Guide for Returning Vets?

[RR J]

Howdy,

After playing from closed beta until Jan of '07 I decided to re-sub again. I've been pleasantly surprised the last few nights to see populations to support battles that really take me back.

I'm having a lot of fun being back, but I have noticed that I am very rusty (you're welcome for the easy kills I've been giving out NC and VS) and its going to take some time getting back into shape. I was wondering if anyone knows of a guide for returning players like myself would be able to make use of that highlights changes to the game so we can get back up to speed. Things like changes to certs/implants/vehicles and etc.

Thanks in advance!

[Manitou]

Welcome back RRJ! You can check out the PSU wiki and possibly find some information there. Also, check out the rest of our forums, there is a whole community of friends from where you can glean much information about the game as it is today!

Again, welcome back! We look forward to seeing you on the field of battle.

[CutterJohn]

I just came back as well and am having a difficult time of it. I used to love running buggies around, but there seems to be so much CE now that its suicide to even think about. Its been 7 years, and they still can't make them useful. Just fun, so you feel guilty for bringing one out.

I generally get farmed more than not inside.. I'm trying the lasher, but its not seeming very effective. JH and MCG users still seem to kill me way faster than I kill them. When I inevitably die I seem to spawn at a different AMS every time, since they last all of 5 minutes with the number of OSs I see.

My starfire seems inadquate anymore. People run off, or duck behind cover, and I never get any kills. If I'm near NC its just a death sentence since that damned phoenix kills maxs no matter where they hide.

The only good times are when I can find a reliable mag driver/gunner to trade off with, but finding one that is reliable is rare, and finding one that wants to use voice.. Doesn't seem people in this game grasp the concept of talking anymore.

Squads are all over the map.. Had a platoon on 4 different continents yesterday.

Tbh, that seems to be a theme, not working together. No outfits seem to want people, if they even exist. It must be one or the other since nobody ever answers me when I ask.

So I just join random groups(which are labeled as such. Nobody bothers with roles). Try to find a driver that doesn't kill us, or a gunner that doesn't fixate on some grunt 8000 yards away when a vanny is right next to me.

I don't think I'll last too long. PS has lost its culture of teamwork. Everyone is just zerging everywhere.

[JayC]

Originally Posted by CutterJohn

The only good times are when I can find a reliable mag driver/gunner to trade off with, but finding one that is reliable is rare, and finding one that wants to use voice.. Doesn't seem people in this game grasp the concept of talking anymore.

Join an outfit

[RR J]

Originally Posted by JayC

Join an outfit

Exactly, I had fun my first few days back. The fun increased exponentially with an outfit to run around with.

[Jamini]

I just came back as well and am having a difficult time of it. I used to love running buggies around, but there seems to be so much CE now that its suicide to even think about. Its been 7 years, and they still can't make them useful. Just fun, so you feel guilty for bringing one out.

Actually, Assault buggies are much stronger against mines now. It won't save you if you blow over a minefield, but generally if you manage to stop after the first mine you'll live. Your best bet, however, is to avoid places where mines generally are laid.

1. Don't push into a CY unless a tank, BFR, or EMP clears it first.
2. Don't rush the areas around towers.
3. Avoid bridges, if you MUST cross do it in first person and slowly.

Assault buggies are excellent support vehicles. If you have tech, grab a Skyguard and hang out near friendly tanks. If not, then you should be rolling your ES buggy, since you aren't going to pull anything heavier anyway. Assault buggies are stronger than lightnings, and they make paste out of infantry with a decent gunner.

I generally get farmed more than not inside.. I'm trying the lasher, but its not seeming very effective. JH and MCG users still seem to kill me way faster than I kill them. When I inevitably die I seem to spawn at a different AMS every time, since they last all of 5 minutes with the number of OSs I see.

The lasher has issues again, that's certain. However MA is always a viable alternative. I'm on NC, and I haven't certed HA on my main since I started. Hallways are your friends, and attacking intelligently means you can often get the drop on someone. If you gotta get in close, the sweeper is just as strong as the MCG in close combat, and with steady aim and a little luck you can easily beat a JH user. Also, everyone wears rexo now, plan accordingly.

My starfire seems inadequate anymore. People run off, or duck behind cover, and I never get any kills. If I'm near NC its just a death sentence since that damned phoenix kills maxes no matter where they hide.

Honestly it sounds like you need some practice with the skillfire. Or you could just pull a skyguard and be more effective. I wouldn't know much about AA maxes, seeing as my main empire has easily the worst AA max in the game.

The only good times are when I can find a reliable mag driver/gunner to trade off with, but finding one that is reliable is rare, and finding one that wants to use voice.. Doesn't seem people in this game grasp the concept of talking anymore.

Squads are all over the map.. Had a platoon on 4 different continents yesterday.

Tbh, that seems to be a theme, not working together. No outfits seem to want people, if they even exist. It must be one or the other since nobody ever answers me when I ask.

So I just join random groups(which are labeled as such. Nobody bothers with roles). Try to find a driver that doesn't kill us, or a gunner that doesn't fixate on some grunt 8000 yards away when a vanny is right next to me.

I don't think I'll last too long. PS has lost its culture of teamwork. Everyone is just zerging everywhere.

It sounds like you need to find a good outfit. Ask around, most groups that run together tend to be more then willing to recruit old vets. It took me a while to find a group I fit with as well on returning, but I'm fairly happy.

If you are really having a hard time, try a different empire. I know on the NC we have a LOT of active/recruiting outfits. To name a few of them off the top of my head:

Blue Lions (Zergfit, good for beginners.)
Praeorian Guard (Strict admissions, not always active)
NC Spec Ops (Good group, but ya gotta run with them before they'll invite you.)
Renegade Legion (Never asked to join them, but they do good stuff.)

... and I know there are quite a few others.

[The Desert Fox]

Originally Posted by JayC

Join Black Widow Company

Fixed for truth