Micro'ing my fleet

help needed!

from Sins Forums

As the title says. I feel this area is where I am really lacking at this point in time during ICO player vs player MP games. Wherefore, any experienced players would be willing to share some tips/advice please post here. I get the ship counter system and know that flak work best in middle of enemy fleet (due to multi-sided firing banks), but that's as far as it goes. What I am after is the following and anything else worthy of mentioning:

1. Engagement range- should I leave it on gravity well, local area, or hold position.

2. If my fleet consist of corvettes and LF's and so does the enemy fleet, and we both have a capital ship. Should I focus fire on his capital ship right away, or should I wait, and first try to kill off some/most of his corvettes/LF's and perhaps then focus on his capitalship?

3. I know flak should go middle of the enemy fleet to maximise firepower. Any other advice about other ships?

4. Structure priority- should i go for his constructors first? then frigate factories, then repair bays etc? what is the order I should be taking out structures!? And if he has his fleet in the well should I try to eliminate his fleet first or at least reduce the numbers somewhat prior to attacking any structure(s) etc.

5. Any other advice/tips.

6,489 views 2 replies
Reply #1 from Sins Forums Top

Zyzyfer, I'll volunteer some of my advice/observations.  But I think people have differing opinions on some of these questions.

1. Engagement range:  If you put it on hold position, you are committed/forced to micro constantly.  Therefore, only the best do this, and most just leave on gravity well.

2. Focus fire:  On frigates, unless your sure you can kill the capital ship before it retreats.  Some Cap ships deal AOE damage, and become more leathal with experience, so you may want to force them out.  Another judgement call IMO.

3. Yeah, also move the flak, or illums around, and to the sides, since they fire from the sides, and opponent often can only shoot from the front.  Chase and position with LFs, rather than always focus firing, since they have a funky way of attacking. Don't chase with all, since the total flys at the speed of the slowest ship... Lots of other advice here prolly.

4. Priority:  Always constructor first, or at least with part of your fleet.  Then it varies, but generally, I would say repair befor factories.  Or maybe military labs to deny HCs, etc.

5. Other:  too much to mention.  Turn on AutoRecording, and watch replays.

Reply #2 from Sins Forums Top

1. I never change those values as I always forget to change them back, but should be useful in not letting your ships stray too far if there is a starbase nearby. For me it needs too much attention that's why I don't use it.

 

2. People really like to focus on capital ships, I would say it is a good idea, but maybe you should try both ways and see wich turns out better. Getting rid of the main damage source can be good, but meanwhile your fleet may be hurt so badly..

 

3. Don't let enemy flak get in the middle of your corvettes and long range frigates, so try moving them out of enemy flak, they can remain in range, just not like flak is completely between your ships.

 

4. I am only sure in Constroctors first, as you want to avoid fighting against even more structures. Factories or repair? Who knows? Maybe 50-50%, I always attack them in random order.

Ashes of the Singularity II