Bethesda's Starfield

[Blackhawk]

If it's you physically stuck, the 'tcl' command will pretty much always solve it. That sounds more like it stopped accepting input.

[Unagi]

I agree.

I wonder if you had just alt-tabbed in and out of the game if it would have started to work again.

[Max Peck]

I've fully researched weapon mods, so I decided to see what I can do in the way of a Beowulf sniper rifle. This is what I got, with Ballistics/2 and no skill points in Rifle Certification:



Now, I do have Pistol Certification/4, and I noticed that all of my pistols do significantly more damage than the fully-modded Beowulf. As an example, this is my hardest-hitting pistol:



An interesting difference with pistols is that, at least in some cases, changing from semiautomatic to fully automatic doesn't lower the damage stat at all. I haven't field tested the full-auto Trickshot yet, so I don't know how difficult it is to empty the 6-round magazine at a target and actually put all the rounds into the target.

I think I would prefer an Old Earth Hunting Rifle to the Beowulf for sniping, but unfortunately I ran out of adhesives again and I need to find some more before I can mod it to make a proper comparison. For now, it looks like this:

[jztemple2]

A few hours into the game I used an exploit to grab a really awesome spacesuit . Fast forward to eighty or so game hours in. I was in a very long mission, crawling through vents and looting all sorts of stuff. When I hit my weight limit I started dropping the odd item to keep my weight in limits. And yes, I dropped my awesome spacesuit .

I had other, crummier suits, but they just weren't the same. I for once spent my own cash, in the amount of 20K credits, to buy a really good spacesuit, although it weights 20kg .

[Blackhawk]

For those further along - any observations on which weapon types (IE - certifications) are worth it? What is the distinction between the different types?

And, are there any skills that you've found to be useless or near useless (I'm thinking that the research skill might not be worth it, for instance, as there will come a point in the game at which you have researched everything - at which point it will have effectively ceased to function.)

[Alefroth]

Great, now my Jemison Mercantile NPC is missing.

[Blackhawk]

Annoyance: They let you turn off floating markers (which I hate having on - I prefer to just have a marker on my compass rather than giant icons all over the place), but then assume that you'll have them on when designing the quests. I was just told to flip the breakers on top of each of the buildings to restore power. I ran all over and found all three breakers... and nothing happened. 0/0. So I turned floating markers on, and sure enough - there were five, and only one of the three I needed to flip was on top of a building.

[Blackhawk]

Additional annoyance: Equipping a weapon on a companion is easy. Figuring out whether it is an upgrade to their default is impossible. There is zero data on what they're using.

[coopasonic]

I'm now on NG+3 and level 131 after 110.9 hours per steam. I'm not even 100% sure why I keep going at this point.

NG+4, level 133 after 116.7 hours

[jztemple2]

I'm now on NG+3 and level 131 after 110.9 hours per steam. I'm not even 100% sure why I keep going at this point.

NG+4, level 133 after 116.7 hours

I'm at level 30 after 94 Steam hours (83 save game hours). I figured there are 82 skills in the five categories, which means (since each has four ranks) that I'd have to spend 328 skill points to get them all . At the rate I'm going I'd have to put in almost a thousand hours playing.

Question to Coop, in the NG+ area, are you still gaining skill points and spending them just like in first playthrough?

[Max Peck]

For those further along - any observations on which weapon types (IE - certifications) are worth it? What is the distinction between the different types?

And, are there any skills that you've found to be useless or near useless (I'm thinking that the research skill might not be worth it, for instance, as there will come a point in the game at which you have researched everything - at which point it will have effectively ceased to function.)

I think that all weapon types seem to be viable, so you can just pick the weapon certs that match the way you want to play the game. I'm all in on pistols, and that's working out fine for me. Someone that wants to be a sniper would probably go for rifles, and so on.

If you're referring to Research Methods, you might want to note that it reduces the resource cost for crafting as well as reducing the resource cost for researching. It's totally worth it just to cut down on the amount of adhesives being consumed.

[Apollo]

I'm now on NG+3 and level 131 after 110.9 hours per steam. I'm not even 100% sure why I keep going at this point.

NG+4, level 133 after 116.7 hours

Time to admit you have a problem and get professional help.

[Max Peck]

Phantom Liberty is just a few days away. He'll be fine once he gets to Night City.

[coopasonic]

Question to Coop, in the NG+ area, are you still gaining skill points and spending them just like in first playthrough?

Yes, you continue to spend points the same. There is nothing new to spend them on.

