Oolite Tactics - Revision history

Cholmondely: /* Who's Who */ Added link to BB tactics.

2025-04-15T04:01:18Z

‎Who's Who: Added link to BB tactics.

Cholmondely: /* BB threads */ Added another

2024-08-20T15:20:29Z

‎BB threads: Added another

Cholmondely: Added clarification at top of page

2024-05-20T08:56:18Z

Added clarification at top of page

Phkb: Updating BB links

2024-03-18T07:38:47Z

Updating BB links

Phkb: Updating BB links

2024-02-29T02:20:41Z

Updating BB links

Cholmondely: /* OXP options */ Added more

2023-06-11T11:49:55Z

‎OXP options: Added more

Cholmondely: /* Tactics for specific equipment */ Clarified note

2023-06-11T10:34:19Z

‎Tactics for specific equipment: Clarified note

Cholmondely: /* Combat tactics */ Added section on Precision Flying

2023-04-09T09:07:49Z

‎Combat tactics: Added section on Precision Flying

Cholmondely: /* Mechanical Tweaks */ Updated links

2022-06-24T10:35:03Z

‎Mechanical Tweaks: Updated links

Cholmondely: /* BB threads */ Added another

2022-05-01T23:05:26Z

‎BB threads: Added another

@@ Line 85: / Line 85: @@
 *'''Hunters''': Ranging from paramilitary squadrons, to lone wolf vigilantes. Former traders perhaps, who made their bank grinding the long hauls, and now seek to inflict the same misery on pirates as pirates inflicted on them as traders. Usually fly very well kitted combat ships, and will be relentless in battle.
 *'''Pirates''': Whether natural psychopaths or too stupid to succeed at honest work, these are the scum of the universe who adopted a criminal lifestyle. Despite an outwardly bravado, many will scatter if they find themselves outclassed, thus why they tend to attack in packs, flying ships in varying states of repair. They will often move from their anarchies and such-like to raid neighbouring safer systems.
-*'''Assassins''': these don't back down, and a top-rated heavy assassin (they fly Asps) can be a challenge.
+*'''Assassins''': these don't back down, and a top-rated heavy assassin (they fly Asps) can be a challenge. See [https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?p=241810#p241810 here] and following for more.
-*'''Aegis Raiders''': pirates or assassins who raid the station [[Aegis|aegis]] for prey.
+*'''Aegis Raiders''': pirates or assassins who raid the station [[Aegis|aegis]] for prey. See [https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?p=241810#p241810 here] and following for more.
 ==Escaping tactics==

@@ Line 222: / Line 222: @@
 == BB threads ==
-*[https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=495 Favourite Combat Tactics] 2005-16
+*[https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=495 Favourite Combat Tactics] (2005-16)
-*[https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7053 Stalemate frustration] 2009
+*[https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7053 Stalemate frustration] (2009)
-*[https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=6214 is there a such thing as evasive maneuvers?] 2009
+*[https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=6214 is there a such thing as evasive maneuvers?] (2009)
-*[https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8686 Combat] 2010
+*[https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8686 Combat] (2010)
-*[https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8189 Group dogfight tactics] 2010
+*[https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8189 Group dogfight tactics] (2010)
-*[https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=8283 Player not the fastest ship...] 2010 - use of speed in combat
+*[https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=8283 Player not the fastest ship...] (2010) - use of speed in combat
-*[https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?p=257726#p257726 Any combat tips?] 2017
+*[https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?t=7992 Important Rules for Space Combat & Flight] (2010) - mix of humour and serious
-*[https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=19285 Oolite tactics] 2018-18
+*[https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?p=257726#p257726 Any combat tips?] (2017)
-Note that the NPC tactics changed in 2014 (v.1.80) and again in 2015 (v.1.82).
+Note that the NPC's tactics were beefed up in 2014 (v.1.80) and then weakened slightly in 2015 (v.1.82).
 == Other advice pages ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:56, 20 May 2024
Line 1:		Line 1:
		+	'''Combat!''' (For trading, docking ''etc'' see [[:Category:Help pages]])
		+
		+
		+
	Life in space is not easy. It doesn't matter what your occupation is - sooner or later, someone will shoot at you (or you will shoot at someone else). Blundering headlong into a dangerous situation without preparation is a certain way to end up dead, or at the very least, as petfood in orbit around Isveve.		Life in space is not easy. It doesn't matter what your occupation is - sooner or later, someone will shoot at you (or you will shoot at someone else). Blundering headlong into a dangerous situation without preparation is a certain way to end up dead, or at the very least, as petfood in orbit around Isveve.

