Andrea Griffin
157
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Posted - 2012.03.04 16:19:00 -
[1] - Quote
Starting with Carldari Solo PvP? Great! As people have mentioned, T1 frigates are the way to go. They're easy on the wallet to lose, and when you start with PvP you WILL lose more fights than you win. When you start PvP you will make a LOT of really bad mistakes - so make them in cheap ships!
The Merlin is an amazing T1 frigate that can get amazing EHP and still be fairly maneuverable.
Here are some fits to get you started:
[Merlin, Blaster Buffer] Micro Auxiliary Power Core I Damage Control II
Medium Shield Extender II Experimental 1MN Afterburner I J5b Phased Prototype Warp Scrambler I X5 Prototype Engine Enervator
Light Ion Blaster II, Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge S Light Ion Blaster II, Caldari Navy Antimatter Charge S Rocket Launcher II, Caldari Navy Nova Rocket Rocket Launcher II, Caldari Navy Nova Rocket
Small Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I Small Core Defence Field Extender I Small Core Defence Field Extender I
This is my go-to fit for the Merlin. It's a little on the slow side compared to most T1 frigates, but it has 7.6k EHP (which is a LOT for a frigate), full tackle, and the option to go in close or keep range with Null ammunition. If you ever fly in a gang, this can also serve as cheap heavy tackle as well.
Some people prefer to fit railguns instead and kite their opponents. Me, I'd rather just get right in their faces. : >
The fit is rather tight in regards to Power Grid. If you are having issues getting everything to fit, try a T2 MAPC, use a meta-3 shield, and drop down to Electron Blasters (in that order).
[Merlin, Tank] Damage Control II Micro Auxiliary Power Core II
Limited 1MN MicroWarpdrive I J5b Phased Prototype Warp Scrambler I Medium Shield Extender II Invulnerability Field II
Light Electron Blaster II, Null S Light Electron Blaster II, Null S Rocket Launcher II, Caldari Navy Nova Rocket Rocket Launcher II, Caldari Navy Nova Rocket
Small Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I Small Core Defence Field Extender I Small Core Defence Field Extender I
This fit has a MWD and a warp scrambler, and drops the web in favor of an Invulnerability Field. Like other ships with just a MWD and Scram, it will have trouble dictating range against AB-fit ships and anything with a web. Still, it hits assault frigate level EHP (10k). You may want to consider dropping the MWD for an Afterburner, depending on the situation / your personal taste.
Why the emphasis on tank with the Merlin instead of damage? Well, the Merlin has a split weapons system. If you add a weapon upgrade, you're only helping half of your guns which has pretty poor returns. You're better off focusing on tank so that you can outlast your opponent. Also, it would be a shame to not use that 5% per level shield resistance bonus.
Also note that the Merlin doesn't get a bonus at all to its rocket launchers - so use whatever rocket will hurt your opponent the most. When in doubt, Foxfire (thermal) is a decent all-around choice against most ships.
You may also want to consider the Kestrel. It is often overlooked but it is more effective than people think, especially since rockets got a buff a while ago.
[Kestrel, MSE] Micro Auxiliary Power Core I Damage Control II
Medium Shield Extender II Experimental 1MN Afterburner I J5b Phased Prototype Warp Scrambler I
Rocket Launcher II, Caldari Navy Trauma Rocket Rocket Launcher II, Caldari Navy Trauma Rocket Rocket Launcher II, Caldari Navy Trauma Rocket Rocket Launcher II, Caldari Navy Trauma Rocket
Small Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I Small Core Defence Field Extender I Small Core Defence Field Extender I
That is how I prefer to fit a Kestrel. It does suffer in that it doesn't have a web, so some things you catch will run off. That is why a few people prefer this:
[Kestrel, Armor] 200mm Reinforced Rolled Tungsten Plates I Damage Control II
Experimental 1MN Afterburner I Stasis Webifier II Warp Scrambler II
Rocket Launcher II, Caldari Navy Trauma Rocket Rocket Launcher II, Caldari Navy Trauma Rocket Rocket Launcher II, Caldari Navy Trauma Rocket Rocket Launcher II, Caldari Navy Trauma Rocket
Small Anti-Explosive Pump I Small Trimark Armor Pump I Small Trimark Armor Pump I
I personally don't like to fly this because it's pretty slow and the agility is not great either. But, if you overload the afterburner you still go over 900m/s, which isn't too bad and can help you keep tackle on things.
Pro Tip: Name your Kestrel "Cyno", since everyone uses the Kestrel and a cheap cyno ship. People will see you on scan and never suspect what is coming their way.
But the Merlin is overall a better / more flexible ship than the Kestrel. I'm just offering the Kestrel as an option (everyone likes options).
Once you get some experience under your belt, move on to the following ships, all of which will work for solo PvP: Hookbill - Awesome, versatile, okay damage, people know it's good and will run away Hawk - Good damage, great tank, people think it is terrible and will underestimate you Harpy - Great damage and buffer, can snipe out to 100km (poorly, but it can) Moa - Underestimated, it's a great T1 cruiser since the Hybrid weapons buff Caracal - If you use the Infamous Anti-Frigate fit you can and will murder frigates. Ferox - Surprisingly good, though it pales in comparison to the Drake. However, people think it is terrible (it's not), and it will get you fights. Drake - Yup, everyone loves the drake. Yawn. Do you want to stand out or be like everyone else, hm?
I don't suggest solo PvP with a Manticore (or ANY bomber) unless you REALLY know what you're doing and you pick your targets very carefully. Also not fond of the Crow. It's not what it used to be since The Great Nano Nerf, but give it a whirl anyway, see how you like it.
People say that Caldari doesn't have a lot of good PvP options but those people are very wrong. Caldari has a lot of good options. CCP Sreegs is my favorite developer. |