Issues with AI Pilots

[maverickcx4]

Ok i'm having a bit of an issue with the single-player AI pilots during combat.

here's a synopsis of what happens whenever i engage an enemy fighter:
we go nose to nose, exchange a bit of cannon fire, after his shields drop to 50% he turns around, runs away doing this weird corkscrew maneuver while kicking the afterburner. then one of to things happens.

1. I pursue with my afterburner lit but still can't get close enough for guns, i follow for about 3 minutes and eventually slingshot about 2 km past him, then we come back to another nose to nose

2. I wait for the target to turn and face me again and we engage in another nose to nose confrontation.

the issue is not that i'm being killed it's that i can't stay close enough to the target to get their shields down and inflict damage because they leave my gun range before i can drop their shields and don't reenter my gun range until their recharged even with guns at full power. additionally, if there's more than one i usually wind up getting the infamous missile barrage from the other enemies while i'm in pursuit.

any dogfighting tips would be nice.

[Vice]

1. I pursue with my afterburner lit but still can't get close enough for guns, i follow for about 3 minutes and eventually slingshot about 2 km past him, then we come back to another nose to nose

That's a common enemy tactic, they're baiting you into following them at high speed. This encourages you to waste your missiles at them from behind at high speed, waste fuel in the pursuit, and sets you up for more nose to nose passes.

Nose to nose isn't a recommended tactic under most conditions in this game, especially if you are flying directly in at your target. You'll want to use more indirect approaches and inertial drift to improve your defensive stance and optimize your arc around your target to maximum their vulnerability to your attack as they approach. Takes some learning to balance the drift, arc shape, and speeds, but you'll get there eventually with practice.

2. I wait for the target to turn and face me again and we engage in another nose to nose confrontation.

Again, you'll generally want to adjust your approach to avoid the nose to nose condition and focus your attack pattern to extend the time they are facing and approaching you using the techniques listed above. That is, instead of falling for their bait, bait them into positions you want them, then use their approach and vector against them. At times, you may even need to fly backwards or near 90 degrees to achieve the optimal attack path.

While this other player appeared to be employing some different tactics, this thread may also offers some guidance for you as well: http://www.starwraith.com/forum/viewtop ... #pid165318

[maverickcx4]

thanks

[Rubber Chicken]

When they run, doing a quick 360 spin will show them your tail long enough to make them think they have the advantage again. They'll come right back.


[Edited on 1-12-2014 by Rubber Chicken]

[DaveK]

Hi asd000 - welcome to the game and the community

There's a comprehensive section in the Hints&Tips Guide about combat and ship setups from lots of experienced players.

Spoiler Alert: There's lots and lots of other info in the guide so be careful you don't spoil things for yourself

[Marvin]

When they run, doing a quick 360 spin will show them your tail long enough to make them think they have the advantage again. They'll come right back.

Unless they've gone outside of radar range. If you can't lock them up then they probably will keep on running.