[coopasonic]

For those further along - any observations on which weapon types (IE - certifications) are worth it? What is the distinction between the different types?

And, are there any skills that you've found to be useless or near useless (I'm thinking that the research skill might not be worth it, for instance, as there will come a point in the game at which you have researched everything - at which point it will have effectively ceased to function.)

Theft (pickpocketing) was a bit of a waste, but I only got 1 point based on my background.

I went through all my skills and that's the only one that feels wasted and I have spent a lot more skill points than most folks here.

[jztemple2]

I just had something weird happen. I don't know if it was a bug or I'm doing something wrong. I've spent a skill point on Targeting Control Systems and now I'm racking up the required 15 to allow me to use another point. I've gotten to 14 and so I was happy to get into a fight with a few low level spacers. Without tracking activated I could shoot at them with no problem. However, once I activated tracking (the R key on PC) I was able to select the area of the enemy ship I was targeting, just like the 14 times before, but now if I pressed any of the three weapon buttons nothing would happen . But if I used ESC to get out of targeting mode my weapons worked normally. Any idea why this is happening? Like I said, I'd already destroyed 14 ships using targeting before, now it doesn't want to work

[jztemple2]

I just had something weird happen. I don't know if it was a bug or I'm doing something wrong. I've spent a skill point on Targeting Control Systems and now I'm racking up the required 15 to allow me to use another point. I've gotten to 14 and so I was happy to get into a fight with a few low level spacers. Without tracking activated I could shoot at them with no problem. However, once I activated tracking (the R key on PC) I was able to select the area of the enemy ship I was targeting, just like the 14 times before, but now if I pressed any of the three weapon buttons nothing would happen . But if I used ESC to get out of targeting mode my weapons worked normally. Any idea why this is happening? Like I said, I'd already destroyed 14 ships using targeting before, now it doesn't want to work

Hmm, I did modify my ship for a certain mission (wink, wink, nudge, nudge), could that be affecting the targeting?

[jztemple2]

I just had something weird happen. I don't know if it was a bug or I'm doing something wrong. I've spent a skill point on Targeting Control Systems and now I'm racking up the required 15 to allow me to use another point. I've gotten to 14 and so I was happy to get into a fight with a few low level spacers. Without tracking activated I could shoot at them with no problem. However, once I activated tracking (the R key on PC) I was able to select the area of the enemy ship I was targeting, just like the 14 times before, but now if I pressed any of the three weapon buttons nothing would happen . But if I used ESC to get out of targeting mode my weapons worked normally. Any idea why this is happening? Like I said, I'd already destroyed 14 ships using targeting before, now it doesn't want to work

Hmm, I did modify my ship for a certain mission (wink, wink, nudge, nudge), could that be affecting the targeting?

Yup, that's what it was alright. I switched to another one of my ships, took it to orbit and started shooting at the first ship I found and targeting worked fine. So the issue was apparently that I had modified my first ship for a special mission and that removed the tracking.

[Punisher]

Any idea what caused ot? I'd like to avoid losing tracking.

[jztemple2]

Any idea what caused ot? I'd like to avoid losing tracking.

Apparently it is due to the requirements of a single mission, shouldn't be an issue after it.

[Kurth]

I’m level 18 and have made it through the first main missions and am taking on some additional activities. The one I’m trying to run through now is Ground Pounder. I’ve hit a major stumbling block.

Spoiler:

Most of the mission is a series of ground engagements, which I’ve sailed through. But now I need to go into space and take out the Spacers’ ships. There are two different groups of ships in orbit around two different planets, and each group is made up of 3 ships. No matter what I do, I can’t defeat them. I can take out one of them with relative ease, but by the time I do, the others have knocked my shields down to nothing and finish me off with a few final shots. I’ve died a dozen times now.

I’m in the Wanderer (the ship my parents gave me), which I think is better than the original Frontier. I haven’t invested any skill points in ship combat except for “targeting control systems” or in beefing up my ships, and my Wanderer has not been upgraded.

Am I just in over my head, or am I missing something?

[Punisher]

Have you tried flying backwards?
Go forward, fire when you can, then start backing up while continuing to fire.
It would be nice if you could double shields a bit like in xeing and the other star wars flight ganes.

[Carpet_pissr]

Because everything changes at NG+4!

Actually, according to a writer at PCGamer...

If you finish Starfield 4 or 5 times, some seriously weird s*** starts happening...

…like your spouse and family start to leave you.

