Greetings explorers,
since I'm trying to explore right now and I'm a so new to this game, I got a bunch of questions.
I searched the web and the forum but maybe I didn't use the right terms.
If I missed the thread where parts of or all my questions are answered, I would appreciate to get a link.
If not, I hope to find answers.
I try to get an early long exploration all-purpose vessel.
After seeing all these loadouts of all ships I still feel like I miss something.
Got my Cobra MKIII with a ADS/DSS, FS and solid FSD
I fly around, scooping and scanning the systems.
That's fine. Learning by doing.
Then my "problems" start:
1. Data containers
I detect an unknown signal source that I check out and I find a data container that I can not collect because I have no cargo rack.
So I feel like I need a cargo rack.
2. Surface exploration
Then I read about findings on the surface of planets but I can not go there because I have no hangar.
So I feel like I need a vehicle hangar.
3. Surface landing dangers
I continue reading and learn about crash landings when commanders underestimate the g force.
So I feel like I need a shield generator and maybe not the cheapest thrusters
4. Wear off
I realize that I still take damage by being inexperienced, inattentive or just by bad luck.
So I feel like I need AFMU. Better two since one it can not repair itself.
So according to the possibilities this would my internal modules list:
1. Advanced Discovery Scanner - must
2. Detailed Surface Scanner - must
3. Fuel Scoop - must
4. Auto Field Maintenance Unit - feeling better with one
5. Auto Field Maintenance Unit 2 - feeling even better with two
6. Planetary Vehicle Hangar - surface exploration
7. Shield Generator - feeling better with one
8. Cargo Rack - data container collection
There are not many ships a beginner can afford that offer sufficient internal compartments.
The ASP Explorer has 7.
The Cobra MKIV has 8.
Now I would like to know how experienced explorers would handle this.
And I got questions to the mentioned problems.
--> 1. Data containers
Do you collect this data containers while exploring? Do you consider it as an explorers task? (I don't even know what they contain. I read some information about data that lead to missions/riddles/etc.)
--> 2. Surface exploration
Do you land on planets and drive around when you're on a long trip? And why would I need more than one of these vehicles? Is this for multi crew purposes or do they crash so easy that I need a backup?
--> 3. Surface landing dangers
I understand that better shields/thrusters protect you better. But I don't know how strong my shields and thrusters have to be to protect me from crashing a ship of a certain mass on a planet with a certain gravity. Is there any suggestion?
--> 4. Wear off
I saw loadouts with even more than two AFMUs. I am happy to have at least one. Am I too chicken-hearted? How do other commanders see it?
Off course I have ideas what could be possible answers to some of those questions.
---> 1. Data containers
Concentrate on one topic. At least until you have enough credits to afford a ship with all the compartments you need. Be aware that you sacrifice manoeuvrability.
Or:
These data containers are better collected with a loadout that allows you to follow the hints given in it to the next step. Don't bother with it while exploring. (Then I wonder why I find them far away)
---> 2. Surface exploration
Definitely an explorers task since Horizons. If you like it - go for it.
You need more than one vehicle because... ?
---> 3. Surface landing dangers
The weaker your thrusters and shields are, the more careful you have to be.
But you can (theoretical) land the biggest ship with the weakest components on a plant with heavy g force.
---> 4. Wear off
The more experience you gain, the less will you need to repair from your faults. There is still the chance of popping out between two stars, but hey... no risk no fun.
Bonus question:
Why is the Cobra MKIV never mentioned for exploration?
It is inferior in terms of jump range but with 8 internal compartments it would fit my needs better than any other ship. And less range means more exploration! Don't know about other pros/cons.
That's it for now.
I hope to get some answers.
Thank you!
sean_crow