Explain space fighting to me like you would explain sword fighting to Samwell Tarly

[Tinkamara]

Honestly, I just feel so lost facing pirates. Can anyone recommend very basic tutorials on how to move and keep track of the enemies?
I just got started again and I really enjoy it, but the 3D fighting is beyond my coordination abilities. I have very op shields for the enemies I'm facing atm, but it will get worse and I have no idea where to even start learning what to do.

[dSaruk]

I am not sure if this is a silly solution you have tried or not but when in combat in space, holding S around enemy ships actually autolocks you onto them. holding W still allows your ship to move forward as well. There have been very few times ive needed to do anything but autopilot holding left click in bursts while holding s and w.

If you are struggling to do damage, I suggest installing infraknife (i think thats how it is spelled), I was suggested and now I am doing it here. Place it in a supercharged tile surrounded by upgrades and that bad boy will melt anything and everything. I hope this helps!

[Guyver8]

@dSaruk: there is an option for that 'autolock' (or wotever it's called), it defaults to hold, but can be set to 'toggle' the function on or off when the button is pressed meaning you don't have to hold down anything (much easier on the fingers)

[Tinkamara]

Waait, there IS autolocking? I thought (and thought I read on the forums) there wasn't until you get some late late game module and tons of mobility would be needed for it to work?
I will try it out, thank you two!
My damage is fine for now but I'll keep it in mind. For now I'm just struggling on following enemy movement and moving myself.

[Guyver8]

@Tinkamara: yup... it's only for space combat but yeah... dive in it works fine enuf, when 'on', your ship will turn with your target (but you are still responsible for forward/backward movement)
...oh and there is another key/button you can press to switch target (don't ask which key/button... i use a controller and even then i can't tell you wot button, i leave it to muscle memory Lol)

[Wizard of Woz]

Originally posted by Tinkamara:

Honestly, I just feel so lost facing pirates. Can anyone recommend very basic tutorials on how to move and keep track of the enemies?
I just got started again and I really enjoy it, but the 3D fighting is beyond my coordination abilities. I have very op shields for the enemies I'm facing atm, but it will get worse and I have no idea where to even start learning what to do.

If you are flying forwards while fighting you are doing it wrong. Try going backwards and all the sudden combat because simple.

[Mr. Bufferlow]

Sounds like you already got it, but for M/KB most players find it easier with Fixed versus Tethered flight in options. As noted, holding S locks you on to a target. You do have to sometimes move around a bit to get them in front of you so you can actually shoot.

I have never bothered to add a quick key for refueling my shields, but it would be helpful if you enjoy space combat. I don't so try to keep it to the minimums required by the main mission and occasional station missions.

At least for me, the pirate freighter battle where they are hurling missles just feels like pure chaos. I was finally able to "kinda" win it, but it always just feels like I am groping around in a swirling madness. I guess if you do it exactly right you can board the pirate freighter and get the option to take it. I liked mine better so took the reward and then blew it up.

[Volospian]

I don't find them difficult if you can get the rocket launchers fitted.

Hold down S to lock on, fire photon cannons until their shield bar is gone and they have taken a hit or two to the hull, press G to switch to rocket launchers, fire rocket. This usually finishes them off. Occasionally they may get out of your lock and recharge their shields, in which case, press G to switch back to photons and repeat.
Once you have killed one, you release and then hold S again to lock onto the next and do the same.
You may occasionally need to recharge your shields, and do that by hitting X to bring up the menu, and it will usually auto highlight recharge > shields. Make sure you retain enough of whatever it is to recharge them.

Once you get the hang of it, Pirates are just a nuisance, really.