills aren't important unless your fleet is spending lots of supplies repairing armor damage.
Your exact skill choices will be dictated by what hull mods and hulls you stumble across. An early Integrated Targeting Unit or Converted Hangar will drive fleet composition and loadout in different directions.