[Alefroth]

Am I just in over my head, or am I missing something?

Are you repairing in combat with ship parts?

[Alefroth]

Have you tried flying backwards?
Go forward, fire when you can, then start backing up while continuing to fire.
It would be nice if you could double shields a bit like in xeing and the other star wars flight ganes.

This seems like a strategy for ground combat. How can you back up when they are all around you? Also, you can fly backwards?

[Smoove_B]

Am I just in over my head, or am I missing something?

I've had similar problems, not just with this mission but future missions that also require ship-to-ship combat. If you're over-leveled, fighting the ships is quite easy. If it's an even match (level-wise) your skill as a player (not your character skills) probably need to improve. For example, being better at positioning, getting away from being chased, etc...

What you're probably hitting is when the enemy is higher level than you. In these situations those character skills might help, but for me it was better use of the weapons. Like making sure you're using lasers to completely knock out a shield before using missile or ballistic weapons. Also making sure you've allocated power resources correctly. Sometimes having your engines a peg or two lower to boost weapon power makes sense. Also make sure you've not leaving any power unused. Depending on your default configuration, your grav drive might have 2-3 units and when you drop out of warp speed those three units then are just sitting unused - power that could be better allocated to your weapons and/or shields.

[Kurth]

Am I just in over my head, or am I missing something?

Are you repairing in combat with ship parts?

I’m out of ship parts having stupidly used them up on a prior mission. Maybe I need to buy some more. Will see if I can find some.

[Alefroth]

I'm not sure they'd turn the tide, but it's certainly a disadvantage

[Max Peck]

I’m level 18 and have made it through the first main missions and am taking on some additional activities. The one I’m trying to run through now is Ground Pounder. I’ve hit a major stumbling block.

Spoiler:

Most of the mission is a series of ground engagements, which I’ve sailed through. But now I need to go into space and take out the Spacers’ ships. There are two different groups of ships in orbit around two different planets, and each group is made up of 3 ships. No matter what I do, I can’t defeat them. I can take out one of them with relative ease, but by the time I do, the others have knocked my shields down to nothing and finish me off with a few final shots. I’ve died a dozen times now.

I’m in the Wanderer (the ship my parents gave me), which I think is better than the original Frontier. I haven’t invested any skill points in ship combat except for “targeting control systems” or in beefing up my ships, and my Wanderer has not been upgraded.

Am I just in over my head, or am I missing something?

I ran into a similar situation in a mission chain called Failure to Communicate, where I needed to defeat a couple of groups of ships and just couldn't handle them. I had to put that mission on hold (thankfully very few missions are on timers) and returned to it after skilling up a little and upgrading my ship a lot.

[Madmarcus]

I'm flying a slightly upgraded Ecliptic Stiletto and both of those missions were right on the border of what I could handle. I haven't sunk points into ship to ship skills though. Actually, at level 17 I haven't spent any skills on combat other than stealth. And weapons research but I need to get one more level to unlock the really good internal mods.

[Unagi]

Am I just in over my head, or am I missing something?

Are you repairing in combat with ship parts?

I’m out of ship parts having stupidly used them up on a prior mission. Maybe I need to buy some more. Will see if I can find some.

I actually did a lot of ship-to-ship "practice" in the Vanguard flight simulator. It's really a good way to learn/improve without any risk or any cost - and all your kills count toward leveling up and unlocking the next skill rank, etc.

I highly recommend it.

[Alefroth]

Getting some crew in your ship to boost your weapon or shield skills can help too.

[Max Peck]

I actually did a lot of ship-to-ship "practice" in the Vanguard flight simulator. It's really a good way to learn/improve without any risk or any cost - and all your kills count toward leveling up and unlocking the next skill rank, etc.

I highly recommend it.

The simulator is where I learned that I'm a mediocre pilot. I passed the Vanguard qualification requirement on the first attempt, but I've never made it past the 5th stage. Out in the real world, I get by on the quality of my ship, ugly beast that it is, not on my talent.

[Scraper]

I’m level 18 and have made it through the first main missions and am taking on some additional activities. The one I’m trying to run through now is Ground Pounder. I’ve hit a major stumbling block.

Spoiler:

Most of the mission is a series of ground engagements, which I’ve sailed through. But now I need to go into space and take out the Spacers’ ships. There are two different groups of ships in orbit around two different planets, and each group is made up of 3 ships. No matter what I do, I can’t defeat them. I can take out one of them with relative ease, but by the time I do, the others have knocked my shields down to nothing and finish me off with a few final shots. I’ve died a dozen times now.

