[X3TC][SPOILERS] Capturing smaller ships - TL;DR version.

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nponoBegHuk
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[X3TC][SPOILERS] Capturing smaller ships - TL;DR version.

Post by nponoBegHuk » Thu, 24. Jan 19, 06:27

I know this was discussed already in the forum, but I feel the need to make a short, straight to the point guide on "do"s and "don't"s to use along with my other thread, which I'm about to conclude (hopefully for good this time, it's been a hell of a ride). There is a guide in the sticky section but while its general info is good, the method described is only good when "Try this. If he bails - you win. If he doesn't - look for another target". The method I will provide below will net you any ship of your liking, as long as you have enough patience, and the ship is not marked not capturable for being a part of a mission or something. This information definitely will spoil your enjoyment of the game if you like the thrill of "let's shoot this guy, wonder if he'll bail!!", so please think again if you actually want to keep reading or not

Several of the ship classes can be captured by shooting them hard enough they get scared so hard for their own life they give up ship in exchange for sparing their life. These classes are: M3, M4, M5, M8, TP, TS (exceptions apply).
  • Get yourself a ship that can mount 4-8 Mass Drivers (the more the better, don't forget the ammo!), M3 or M6 will do fine, but don't go below that. You want to carry also some conventional weapons. Suggestions are 2 PBE and 2 IRE.
    Can you give more details? - Yes, click me
    Show
    Your ship needs to be "stronger" in shield/hull/combined weapon power than the opponent to get an increse in bail chance. You have a free Mamba in LooManckStrat's Legacy, compatible with such weapons. You might also want to grab a bunch of PBG to clean up escorts, available at the same sector. When you earn enough for an M6, you might want to consider that instead. Argon, Split and Pirate M6 can mount Mass Drivers. I'd go with the speed of the Split, but up to you. Personally, since I've started Poisoned Paranid game, I've been using just the Mamba at the beginning, and after I finished Poisoned Paranid mission, I kept the Mass Drivers on the Mamba along with a Docking Computer, and used the Hyperion Vanguard for the second part.
  • Choose your target from one of the mentioned classes.
  • Don't attack any other ships in sector, go straight for your target. If you did have combat activity there, or not sure, leave the sector and return back.
    Why? What if the target has escorts?
    Show
    The game has a hidden timer which prevents you from capturing many ships in a row. The timer is reset when you enter the sector. The timer is not that long, but if you keep fighting inside the same sector, the chance to capture a ship goes down with every iteration. That's why your best bet is to go for the very first ship you personally attack in the sector (you can still order your other ships to attack, only the ship you are inside when the damage is being done counts).

