Thargoid Combat: Difference between revisions
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The meat and potatoes of Thargoid combat is based on a practice known as '''Cold Orbiting'''. Thargoid Interceptors, just like human ships, have a hard time targeting very cold targets. While they can still see them visually, they lose the ability to predict their direction of movement, instead firing directly where they appear to be. Since their weapons have travel time, if a player is able to move laterally(sideways) fast enough, their projectiles will pass harmlessly by. There are three primary ways to maintain low enough heat. | The meat and potatoes of Thargoid combat is based on a practice known as '''Cold Orbiting'''. Thargoid Interceptors, just like human ships, have a hard time targeting very cold targets. While they can still see them visually, they lose the ability to predict their direction of movement, instead firing directly where they appear to be. Since their weapons have travel time, if a player is able to move laterally(sideways) fast enough, their projectiles will pass harmlessly by. There are three primary ways to maintain low enough heat. | ||
*'''Thermal Vent''' experimental engineering on Beam Lasers can be used to maintain low heat indefinitely. This is an excellent to practice cold orbiting when first starting. However, guardian weapons need full usage of a player's distributor, so using a beam laser at the same time is typically a bad idea. | *'''Thermal Vent''' experimental engineering on Beam Lasers can be used to maintain low heat indefinitely. This is an excellent way to practice cold orbiting when first starting. However, guardian weapons need full usage of a player's distributor, so using a beam laser at the same time is typically a bad idea. | ||
*Attack runs are usually carried out using '''Heat Sinks'''. They give 10 seconds of extreme heat dispersal. Additionally - and not displayed in their statistics - they also give a bonus 2MW of bonus distributor power to weapons. This is what is usually used during attack runs, with additional charges synthesized between attack runs. | *Attack runs are usually carried out using '''Heat Sinks'''. They give 10 seconds of extreme heat dispersal. Additionally - and not displayed in their statistics - they also give a bonus 2MW of bonus distributor power to weapons. This is what is usually used during attack runs, with additional charges synthesized between attack runs. | ||
'''Silent Running''' can also be used for pure avoidance. However, it must be used judiciously, or it will lead to rapid overheating and internal damage. | *'''Silent Running''' can also be used for pure avoidance. However, it must be used judiciously, or it will lead to rapid overheating and internal damage. | ||
Of course, ''just'' moving laterally will quickly move the player out of range of the Thargoid, making it difficult to damage it in turn, so the pilot must maintain the same range, while moving laterally and staying cold - in other words, a 'cold orbit'. | |||
Of course, ''just'' moving laterally will quickly move the player out of range of the Thargoid, making it difficult to damage it in turn, so the pilot must maintain | |||
While this sounds simple in theory, in practice can be substantially more difficult. Thargoids will attempt to match velocities with the player so their projectiles can hit, and during later parts of the fight, they will use alternative weapons such as lightning and caustic missiles. Players will need to maintain a distance between 800m and 1500m while sustaining fire to break the Thargoid's regeneration and/or destroy the heart. | While this sounds simple in theory, in practice can be substantially more difficult. Thargoids will attempt to match velocities with the player so their projectiles can hit, and during later parts of the fight, they will use alternative weapons such as lightning and caustic missiles. Players will need to maintain a distance between 800m and 1500m while sustaining fire to break the Thargoid's regeneration and/or destroy the heart. | ||