@@ Line 196: / Line 196: @@
 *OR you could try using something other than just your keyboard!
 **Use your mouse! '''Shift-M''' (for roll on x-axis) & '''Shift-Control-M''' (for yaw on x-axis) toggle flight control for your mouse in full-screen playing mode.
-**Add a game controller! Look [[Dizzy's guide to Setting up Joystick Axis Profiles|here]] & also at [http://bb.aegidian.org/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=18855 this] discussion.
+**Add a game controller! Look [[Dizzy's guide to Setting up Joystick Axis Profiles|here]] & also at [https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=18855 this] discussion.
 **Or add a speedpad
 **Or add a joystick. Ideally one compatible with your computer! Tips [[Dizzy's guide to Setting up Joystick Axis Profiles|here]]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 Life in space is not easy. It doesn't matter what your occupation is - sooner or later, someone will shoot at you (or you will shoot at someone else). Blundering headlong into a dangerous situation without preparation is a certain way to end up dead, or at the very least, as petfood in orbit around Isveve.
-This essay is designed to combine most of the hints and tips given to players on the [http://aegidian.org/bb/index.php Oolite Bulletin Board] over time. Hopefully some of this information is useful to you in your journeys across the Eight.
+This essay is designed to combine most of the hints and tips given to players on the [https://bb.oolite.space/index.php Oolite Bulletin Board] over time. Hopefully some of this information is useful to you in your journeys across the Eight.
 There are some OXP tools and additions that can make combat easier. We'll look at some OXP solutions and options at the end. What follows just covers the core equipment and scenarios.
@@ Line 161: / Line 161: @@
 ===Missile options===
 * [[Missiles_and_Bombs|Missiles and Bombs]] and [[Armoury_OXP|Armoury]] provides more missile and bomb options for the player, which can sometimes particularly help with larger targets (like Thargoid motherships). Be aware, some of these missiles may be used against the player.
-* [http://aegidian.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=18705 Missile beep] adds an audible notification that a missile is inbound.
+* [https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=18705 Missile beep] adds an audible notification that a missile is inbound.
 * [[I_Missile|I Missile]] is another missile option, with high speed and high impact.
-* [http://www.aegidian.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=14420 Nexus Missiles] provide various multi-warhead, semi-automatically-targeting, missiles.
+* [https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=14420 Nexus Missiles] provide various multi-warhead, semi-automatically-targeting, missiles.
 * If you're missing the Energy Bomb from the original Elite, you can add it back in with the [[Energy_Bomb|Energy Bomb OXP]].
@@ Line 191: / Line 191: @@
 *You might find it helpful to reconfigure your keyboard.
 **[[Keyboard Cobra]] OXP retunes the navigation keys to be more precise helping accuracy with your laser.
-**TSOJ [http://aegidian.org/bb/viewtopic.php?p=270930#p270930 suggests] rebinding the navigation keys in a more easy-to-use manner
+**TSOJ [https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?p=270930#p270930 suggests] rebinding the navigation keys in a more easy-to-use manner
-**Linux keyboards (non-US) can be a major problem: see [http://www.aegidian.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=20822 here].
+**Linux keyboards (non-US) can be a major problem: see [https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=20822 here].
-*** Non-English Language Keyboards can be [http://www.aegidian.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=20638 problematic].
+*** Non-English Language Keyboards can be [https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=20638 problematic].
 *OR you could try using something other than just your keyboard!
 **Use your mouse! '''Shift-M''' (for roll on x-axis) & '''Shift-Control-M''' (for yaw on x-axis) toggle flight control for your mouse in full-screen playing mode.
@@ Line 215: / Line 215: @@
     Having said that, I get the impression from your posts that you believe the enemies are unbeatable. They are not. You ''can'' win against them. NPCs do not have shields (one of the very few occasions where the player is given an advantage free of charge), only energy banks and those are exactly the same as yours. One of the things we did when we adjusted the balance for 1.82, was a survey amongst players. Part of the data collected was input from a few experienced players who started as brand fresh commanders at Lave when we asked for their help. And their input was that, with the balance changes in 1.82, it was definitely doable. Not easy, mind you, but doable. I expect that fresh players will obviously not find it doable immediately, but I believe that it is just a matter of persistence and developing some skill that was simply not applicable in the 8-bit versions, before they get to the level where they can make it. You already seem to be getting there; remember that ship that run away on injectors after having begged for mercy? You almost had him there and if he used injectors to flee, it was because he had already lost the battle. Without injectors, you would have finished it really soon.<br/>
     In any case, ships with injectors in the core game are mostly Asps, Kraits or Fer-de-Lances, so it was not exactly an easy-peasy fight you had there to begin with. So you are already progressing, but you seem to be quite unlucky too (bumping on tough opponents, having your Energy Unit being picked as the first equipment to be damaged in combat etc), but I am sure you are getting there.<br/>
-    Some tips have already been given and there are other combat tactics that you can find out as you play the game too. For example, did you know that if you put your ship between the sun and your enemies, the sun glare will blind them and cause them to miss a lot? Also, fly unpredictably. The enemies are programmed to simulate human behaviour and they try to predict where you will go next based on your current heading and maneuvering. Surprise them. If you have one ship in your sights and another starts hitting you, do not be afraid to break lock on your current target and evade. Be on the move at all times. I'm sure you will find other tactics yourself if you don't give up. And yes, get a military laser, it makes life so much easier. And quirium bombs, they are good for cleaning up a mess, provided you can run fast. [http://aegidian.org/bb/viewtopic.php?p=239479#p239479 another_commander (2015)]
+    Some tips have already been given and there are other combat tactics that you can find out as you play the game too. For example, did you know that if you put your ship between the sun and your enemies, the sun glare will blind them and cause them to miss a lot? Also, fly unpredictably. The enemies are programmed to simulate human behaviour and they try to predict where you will go next based on your current heading and maneuvering. Surprise them. If you have one ship in your sights and another starts hitting you, do not be afraid to break lock on your current target and evade. Be on the move at all times. I'm sure you will find other tactics yourself if you don't give up. And yes, get a military laser, it makes life so much easier. And quirium bombs, they are good for cleaning up a mess, provided you can run fast. [https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?p=239479#p239479 another_commander (2015)]
 == BB threads ==
-*[http://aegidian.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=495 Favourite Combat Tactics] 2005-16
+*[https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=495 Favourite Combat Tactics] 2005-16
-*[http://www.aegidian.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7053 Stalemate frustration] 2009
+*[https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7053 Stalemate frustration] 2009
-*[http://aegidian.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=6214 is there a such thing as evasive maneuvers?] 2009
+*[https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=6214 is there a such thing as evasive maneuvers?] 2009
-*[http://www.aegidian.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8686 Combat] 2010
+*[https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8686 Combat] 2010
-*[http://aegidian.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8189 Group dogfight tactics] 2010
+*[https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8189 Group dogfight tactics] 2010
-*[http://www.aegidian.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=8283 Player not the fastest ship...] 2010 - use of speed in combat
+*[https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=8283 Player not the fastest ship...] 2010 - use of speed in combat
-*[http://aegidian.org/bb/viewtopic.php?p=257726#p257726 Any combat tips?] 2017
+*[https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?p=257726#p257726 Any combat tips?] 2017
-*[http://www.aegidian.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=19285 Oolite tactics] 2018-18
+*[https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=19285 Oolite tactics] 2018-18
 Note that the NPC tactics changed in 2014 (v.1.80) and again in 2015 (v.1.82).