    If the target is not alone and you can't lure him without provoking the others, you can kill off his buddies, leave the sector and return. You can also try something like luring the whole group to attack you and then capturing the fastest one while his buddies lag behind, or fly in large circle so you can catch the slowest of the bunch by getting behind him.
  • Save just before attacking the target, thank me later.
  • Inspect your target and look how much maximum hull that ship can have. Divide that number by 40. Carefully use only Mass Drivers to put his hull just below that mark (2.5% but your GUI only shows integer values so it will show 2% for you, but you can inspect the target again by pressing U to get the actual reading). You might want to switch to single Mass Driver for the last few %.
    Why Mass Drivers? Why 2.5%?
    Show
    The condition for the ship to bail are met as soon as the ship has (almost) no shields and his hull is below 87.5%, but actually the chance of a successful capture increases further if the ship hull is much more damaged than that. The highest bonus is when the hull is below 2.5% when the shields are depleted. Attacking the ship normally would trigger the no-capture timer as soon as we hit 87.5% and attacking him further would not trigger another bail check for another minute. That is why we use Mass Drivers. This weapon deals damage straight to the hull, and as long as the shields are not 0%, the bail check will not occur allowing you to make use of the "low hull bonus" later. If you can't afford / not a huge fan of Mass Drivers, you can also use one of this alternative methods:
    • Damage the ship to 2.5% normally, then leave sector and return.
    • Damage the ship to 2.5% quickly (within 1 minute), stay in SETA for a while and go for it (repeated attempt penalty applies)
    • Have other ship you're not personally flying deal damage and make him stop at around 2.5% (can be tricky but can be done)
  • If you're happy with your "hull preparation routine", save again at this point.
  • Switch all of your Mass Drivers off now. Use your conventional weapons to reduce the shield of the target to around 5 or 10% mark.
  • Save the game at this point, but only if you're absolutely sure enemy shields never went all the way down to 0%. Most of the time 10% will be safe enough, unless you're confident, but then you wouldn't be reading this, right?
    What's so important?
    Show
    The moment of truth happens as soon as the shields reach below 1MJ of total charge. If the ship's shielding is less than 100MJ, 1MJ could be potentially a pretty high value, in these cases 1% value is used instead. Which is actually the case for the most ships you will be hunting for using this method. At this point, the game considers all the requirements for a "capture attempt" to be met, the game rolls a dice and if you're lucky, the pilot will bail, but if not - the no-capture timer will silently start and your only way of knowing is by not letting the shield drop below this point.
  • Once you saved, proceed to remove the rest of the shield in gentle, controlled bursts. If the target starts taking damage to the hull but still no surrender dialog happening, you can safely reload your last game and try again.
    Are some ships more stubborn than others? What's morale?
    Show
    Definitely. All the AI pilots in the game have a hidden Morale value. The higher it is - the less likely the pilot will surrender. Using this method here you can convince any pilot to surrender with the probability of between 8% and 38% depending on the pilot's morale. The Kha'ak ships have an additional penalty to your capture chances based on your fight rank. Bravest of the Kha'ak ships won't surrender at rank below Fighter no matter what, and I definitely won't recommend going for one of them at below Assassin, unless you're a masochist.
  • If you're persistent enough the ship will eventually bail, I recommend saving immediately after he turns blue. You never know what might happen around the ship with 2% hull and no shields.