I’m in the Wanderer (the ship my parents gave me), which I think is better than the original Frontier. I haven’t invested any skill points in ship combat except for “targeting control systems” or in beefing up my ships, and my Wanderer has not been upgraded.

Am I just in over my head, or am I missing something?

If you have the "Mantis" mission go and do that. It gives you a better than average ship for the early game and really good armor. Aside from that you can get a really good ship by finishing the Ranger faction quest line.

[Unagi]

The simulator is where I learned that I'm a mediocre pilot. I passed the Vanguard qualification requirement on the first attempt, but I've never made it past the 5th stage. Out in the real world, I get by on the quality of my ship, ugly beast that it is, not on my talent.

I struggle with stage 5, stage 6 seems impossible.

re: some simulator secrets

Spoiler:

Have you called up any allies?

[Max Peck]

No, I have not done that thing that I didn't know was a thing.

[coopasonic]

I’m level 18 and have made it through the first main missions and am taking on some additional activities. The one I’m trying to run through now is Ground Pounder. I’ve hit a major stumbling block.

Spoiler:

Most of the mission is a series of ground engagements, which I’ve sailed through. But now I need to go into space and take out the Spacers’ ships. There are two different groups of ships in orbit around two different planets, and each group is made up of 3 ships. No matter what I do, I can’t defeat them. I can take out one of them with relative ease, but by the time I do, the others have knocked my shields down to nothing and finish me off with a few final shots. I’ve died a dozen times now.

I’m in the Wanderer (the ship my parents gave me), which I think is better than the original Frontier. I haven’t invested any skill points in ship combat except for “targeting control systems” or in beefing up my ships, and my Wanderer has not been upgraded.

Am I just in over my head, or am I missing something?

If you have the "Mantis" mission go and do that. It gives you a better than average ship for the early game and really good armor. Aside from that you can get a really good ship by finishing the Ranger faction quest line.

...and by Mantis, we mean

Spoiler:

Secret Base.

[Punisher]

Have you tried flying backwards?
Go forward, fire when you can, then start backing up while continuing to fire.
It would be nice if you could double shields a bit like in xeing and the other star wars flight ganes.

This seems like a strategy for ground combat. How can you back up when they are all around you? Also, you can fly backwards?

Whenever I've jumped into an area the enemy have all gathered in front of me for the most parts. It's nit until I get in short range do they split up.
So what i do is this.
1) jump to system.
2) head towards enemy cluster.
3) as soon as I'm in weapons range I open up while coming to a staop.
4) times varies but as soon as it even looks like they are gonna split I start backimg up with the S key. Just keep holding it down while reversing.
5) if they get too clise, slip them a UNO Reverse as move forward then boost.
6) keep going forwa4d a bit then turn around and start all 9ver.

I've been able to kill 2 mayve 3 ships on my first run.

[coopasonic]

I'm now on NG+3 and level 131 after 110.9 hours per steam. I'm not even 100% sure why I keep going at this point.

NG+4, level 133 after 116.7 hours

NG+5, level 134 after 120.8 hours... 5 times through the game and so far no meaningful differences on subsequent runs other then beefier enemies. I am disappoint.

One of the "free" guns in the Lodge basement on NG+4 was a Magsniper that did 1170 damage. It was 6.5 MI ammo, so a bit more rare and expensive than my Beowulf ammo but it made things pretty easy. Shame I couldn't use it in ship to ship combat.

Nothing nearly so nice in NG+5 sadly.

[coopasonic]

Have you tried flying backwards?
Go forward, fire when you can, then start backing up while continuing to fire.
It would be nice if you could double shields a bit like in xeing and the other star wars flight ganes.

This seems like a strategy for ground combat. How can you back up when they are all around you? Also, you can fly backwards?

Whenever I've jumped into an area the enemy have all gathered in front of me for the most parts. It's nit until I get in short range do they split up.
So what i do is this.
1) jump to system.
2) head towards enemy cluster.
3) as soon as I'm in weapons range I open up while coming to a staop.
4) times varies but as soon as it even looks like they are gonna split I start backimg up with the S key. Just keep holding it down while reversing.
5) if they get too clise, slip them a UNO Reverse as move forward then boost.
6) keep going forwa4d a bit then turn around and start all 9ver.

I've been able to kill 2 mayve 3 ships on my first run.

Another option is kill one and gravjump out, let your shield regen and then do it again.