Closest thing to strategy have...

Rob U

I've found it really effective to build a bunch of long range ships and one super fast ship to dodge bullets.  I just run the fast ship in and start circling while the long range ships take stuff out.  Anyone out there have any ship builds or strategies they use?

kenmoresp

hmm...I am having trouble making the ships circle and you mentioned.  What am I missing?  I can move them around, but as far a really having much control over them, I just am not getting it.

Flo

Rob, I already figured out this tactic since day, also posted a video here

Sprouts

I actually first heard of this particular strategy from Curtis Smale, about taking down Battle Pirates salvages in the pre-subs, pre-specials, pre-arrowkey era. I've been thinking he'd love the FvF in this game too. 

Krazie243

Haha, glad to see I'm still remembered around here, lol.

I do really love this game's FvF. It is truly incredible. Far more than the days of BP.

As for strategies, these are what I've tested so far (that I like):

FvF (enemy offline): Harriers are a must to draw fire. I usually arm them with railguns but you could easily arm them with lasers as well for killing off enemy longbows. Using other ships like Longbows with railguns to shoot down misdirected enemies is very useful, but be wary of leading your prey around with the harrier as they'll inadvertently dodge your railgun shots from other ships.

FvF (enemy online): Don't have too many ships, I took 6 Harriers vs 1 and got toasted because controlling that many was too much. Using smaller numbers means being more nimble and controlled. Harriers are a must have, but other supporting ships are useful too. It may be useful to back up some Harriers with Lonbows containing lasers like gear (since there is no chance enemy Harriers will dodge) given that Longbows can utilize extended range to hit railgun Harriers with lasers. If the enemy tries to skirt around or run, don't chase. Allowing a stalemate is better than chasing and dying.

Base hits: I mix it up with Harriers and Longbows with railguns (I don't have Rancor yet). The Longbows take out laser towers while the Harriers can take out gauss defenses. It gets tricky when both exist but Longbows can technically do the trick against gauss as well, it is simply harder to do properly so if I see a mix of both towers I use Longbows. Can't wait for the Rancor, and I am dreading the Polaron Beam.

Thrawns Fist

Curtis Smale said:

Haha, glad to see I'm still remembered around here, lol.

I do really love this game's FvF. It is truly incredible. Far more than the days of BP.

As for strategies, these are what I've tested so far (that I like):

FvF (enemy offline): Harriers are a must to draw fire. I usually arm them with railguns but you could easily arm them with lasers as well for killing off enemy longbows. Using other ships like Longbows with railguns to shoot down misdirected enemies is very useful, but be wary of leading your prey around with the harrier as they'll inadvertently dodge your railgun shots from other ships.

FvF (enemy online): Don't have too many ships, I took 6 Harriers vs 1 and got toasted because controlling that many was too much. Using smaller numbers means being more nimble and controlled. Harriers are a must have, but other supporting ships are useful too. It may be useful to back up some Harriers with Lonbows containing lasers like gear (since there is no chance enemy Harriers will dodge) given that Longbows can utilize extended range to hit railgun Harriers with lasers. If the enemy tries to skirt around or run, don't chase. Allowing a stalemate is better than chasing and dying.

Base hits: I mix it up with Harriers and Longbows with railguns (I don't have Rancor yet). The Longbows take out laser towers while the Harriers can take out gauss defenses. It gets tricky when both exist but Longbows can technically do the trick against gauss as well, it is simply harder to do properly so if I see a mix of both towers I use Longbows. Can't wait for the Rancor, and I am dreading the Polaron Beam.

most people have harriers with torps or rails. i watched one person take out an all rail genesis fleet out with 1 harrier. when i hit the fleet i simply used 1 laser genesis to kill it and take the fleet out, then i fought a all rail harrier fleet i was able to take it all out to 1 on 1 with my rail genesis saying this we did draw but if you are a very good pvp pilot then you dont need harriers to distract enemies or to out run them and shoot them

Krazie243

Thrawns Fist said:

most people have harriers with torps or rails. i watched one person take out an all rail genesis fleet out with 1 harrier. when i hit the fleet i simply used 1 laser genesis to kill it and take the fleet out, then i fought a all rail harrier fleet i was able to take it all out to 1 on 1 with my rail genesis saying this we did draw but if you are a very good pvp pilot then you dont need harriers to distract enemies or to out run them and shoot them

You might want to pay better attention to what I post. The FvF (offline) was NOT a valid FvF (online) tactic. In fact, your battle reference is exactly what I was saying in my FvF (online) paragraph - that more ships means harder to control and more losses so it is best to use 1 ship and be nimble.

As for offline battles tho (mostly cargos) you can use the baiting idea and do quite well. Although I have a preference for angled strafing with Harriers until they deal with the exploit.