If seeing this process being done helps you better than reading wall of text, a sample video from my collection will appear shortly on this link. It's just the gameplay without any captions or comments, but if you were paying attention reading, I'm sure you will have no trouble whatsoever identifying different stages of the capture attempt. If you'd like to see more videos from my collection, choose one and I could upload it for you.
videos sorted by date
Show
[1.2.1] Xenon P (bails) A.mp4
[1.2.1] Pirate Pirate Ship (bails).mp4
[1.2.1] Boron Marlin Hauler (bails).mp4
[1.2.1] Messing with Merc Medusa Prototype.mp4
[1.2.1] PALC.mp4
[1.2.1] Xenon P (bails) B.mp4
[1.2.1] Split Enhanced Jaguar (Terran plot).mp4
[1.2.1] Kha'ak Corvette (bails).mp4
[1.2.1] Kha'ak Fighter (bails).mp4
[1.2.1] Xenon K (bails) B.mp4
[1.2.1] Kha'ak Carrier (bails) part1.mp4
[1.2.1] Kha'ak Carrier (bails) part2.mp4
[1.2.1] Xenon J (bails) part1.mp4
[1.2.1] Xenon J (bails) part2.mp4
[1.2.1] Kha'ak Destroyer (bails) part1.mp4
[1.2.1] Kha'ak Destroyer (bails) part2.mp4
[1.2.1] Kha'ak Destroyer (bails) part3.mp4
[1.0.1] Xenon P (bails) A.mp4
[1.0.1] Xenon P (bails) B.mp4
[1.0.1] Xenon LX (bails).mp4
[1.0.1] Xenon K (bails) A.mp4
[1.0.1] Xenon J (bails).mp4
[1.0.1] Merc Medusa Prototype (not claimable).mp4
[1.0.1] PALC.mp4
[1.0.1] Kha'ak Destroyer (bails).mp4
[1.0.1] Kha'ak Carrier (bails) part 1.mp4
[1.0.1] Kha'ak Carrier (bails) part 2.mp4
[1.0.1] Crazy Xenon patrol.mp4
[1.0.1] Crazy Xenon patrol 2.mp4
[1.0.1] Crazy Xenon patrol 3.mp4
[1.0.1] Kha'ak Corvette (bails).mp4
[1.0.1] Boron Marlin Hauler (bails).mp4
[1.0.1] Terran Cutlass, Split Enhanced Jaguar (Terran plot).mp4
[1.0.1] Kha'ak Destroyer (bails using another Destroyer).mp4
[1.0.1] Argon Nova Prototype (bails).mp4
[1.0.1] Teladi Falcon Prototype (bails).mp4
[1.0.1] Argon Mercury Prototype (bails).mp4
[1.0.1] Teladi Toucan Hauler + Goner Ranger (bail).mp4
[1.0.1] Argon Express Hauler (bails).mp4
[1.0.1] Boron Barracuda Prototype (bails).mp4
[1.0.1] discovering a Pirate Base.mp4
[1.0.1] Demeter Prototype (bails).mp4
[1.0.1] Teladi Toucan Prototype (bails).mp4
[1.0.1] Argon Advanced Express (bails).mp4
[1.0.1] OTAS Notus Hauler (bails).mp4
[1.0.1] Flight School Barracuda defends sector.mp4
[1.3] Cloning Teladianium.mp4
[1.3] Cloning Teladianium 2.mp4
[1.3] Susanowa Prototype & company (PHQ plot).mp4
[1.3] Yaki Akurei Hauler, Yaki Kariudo Hauler (boarded during PHQ mission).mp4
[1.3] Orca (boarded during PHQ plot).mp4
[1.3] Pirate Brigantine, Pirate Galleon (boarded).mp4
[1.3] Pirate Carrack (boarded).mp4
[1.3] Pirate Caravel (boarded).mp4
[1.3] Headquarters Cloning.mp4
[1.3] Multi-PHQ play.mp4
[1.3] Return stolen ship - overview.mp4
[1.3] Return stolen ship - stolen. Raptor boarded.mp4
[1.3] #deca.mp4
[1.3] Vulture Prototype (bails).mp4
[1.3] Pirate Ship (bails).mp4
[1.3] Pirate Ship + all escorts (bail).mp4
[2.6] #cafe (boarding failed), Property UI glitch (1).mp4
[2.6] #cafe (boarding failed), Property UI glitch (2).mp4
[2.6-3.4] Agamemnon (boarded), Property UI glitch (1).mp4
[2.6-3.4] Agamemnon (boarded), Property UI glitch (2).mp4
[2.6] Kha'ak Scout (bails in UFJD sector).mp4
[2.6] Nemesis (failed to board); Odysseus, Zeus (boarded).mp4
[2.6] Repairing Yaki rep.mp4
[2.6] Terran Osaka (boarded).mp4
[2.6] Yaki Shuri (boarded) + rep repair.mp4
[2.6] Yaki Akuma, Ryu, Chokaro (boarded).mp4
[2.6] #cafe insanity (1).mp4
[2.6] #cafe insanity (2).mp4
[2.6] Kha'ak Fighter (bails in UFJD sector).mp4
[2.6] Fail at #cafe hacking.mp4
[2.6] Aran in 1 hour challenge (boarded from Hyperion).mp4
[3.4] ATF Prototype Crusher (bails in Balance of Power).mp4
[3.4] Fenrir, Mjollnir (bail) and finishing Balance of Power.mp4
[3.4] Derelict run.mp4
[3.4] Odin (boarded).mp4
[3.4] Skirnir, Vali (boarded).mp4
[3.4] Tyr, Aegir, Atmoshperic Lifter (boarded).mp4
[3.4] Treasure hunt plot - boarding Elephant, X-shuttle. Bonus HCP, Hyperion boarding.mp4
[3.4] Falcon Prototype (bails).mp4
Fast sector selection on the Universe Map | Rock locations for Mobile/OOS mining | Botting for max speed Hyperion | Complete list of ship sources | Capturing smaller ships

