I am a GSB noob who has really enjoyed the game so far. I haven’t done any multiplayer, but I’ve been trying different designs with all seven races to max out honor on the scenarios.
I make a beam cruiser (basic cruiser beam with one GSB), “tank” cruiser (GSBs and target painters), torpedo frigates, and anti-fighter frigates. I also have used fighters quite a bit but I find that not using them is more cost efficient almost all of the time. My best build is with Empire. I use Weapons Platform for both of my frigates, Praetorian for my tank (loads of armor and shields), and Centurion for my beam cruiser. My rebel fleet is almost identical conceptually, but torpedo frigates aren’t as efficient cost wise with any race besides empire (weapons platform is godly), so I use multiple warhead missile cruisers instead. I also find that Empire fighters aren’t as good as Rebel fighters (though my best fighter overall is Order). With this basic setup I have no problem scoring 10,000+ honor in all scenarios and difficulties, with many in the 20k range. I’m sure people here have gotten way more than that.
My big questions:
1.) Is it even possible to make a viable torpedo fighter? I can’t figure out how to make one fast enough that it doesn’t die before it gets a 2nd shot off. Plus, fighter lasers at 100 range are so effective against cruisers that it seems a torpedo is simply unnecessary.
2.) Are there any viable fighter builds that use double hardpoints for weapons? I’ve tried double rockets, but you can’t fire them inside shields, and that kind of fighter is useless against enemy fighters; plus, a single laser is just as effective against frigates, so why bother?
3.) What’s the fastest possible fighter you can build with a laser? I have an Order fighter with 2.61, and I’ve made a few others at 2.58. I also made a target painter-only fighter over 3 speed for fun. I set the quantity for each group at 1, escorting a torpedo frigate at 600 range. That way, each frigate has its own personal, mobile target painter at 1000 range! I just wish I could get a laser fighter moving that fast.
4.) Is it worth it to build a carrier? I’ve made one for my rebel fleet but I’m not sure if I got any cost effectiveness out of it. I’ve tried just putting bays on my other cruisers but the crew cost is so brutal I can’t get away with it.
5.) I’ve seen people talking about speed frigates, but I can’t seem to make a good one. I’ve tried putting them on escort with a cruiser, but the instant they get into a battle, they get destroyed. What’s a recommended build that will give a frigate enough speed to survive? My slow frigates sitting in the back with torpedos or anti-fighter are extremely effective, so why bother?
6.) Are point defense scanners ever useful, or are GSBs always superior 100% of the time?
7.) What, in your opinion, is the best overall cruiser hull and fighter hull in the game? I’m sure weapons platform is the best frigate, unless there is some trick I’m not thinking of with another one.