@@ Line 127: / Line 127: @@
 ==OXP options==
-There are a lot of OXP options for making combat easier. However, please make sure you read all the information about these OXP's before you install them. There may be unexpected consequences from adding them. For instance, adding Missiles and Bombs also makes them available to NPC ships, meaning some of these items may be fired at you.
+There are a ''lot'' of OXP options for making combat easier. However, please make sure you read all the information about these OXP's before you install them. There may be unexpected consequences from adding them. For instance, adding missiles and/or bombs also makes them available to NPC ships, meaning some of these items may be fired at you.
 This list is not to be considered as some form of recommendation, or even a complete list of OXP's designed to help with combat, but merely as a starting point for finding OXP additions that might be suitable in your play experience. The links will take you to the page that describes the equipment. Read this information carefully before installing the OXP.
-For a full list of OXP's you can visit [http://www.oolite.org/oxps/ oolite.org/oxps], which lists all OXP's that can be downloaded directly from within the game, or go to [[OXP_List|the OXP List]] which lists pretty much everything that's available.
+For a full list of OXP's you can visit [https://www.oolite.space/oxps/ oolite.space/oxps], which lists all OXP's that can be downloaded directly from within the game, or go to [[OXP_List|the OXP List]] which lists pretty much everything else that's available.
 ===Targeting options===
-* [[Guide to Accuracy OXPs]]
+* [[Guide to Accuracy OXPs]] has a fulsome analysis of what is available (and some notes on the Vanilla game options).
 ===Laser options===
@@ Line 160: / Line 175: @@
 * [[Shield_Equalizer_%26_Capacitors_OXP|Shield Equalizer & Capacitors]] will equalise shields if one is higher than the other, as well as storing energy and passing it back into the shields when they are reduced.
 * [[ShieldCycler|Shield Cycler]] allows pilots to configure how shields are to be configured: all forward, all aft, or both. This can really help if your default method of dealing with enemy ships is to turn away and snipe with a tail laser.
 ===Other options===
-* [[BroadcastComms_MFD|BroadcastComms MFD]] (Mulit-Function Display) gives you the chance to attempt to bribe an attacker with some credits. If the bribe fails, you can try offering them even more credits.
+* [[BroadcastComms_MFD|BroadcastComms MFD]] (Multi-Function Display) gives you the chance to attempt to bribe an attacker with some credits. If the bribe fails, you can try offering them even more credits.
 * [[GalCop_Galactic_Registry|GalCop Galactic Registry]] can help you examine the make-up of the galaxy by highlighting specific elements of the sector (economies, techlevel, government, etc).
 * [[Fuel_Tank|Fuel Tank]] is a disposable, pylon-mounted accessory that allows for an additional 3ly of fuel to be carried, to top up fuel tanks when required.