My current ship collection:
11 out of 11 *retired* ships found
17 out of 17 *unique* ships found
9 out of 9 *limited* ships found
16 out of 16 *rare* ships found

UnknownObject
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Re: [X3TC][SPOILERS] Capturing smaller ships - TL;DR version.

Post by UnknownObject » Thu, 24. Jan 19, 12:56

Thanks for the guide!

I'd like to watch boarding #cafe. One needs to send it to PHQ immediately, otherwise it vanishes, doesn't it?
Мир всем народам на свете.
Нам не нужна
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nponoBegHuk
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Re: [X3TC][SPOILERS] Capturing smaller ships - TL;DR version.

Post by nponoBegHuk » Thu, 24. Jan 19, 19:30

UnknownObject wrote:
Thu, 24. Jan 19, 12:56
Thanks for the guide!

I'd like to watch boarding #cafe. One needs to send it to PHQ immediately, otherwise it vanishes, doesn't it?
You have exactly 30 minutes since you reject the plot mission and until it vanishes. If your PHQ reverse engineering queue is empty you should be fine. The main problem is actually that #cafe is a Xenon ship, and we all love boarding Xenon ships, right? :roll: I'll upload the video for you soon.
Fast sector selection on the Universe Map | Rock locations for Mobile/OOS mining | Botting for max speed Hyperion | Complete list of ship sources | Capturing smaller ships

My current ship collection:
11 out of 11 *retired* ships found
17 out of 17 *unique* ships found
9 out of 9 *limited* ships found
16 out of 16 *rare* ships found

fireanddream
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Re: [X3TC][SPOILERS] Capturing smaller ships - TL;DR version.

Post by fireanddream » Thu, 24. Jan 19, 22:47

Nice! Never thought of the mass driver trick.

But then again I wish AP has the TC plot. Imagine the number of shat pants when my #deca warped in in the middle of a fight.

I also saw from your video list there is a fenrir bail? I thought in TC terrans never bail and in AP they don't spawn so buying is the only option. My roleplaying is never pay for ships.

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nponoBegHuk
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Re: [X3TC][SPOILERS] Capturing smaller ships - TL;DR version.

Post by nponoBegHuk » Thu, 24. Jan 19, 22:55

fireanddream wrote:
Thu, 24. Jan 19, 22:47
I also saw from your video list there is a fenrir bail? I thought in TC terrans never bail and in AP they don't spawn so buying is the only option. My roleplaying is never pay for ships.
Never pay for ships is nice scenario.

Fenrir and Mjollnir don't bail on normal terms, but at the end of Balance of Power plot the game will spawn a pair of these specially tweaked to allow you to capture them as a non-ATF ship. This is your only chance to get them. I haven't played AP that much so I don't know, but most probably you're out of luck, sorry :( . Once I finish collecting all ships in my current gameplay I'll give AP a go.
Fast sector selection on the Universe Map | Rock locations for Mobile/OOS mining | Botting for max speed Hyperion | Complete list of ship sources | Capturing smaller ships

My current ship collection:
11 out of 11 *retired* ships found
17 out of 17 *unique* ships found
9 out of 9 *limited* ships found
16 out of 16 *rare* ships found

jlehtone
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Joined: Sat, 23. Apr 05, 21:42
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Re: [X3TC][SPOILERS] Capturing smaller ships - TL;DR version.

Post by jlehtone » Thu, 24. Jan 19, 22:58

fireanddream wrote:
Thu, 24. Jan 19, 22:47
I also saw from your video list there is a fenrir bail?
Spoiler
Show
"... and finishing Balance of Power"
That bail is a plot requirement.

Edit:
I have Mjollnir and Valkyrie blueprints in AP. Cannot recall buying those ships, but I know that I have shot at many in the War.
Goner Pancake Protector X
Insanity included at no extra charge.
There is no Box. I am the sand.

fireanddream
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Re: [X3TC][SPOILERS] Capturing smaller ships - TL;DR version.

Post by fireanddream » Fri, 25. Jan 19, 17:43

nponoBegHuk wrote:
Thu, 24. Jan 19, 22:55
Never pay for ships is nice scenario.

Fenrir and Mjollnir don't bail on normal terms, but at the end of Balance of Power plot the game will spawn a pair of these specially tweaked to allow you to capture them as a non-ATF ship. This is your only chance to get them. I haven't played AP that much so I don't know, but most probably you're out of luck, sorry :( . Once I finish collecting all ships in my current gameplay I'll give AP a go.
Me: god I miss TC time to fire it up.
Me: *saw the tiny teeny sector map window
Me: nope.

RiggidNoodle
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Re: [X3TC][SPOILERS] Capturing smaller ships - TL;DR version.

Post by RiggidNoodle » Wed, 26. Jun 19, 21:49

I don't think there's a way to reply to a thread without bumping it. So apologies if this infuriates anyone.

@nponoBegHuk Thanks for the guide. The capture L mission was driving me up the wall, and diving straight towards the L after jumping to the same sector (Black sun) gate right behind it, did the trick. Once again thank you!

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