Alright, Ensign - your details check out.
Here's your standard-issue 0.7.2 data packet, and a bit of free advice - be sure to check compatibility before installing anything, 0.7.1 mods will usually work, but they may throw a spanner into your works.
You'll want to head on over to
StarSector Plus, which will improve your experience across the board. It has a myriad of balance changes, as well as a series of .json files in the mod folder that you can tweak to your liking.
If you're tiring of the Corvus sector, pay
Nexerelin a visit. That'll grant you access to a random-sector-generator, allowing you to choose the factions you want to encounter, as well as the number of celestial objects and solar systems contained within.
These two are your bread-and-butter for gameplay expansion, but there are several other places to check out, just to keep you safe.
I'd recommend getting your
Version Checked, just to make sure you haven't contracted anything nasty from all this fraternisation. That mod there will notify you of any issues or updates when you enter your pilot's seat.
If something goes wrong, or you're planning on modifying your experience, don't forget to upload your consciousness to the
Save Transfer. Once you've updated or installed modifications, you can transfer your consciousness, skills, fleet, possessions, and reputation to your altered reality, whatever it may be. Note that this is exceptionally handy in conjunction with Nexerelin, where you can bring everything along when you generate a new sector. That way if there's a conflict or sudden cessation of reality, you'll have a backup.
And speaking of things breaking, I'd recommend installing
Console Commands to your onboard computer. It works just like it sounds, giving you an array of problem-solving or problem-creating tricks, or even just a cheeky leg-up if you need it.
If you're looking to meet some new faces, there's a
Pack of People nearby that'll introduce a little variety into your life. Of course, once you're in your ship you won't be able to hear what they say unless you activate
Combat Chatter which handily transcribes the joys and sufferings of nearby pilots to your heads-up-display. If you'd like to keep an eye out for them, or for yourself, download the
Common Radar app.
So you're looking to get your feet wet and fraternise with some new folks, I'll ease you into it. Starting with the
Junk Pirates wouldn't be such a bad idea. There's a range of almost-familiar ships there, as well as some small-time factions to enhance your sector-traversing experience. The folks down at
Metelson Industries have some nice craft to get used to.
Now if you're going to delve any deeper, and make friends with some strange factions, you'll probably need to visit the library first. That's right, there's the
Shader Library and the
Lazy Library. Both go hand-in-hand when it comes to adding beauty and functionality to the more complex mods - but be sure to check all the previous links, as some of them might require these libraries, too.
Now that those are out of the way, I'll introduce you to the major players.
An army has arrived, clad in yellow and gold. They call themselves the
Interstellar Imperium and with such armour and combat discipline I don't doubt that name for one minute.
Speaking of discipline, I've heard the phrase
New Galactic Order uttered in hushed corners. I didn't want to pry, but most of the pilots discussing the issue seemed to be missing rather more limbs than usual.
On a lighter topic, the
Neutrino Corp are doing some amazing things with lasers and light beams.
Then there are those strangers out by the
Pegasus Belt. Their ships may be bizarre, but if you cross them, so will the circumstances of your death.
On that topic, the geniuses behind
Diable Avionics are expanding their reach. That ion storm last week? That was a demonstratory fusillade from their flagship.
Now I don't know much about the enigma that is
Blackrock Drive Yards, I probably never will - They're strange and alluring, and no one in their right mind can enjoy green light that much.
Now that's enough of my time, but before I go I'll let you in on a secret. Don't ask about the
Knight's Templar. It's for your own good - they aren't to be trifled with, not even if you had the backing of the entire IBB.
I wish you the best of luck, pilot - out there is a whole range of experts and people smarter than me.
Relax, try to have fun, and don't get blown up!