@@ Line 91: / Line 91: @@
 ==Tactics for specific equipment==
-Note: See this document for a more detailed look at [[Laser_tactics|laser tactics]].
+''Note: For rather more detail look at [[Laser tactics]].''
 ===Pulse lasers===
 With a range limited to 12.5km, these are a short range weapon. You have to get in close for these to have any impact at all.
@@ Line 110: / Line 110: @@
 ===Missiles===
-See this document for more details about [[Missile_tactics|tactics with missiles]], but in short:
+''Note: For rather more detail look at [[Missile tactics]] and [[Using weapons of mass destruction]].''
 * [[Missile|Standard missiles]] should be shot at close range, and the less the target is moving the more likely it will arrive before it's hit by an ECM blast.
 * [[ECM_Hardened_Missile|ECM-hardened missiles]] can be shot at long range, and are useful for thinning out an attacking group.
@@ Line 118: / Line 118: @@
 ===Incoming missiles and ECM===
-When a missile is fired at you, hit the ECM system straight away and keep hitting it until the missile is destroyed. Even with ECM-hardened missiles, keep hitting the ECM, as there is still a chance the counter-measure will be effective.
+When a missile is fired at you, hit the ECM system straight away and ''keep'' hitting it until the missile is destroyed. Even with ECM-hardened missiles, keep hitting the ECM, as there is still a chance the counter-measure will be effective.
 You can target the nearest incoming missile with one of your own by pressing T (shift-t).
 Using the ECM will use energy - lots of it, actually. In a ship like a Cobra Mark III you have quite a bit of energy to spare, but in smaller ships your energy reserves are limited. You may find your ECM won't fire because there is insufficient energy to run it. Keep an eye on your energy during battles to make sure you know if you need to run away from an incoming missile.

