Source
r/EliteDangerous•
SpeedTorque

Plasma Accelerators, it's not you, it's me...

Help

Since hitting Elite in exploration I'm trying my hand at combat. Equipped with a new Vulture (thanks for the 30% discount Core Dynamics!) and spending all my mega bucks on A-rated everything, I've found a build that seems to work. It runs two B rated PAs powered by a G1 engineered power generator. For defense I've kept power low by hull tanking and a G1 engineered 5C bi weave shield.

https://s.orbis.zone/bxfC

If I can land a shot it makes you wince with how hard it hits and it's satisfying to hear their shield go down. I also like how when my own shield goes down I have a reasonable amount of time to runaway and recover while the hull takes a beating.

The problem is, I'm just not landing many shots and often when I'm pulling the trigger there is no shot to release (I accept that may be my poor pip management). I'm not going to sell the guns, but I have to accept they just aren't for a novice like me.

For my learning I'm thinking of configuring a build similar to the SU25 (Russian A10 equivalent) I'm familiar with through DCS. Probably a multi cannon and dumb fire missile rack with the same hull tank design. Before I head off trying to find these parts, would someone mind looking over this build for me? Please bear in mind I'm a novice, trying to keep it simple as in two weapon buttons and one countermeasure.

https://s.orbis.zone/bxfS

Thanks

Posted Jan 3, 2021, 9:55 PM UTC

212
beholdtheflesh•

I suggest keep practicing with the plasmas. It takes time to get good with them. They are the hardest and best fixed weapon.

If you engineer the plasmas "Focused" it increases the shot speed, making them much easier to use. At grade 5, the shot speed doubles.

Also, I'd suggest continuing with the engineering...with a higher grade power plant engineering, you'd be able to A-rate the thrusters and engineer them dirty drives + drag drives (makes the ship much faster and more maneuverable), as well as beef up the shields and shield boosters (for a bi-weave setup, I'd recommend putting thermal resist shields, paired with 1 heavy duty/super capacitors booster, and several resistance augmented boosters).

3
Ferrotestes_Veteris•

Yep, keep practicing. Practice practice practice.

Also, with fixed weapons, it helps to set your stick's deadzones to near-zero. Those twitchy little movements are much more tactile and accurate.

Don't really agree about focussed; the faster shot speed just delays the inevitable when he wants more damage potential. If power is the problem, go efficient. Same shot speed, more damage, less dizzy drain.

3
SpeedTorqueOP:explore: Explore•

Thanks for that, your comment gives me a direction to head in.

two quick questions: Stick with plasmas or swap to advanced plasmas?

And what's the reload cost of two plasma magazines, is that something I should be worrying about?

1
beholdtheflesh•

advanced are acquired through powerplay, and with generally mixed reviews...no need to get them

and yes, re-stocking plasma ammo is relatively expensive...but you'll be more than covered with one or two bounty vouchers

2
ToriYamazaki💥Merc ⛏ Miner 🌌 Explorer 🐭 Fuel Rat•

Fixed multicannon and dumbfires is going to be way worse than PAs. Not only will you find it very hard to hit the target, but when you do, it won't do much damage -- especially against decent shields.

As others have said, keep practicing with the PAs. Don't fire from too far away... you have to time it right. You might also consider long range engineering them too... not for the range but for the shot speed.

3
forbiddenlakeCMDR Winter Ihernglass•

Missiles are bad. Try a fixed pulse laser and a gimballed multi cannon.

2
WyldxPhoenix•

added tip.. try going for the plasma slug experimental for the plasma accelerator.. it converts a small amount of ship fuel to restock your ammo.

2
TargrenFuel Rat | Retired Insomniacs •

Bad idea on a Vulture. Even "a small amount of ship fuel" is too much when your fuel tank is the size of a lunchbox juice box.

1
Starfang42•

Of the two fixed-only weapons, I find it much easier to hit with rails. The fire delay takes a bit of getting used to, but it's a hitscan weapon. Engineered with Short Range they do very good damage.

I run a Krait Mk2 with a Short Range/Thermal Vent beam and 4 Short Range/Plasma Slug rails. Tried swapping out for PAs but I was missing more shots than I hit and fights were taking forever. Might try again with either Long Range or Focused on the PAs (both increase the range/shot speed, I just need to look at what else they do and decide which one makes more sense), but first I'm going to restock on engineering mats a bit.

2
ZeroGravitas_Ally•

The primary purpose of a plasma accelerator is committing war crimes.

Jokes aside, they're stupidly effective. Get close, and if you can get a clear shot at the top or bottom of their ship, while they're presenting the largest target, you should do what you can to take it.

They're power hungry, so I generally go into combat with all pips to weapons (I run a 4 plasma acc. Fer De Lance called Kentucky Windage). I like to hold my fire until I get a clean shot, then scoot while the guns reload and power recharges.

They're also a gun that takes some skill to use. You want to take advantage of the lead indicator on your HUD, and just practice as much as you can to get a feel for them. Engineering them for velocity isn't a bad idea either.

They're one of the most rewarding weapons in the game, so patience and practice are your friend.

2
nezumiyarou•

Use overcharged cannons instead, until you engineer more.

Far less power/distro/heat. Don't need heatsinks. Saves power.

They have 70AP which can penetrate non T10 armor and wreck modules.

I use for 2 shotting anaconda plants on my T10 and mamba :P

They have similar speed to plasmas, for practice. Less time between shots too.

Still hit hard and you can grab A thrusters now.

Pick up plasma again when you can make em efficient G4 at least

Armor the plant instead of overcharging.

2
SpeedTorqueOP:explore: Explore•

In conclusion to this, I took the advice to keep practicing with the plasmas. Much of the advice was really useful and helped me understand how to use them properly. Once I started to view the PAs as a pair of magnum .44s rather than a high powered rifle, I really saw the value of these weapons.

Thanks for all the help!

1