Chieftain or Challenger?

[D1PST1CK]

After reaching elite rank in exploration and earning some good money while doing so, I'd like to start an anti-xeno-career. On ED Tutorials they advice to use a Krait Mk. II or an Alliance Chieftain for that purpose. Since I find the Krait ugly, I thought I'll go for the Chieftain.

In a guide here I read that the Alliance Challenger is a "more combat-oriented Chieftain". It even has the same maneuverability-rating despite being bigger.

Can anyone tell me what makes the Chieftain more suitable for Thargoid-killing?

[Hobo Misanthropus]

Chieftain. However, the Krait has the advantage of being quite fast, and has excellent thermal characteristics, making it a better Anti-Xeno ship to be honest. But if you're just starting your AX career, you don't really need to worry about why it's better, since it really only comes into play when fighting the tougher Thargoids Basilisk, Medusa, Hydra. Against Cyclops, Chieftain is good.

[CoffeeBean]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLpj1lDZzf8

[Mr Robert House]

I’m not sure but it probably has something to do with the number and size of hardpoints

[quiescentCeez]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryVXERhxlI8

Hehe.. why not..

[Maddox]

Chieftain is more maneuverable, so better at FA Off cold orbiting. That's the only advantage.

Challenger has more armor, but it's a somewhat insignificant increase. However, if you choose to run without flak, Challenger lets you mount 4 size 2 cannons, so slightly better firepower.

[Kosevich]

Chiftain has very strong vertical thrusters. Try it, you will definitely feel difference compared to other ships. It is really pleasant to fly it.
It gives you great benefit assuming you master cold orbiting trick.

[D1PST1CK]

Thank you. :)

[Corrupt-nz]

I'd go chieftain

[Bordric]

Where do you find the Goids anyway? Damaged ports?

[Bordric]

Originally posted by CoffeeBean:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLpj1lDZzf8

Wow she is a very good pilot. I have to learn FAO. Any of you familiar with FAO recommend a starter ship? Just sidewinder or something?

[Sheethead]

Originally posted by Bordric:

I have to learn FAO. Any of you familiar with FAO recommend a starter ship? Just sidewinder or something?

A T9 might actually be really good to start with lol. It won't be so twitchy so it would be closer to regular flying and make you less likely to start moving uncontrollably.

[5hadowfax]

Originally posted by Bordric:

Originally posted by CoffeeBean:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLpj1lDZzf8

Wow she is a very good pilot. I have to learn FAO. Any of you familiar with FAO recommend a starter ship? Just sidewinder or something?

Learning to fly FAO just makes every ship better tbh. And cooler and more badass. You can pull some amazing stunts.

For practise, try to orbit an asteroid using FAO, while constantly facing it.

I'm gonna say try the Vulture, anyway lol

[Bordric]

Haha I loved my vulture years ago with 2 big multi's! Was fun as hell.

[Bordric]

With all the "LoL"s I see crashing a lot in my future.

[5hadowfax]

Originally posted by Bordric:

With all the "LoL"s I see crashing a lot in my future.

Nah it's just you'll feel the least benefit cos the Vulture is so manoeuvrable anyway. Love that ship.