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:07, 9 April 2023
Line 17:		Line 17:

	Note: If you don't fancy your prospects in the standard [[Cobra_Mk.3_(Oolite)\|Cobra Mark III]] (the default starting ship), you could trade it in for a smaller ship (say, a [[Cobra_Mk.1_(Oolite)\|Cobra Mark I]]), which will give you a bunch of credits to get you some essential kit as early as possible. However, there are downsides to down-sizing: smaller energy banks, slower speeds, smaller cargo capacity, some limitations on equipment. Make sure you understand the specifications of the ship you switch to.		Note: If you don't fancy your prospects in the standard [[Cobra_Mk.3_(Oolite)\|Cobra Mark III]] (the default starting ship), you could trade it in for a smaller ship (say, a [[Cobra_Mk.1_(Oolite)\|Cobra Mark I]]), which will give you a bunch of credits to get you some essential kit as early as possible. However, there are downsides to down-sizing: smaller energy banks, slower speeds, smaller cargo capacity, some limitations on equipment. Make sure you understand the specifications of the ship you switch to.
		+
		+	=== Precision Flying ===
		+	You can fly more accurately by using "Precision Flying" for more precise pitching/yawing/rolling (this is very useful for aiming at distant or small targets!).
		+	There are 4 options. <br>
		+	1) Flying on Keyboard: hold down the "control" button. This stops when the button is released. (See [[AppleMac]] for bypassing interference by "Mission Control"). <br>
		+	1) Flying on Keyboard: install the [[Keyboard Cobra]] OXP. This ensures that all flying is "precision flying" - but permanently inhibits fast turning.<br>
		+	3) Flying on Controller/Joystick: the control button toggles between "precision" and "normal" flight. An indicator on some HUDs shows which is enabled (See [[Joysticks and Gamepads]]). One can also assign a controller/joystick button to this function. <br>
		+	4) Flying on Controller/Joystick: precision flying can be incorporated into joystick axis [[Dizzy's guide to Setting up Joystick Axis Profiles\|"splines"]] which alter the response to joystick movements.

	===Beginner tactics===		===Beginner tactics===

@@ Line 168: / Line 168: @@
 *OR you could try using something other than just your keyboard!
 **Use your mouse! '''Shift-M''' (for roll on x-axis) & '''Shift-Control-M''' (for yaw on x-axis) toggle flight control for your mouse in full-screen playing mode.
-**Add a game controller! Look [[Dizzy's guide to Setting up Joystick Axis Profiles in Oolite 1.80|here]] & also at [http://bb.aegidian.org/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=18855 this] discussion.
+**Add a game controller! Look [[Dizzy's guide to Setting up Joystick Axis Profiles|here]] & also at [http://bb.aegidian.org/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=18855 this] discussion.
 **Or add a speedpad
-**Or add a joystick. Ideally one compatible with your computer! Tips [[Dizzy's guide to Setting up Joystick Axis Profiles in Oolite 1.80|here]]
+**Or add a joystick. Ideally one compatible with your computer! Tips [[Dizzy's guide to Setting up Joystick Axis Profiles|here]]
-**Or a joystick & throttle set (HOTAS: Hands-On Throttle And Stick). Tips [[Dizzy's guide to Setting up Joystick Axis Profiles in Oolite 1.80|here]]
+**Or a joystick & throttle set (HOTAS: Hands-On Throttle And Stick). Tips [[Dizzy's guide to Setting up Joystick Axis Profiles|here]]
-**Or two joysticks (HOSAS: Hands-On Stick And Stick). Tips [[Dizzy's guide to Setting up Joystick Axis Profiles in Oolite 1.80|here]]
+**Or two joysticks (HOSAS: Hands-On Stick And Stick). Tips [[Dizzy's guide to Setting up Joystick Axis Profiles|here]]
 **Or even a [[Buttonboxes|Buttonbox]]!