How does one differentiate players from npcs?

[Breathe42]

"Shoot first; ask later"
Classic.

[Roger Wilco Jr]

I seem to remember a problem when things (NPCs, commanders, canisters, fragments, etc) were far away. I usually have cheap sensors so I don't know if that makes the problem worse.

Anyway, this is what would happen. I'd be in a RES searching for pirates. I'd see some unresolved contacts (flashing solids) and head in that direction. Eventually they would resolve (stop flashing). I never used to pay much attention to the name, but would just look at the rank, ship type, and to see if they were wanted. Then as I'd get closer I'd glance at my scanner and suddenly one of those ships would be hollow. I don't remember ever accidentally taking a shot at a commander, but I have accidentally started shooting a ship that I thought an NPC was attacking before I noticed that it was actually a commander attacking that ship.

I've also seen the reverse. If I flew into an area with a commander and he didn't want to wing up, I'd fly away. And then sometimes I'd glance at the scanner and the hollow blip would have changed to solid before it started flashing (I assume it was the commander and not another NPC). It's been ages, so I'm not sure if that still happens.

Be aware that some NPCs have a name like COMMANDER JACKASS, but only real people will have the CMDR prefix.

[Arithon]

I posted about reading the radar on my blog (http://www.elite-dangerous-blog.co.uk/B ... m-stations).

The human players are hollow, while NPCs are solid.

Quick key is here:


Watch for those pointy hard-points! If they are going behind you, there's going to be laser fire!

[Breathe42]

That helps a lot, thanks. Still gotta learn how to properly read the radar. Gonna check out that blog, thanks for linking!

[Cmdr Kharma]

Yes learn to read the radar.....

I still rely on that a lot in combat...Even though I have head tracking.....

Once learnt it becomes second nature to know where a ship is.....

I was lucky I played the original (84) to death so it was already second nature.....

[Walter]

I seem to remember a problem when things (NPCs, commanders, canisters, fragments, etc) were far away. I usually have cheap sensors so I don't know if that makes the problem worse.

Yes, it does. The flickering occurs when the target is just outside the accurate range of your sensors. A-rated sensors give you the best range.

[Dudley]

Errr.. I once went in to a CZ and shot Xebeth (mistakenly, of course ) and the entire CZ went red and chased everyone out.. ahem!!

Have FD sorted the friendly fire thing out now, where if you clipped someone mistakenly - you got your ass handed to you..?

[Schmobius]

I think it takes more than one or two shots to be counted as a hostile act. I've grazed people's shields without any ill effect many times.

[Loriath]

It should also be noted, if you have "Report Crimes Against Me" Turned on and someone shoots you accidentally in a RES, they will get Boinged for the crime. If it is turned off, the threshold is higher before other ships will respond.

Also, even with Report Crimes Against Me Turned On, if you are in a wing, it provides you a Protection against dinging another ship.

The A-Team has discovered, that in the heat of battle that you can (accidentally of course) shoot a wingmates ship alot and not trigger the fine or a security response from police ships. When you are in a wing and are interdicted by a wing of Elites, the fire is heavy on both sides. The fact that as we close in on a target, a wingmate getting hit is more than possible, it is likely. Without this mechanic, we would have faced heavy fines and a swift response from the police.

In our "Experiments" that we have done "for Valid Scientific Research", we have discovered that the amount of damage against a wingmate that will cause a fine/bounty/security response is nullified to the point just short of destruction. We have also discovered in our "Experiments" that we have done "for Valid Scientific Research" that even if you do massive damage to a wingmate and he is then destroyed quickly afterwards by means that are not part of the "Experiments" that we have done "for Valid Scientific Research" will not in fact, cause the death of said commander to be associated to a wingmate. This would be the equivalent of hitting an NPC with enough weapons fire to garner a fine, and then the NPC is subsequently destroyed by another ship and you receiving a bounty for the death.


* Please Note: All "Experiments" were done in a controlled environment with professional stunt pilots on a closed course, to ensure "Valid Scientific Research" results. No pilots or animals were harmed in the "Experiments". Please do not attempt these "Experiments for Valid Scientific Research" at home. Please Drink Responsibly and Fly Safe Commanders.

[TorTorden]

Oh and the difference between A rated sensors and D rated is like 450m, maybe 600m.

If a target is running really hot though he will show up from like 8km regardless.