Last updated: Oct 06, 2010
Original: https://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/1/13762#297629
Author: Roda Slane
Not knowing basic game mechanics will slow you down. Spend the time needed here to know the basics. It will pay off in the long run.
Fast one time level jump, also a requirement to open up many other missions.
Take the basic combat mission. Use a Centurion with plasma hx to destroy orun / dentec collectors in mass. Avoid higher level bots. Learn to aim while dodging. Sometimes a simple dodge like holding a strafe key and tapping a roll key as needed will be sufficient to dodge collector fire. Keeping the hx on target while dodging is good practice. Upgrade your power cell as you level.
Once you have access to the fast charge power cell, you will be able to travel farther and faster. Your trade ships will run smoother. Combat ships will fly farther. There will be times when you may still wish to use the heavy power cell, but it is helpful to be able to pick the best power cell for the occasion.
Use the centurion and hx to target the most advanced collector, or use a vulture MkIII with a single neutron blaster to target assaults. Avoid guardians.
Procurement missions if you have the credits to back it up.
There are too many great ships to list them all here. I will point out those that are useful and easy to get, or are top end.
The centurion has very good turbo speed but low combat speed. The vulture MkIII is both fast and good in combat. The great combat fighters are the itani and orion centurion variants and the serco and corvus vulture variants. Also note the Itani Valkyrie.
The warthog mkII is very fast over distance because of it's low turbo drain. The hornet MkII is also fast over distance and has better cargo space. Special note of Orion Hornet. Top end: Corvus Wartwog, Itani Valkyrie.
For trading look at the cargo space of the ships available to you. Look at the wraith, atlas, centaur, behemoth. If you are very serious about trade also look at the TPG Atlas X and TPG Behemoth XC.
Neutron blaster MkII.
Do not forget to stop by a mining station and take the mining tutorial mission for a head start on mining levels.
One of the fasted ways to raise standing with a faction is procurement missions. Longer is better.
At combat level 3 you can take escort missions. Shorter may be better.
Avoid grey space unless you have a very fast ship. grey space is typically infested with pirates and villains.