Hub Mission 1: Keep dying in Xenon Sector, Need Tips X3TC

[JeffreyW75]

I am playing the vanilla version of X3TC (version 2.0), have a decent size fleet, and just started the Hub Missions. I took my fully-equipped Boreas to fly into Xenon Sector 023, and as soon as I enter the Xenon sector that lies just before sector 023 (I forget the number on it), I get ambushed by a bunch of Xenon ships waiting on the other side of the gate. My Boreas lasts for about 30 seconds to a minute, and then is destroyed by all of the incoming fire on it. I can't jump into the sector at a different position, as I have not explored the sector yet and the jumpgates are not revealed. I have to fly into the sector.

This is the first time my Boreas hasn't been able to handle a sector on its own, so I was pretty surprised. It is also my only M2, although I have funds to purchase another one if necessary. I have some Centaurs, Heavy Centaurs, Osprey, etc, as well as some M3's. But I didn't want to fly them into the sector and get destroyed as they come through the gate.

So does anyone have any suggestions on how to best beat this mission? Is there a different M2 I should be using? Or is it better to grab a fast ship and just fly through all of the sectors as quickly as possible and complete the mission? I don't have the Terran level to buy a Springblossom, so that isn't a possibility yet--I lost several levels when my dedicated satellite deployer on autopilot flew into a restricted Terran sector to deploy satellites, automatically released fighter drones, and I suddenly started getting messages that I was losing Terran rank before I figured out what was happening.

I think my fighting level is "Fighter Chief".

[mactruck81]

try getting a fast m5 with a jump drive, and loaded with e-cells. Once your in the sector gun it, and reveal the other gates. May need to do some fancy flying. if the heat gets too high jump away.

i speak from not having gotten that far in game yet so take that with a grain of salt and 2 shakes of pepper.

[delray]

Either go strong (M2s, M7s, wings of fighters and with bomber support) or go fast (Kestel, Jaguar Rider).

[mad_axeman]

It's quite easy to do it in a Discoverer Hauler. As soon as you exit the gate. Fly straight up (or down). Then fly to where you reckon the other gate is (the sectore isn't huge and visibility is excellent so you should be able to see it) and fly down behind the gate, then into the back of the gate. Like this:

Code: Select all

  +---------------------------------------+
  |                                       |
  |                                       |
  |                                       |
  |    X X xx xx  x                       |
  |                x  x                   |
G |   x  x  x x xx                    G   |
G |                                   G   |
G-+             x     xx              G<--+
G             X                       G    
G                        xx           G    

where each pillar of G is a gate and x & X are Xenon ships.

[EmperorJon]

It's really much easier. Get a Kestrel, fly into the first sector, now your mission guidance is showing you the gate on the other side. Click on it to register it, then jump to it and fly through. Repeat, and your there.

[JeffreyW75]

Thanks for all the help on this. It sounds like the way to go is the fast ship route--I don't really want to lose lots of fighters and such trying to battle it through--too costly. Again, thanks for the quick and good info. And I really appreciate the little map. I will give this a try tonight hopefully.

[The_Unforgiven]

I managed it in my Vidar. I had to jink but it was fast enough to get through.

[Pisces1]

In a kestral the stealth method probably isn't necassary, your faster than all the Ns anyway. A slower ship could also do it if it has turrets to destroy faster ships, e.g. springblossom, Hyperion etc.

I do vouch by stealth method though, it got my Angel through 2 xenon sectors in the lost lar start.

[TTD]

I did it in my Katana.

I just jumped direct to the east gate of X627, turned on the spot and entered the gate into the Hub.Lost only 4% shielding from a few xenon shots ,but that soon returned.

[delray]

What guns do you have on your Katana?

[Gizmocat]

I had a wholly different solution for this - with mission guidance on, the gate seemed to be highlighted, all I had to do was select it, and jump to it, one quick turn around, and I was through - I was in a Skate Prototype at the time...

[JeffreyW75]

Thanks again for all the help. I basically just bought and equipped a Kestrel, and it rocketed through all the sectors and brought me to the hub. I didn't have to engage any enemies, and probably didn't need any extra equipment either (apart from the speed-related ones). I have now begun the next missions on the hub.

[Teebor]

Thanks again for all the help. I basically just bought and equipped a Kestrel, and it rocketed through all the sectors and brought me to the hub. I didn't have to engage any enemies, and probably didn't need any extra equipment either (apart from the speed-related ones). I have now begun the next missions on the hub.

Having an equipped Kestrel to hand is always good

Grats on getting that storyline arc going

[TTD]

@ delray

My Katana has been fitted with 12 EMPCs , 5 x 200 MJ shields and 1 Rapier Missile.

I just jumped in,turned 180 degrees,( pressing J while using joystick to turn ,speeds up the process),then boost through gate to the Hub.

[pjknibbs]

I just jumped in,turned 180 degrees,( pressing J while using joystick to turn ,speeds up the process),then boost through gate to the Hub.

In order to do that you must already have mapped the jumpgate in the Xenon sector, though, which would again require either a fast ship or some nimble footwork in a capital vessel.

[delray]

I recently was there test-driving my Brig after I gave it 2xPPC+6xGC on sides... and it didn't look that grim at all inside.

Seriously, if you can't afford a ship that can rip through those sectors to reach the destination... you can't afford doing that plot either.

[mad_axeman]

What? That's rubbish!
I can't afford a ship like that, but I'm quite happily progressing with the hub missions.

[TTD]

pjknibbs replied

In order to do that you must already have mapped the jumpgate in the Xenon sector, though, which would again require either a fast ship or some nimble footwork in a capital vessel.

When I start any X game,I usually make my first mission mapping all the accessible universe. Of course,picking up any credits along the way and getting at least one trader working for me as soon as possible.

Therefore,by the time I id the hub start,the gates were already mapped.

[Elektrofusion]

I kill them all. M7 Deimos(3xPSG + 3xHETP+2xIron Shard Railguns + canons=FAA). I have problem to buy teladianium 140000 and ore for hub!

Patrol boron sector: M7 Deimos v.s. xenon=320.000.000 cr + angry boron shipyard(accidentally fire).

try Split Jaguar Vanguard. 023 have 2 gates(north + east)

[ezra-r]

I just went there with my M6 Skiron and went directly to the gate, I guess I got lucky to find nearly no hostiles around and to be able to avoid their fire until I reached the gate, getting their attention with one fast ship before you jump might be helpful instead of trying to go there with a fleet.