STAR CONFLICT 101

Welcome to the Star Conflict 101 Emperor's Hammer course. Star Conflict is a free to play supported platform of the EH that is utilized by both the Dark Brotherhood and the TIE Corps. Star Conflict is available for download on the Steam gaming service as well as directly from the developer at star-conflict.com. The following course will help give you a basic understanding to get started in the game.

Star Conflict is an open-world (galaxy) free-to-play game with many different game modes. Players may participate in a story-driven campaign or explore the wonders of open space where they can do battle with AI enemies and engage in limited PvP. There are also separate instances for PvP, co-op PvE skirmishes and co-op PVE random missions, each with its own set of challenges and rewards. Powerful player guilds, called corporations, can engage in Sector Conquest mode where conquering and holding an area of open space will generate greater rewards and income for the victors. In order to be eligible for TIE Corp or Dark Brotherhood awards, players must join our corporation, aptly named, The Emperor’s Hammer [EH].

Star Conflict supports player subscriptions and micro-transactions but it is not necessary to subscribe or make purchases with real money to enjoy the game. Except for the advantage of faster progression as a result of being a paying subscriber, free to play pilots are able to participate in all game modes on a level playing field with subscribers. The vast majority of items, even high rank ships, weapons and equipment can be purchased with in-game credits, looted from AI enemies in open space or claimed as the spoils of war following a victory in PvP or PvE game modes.

Definitions

Pilot Clearance Level (1-25): Progress through the levels happens in the form of completing tasks in the story campaign which involves a variety of game modes. Reaching a new level gives the pilot additional opportunities by unlocking new game modes, more powerful ships, weapons, and modules. By raising their clearance level the pilot also gets access to new locations in the ‘Open Space’ mode. Pilots can also increase their clearance level by upgrading the experience level of each ship they own, obtaining and upgrading ship weapons and modules (installed equipment) and earning in-game achievements. You should make it a priority to quickly upgrade your Clearance Level to 4 to unlock PvP mode and then at least 5 so you can participate in Custom Battles and PvP Brawl modes.

Experience or “XP”: In addition to upgrading your Pilot Clearance Level, the main type of advancement in the game is buying and upgrading ships. Non-premium ships are bought with in-game Credits and upgraded via Experience (XP), which is earned in combat or by doing missions. Spending XP increases the ship’s level, also known as Synergy, which is a measure of your proficiency in a particular ship. As a ship’s Synergy increases, the ship gains small increases in performance and unlocks certain bonuses. In addition to experience earned with a particular ship you will also earn a small amount of "free" experience that can be used to level up any ship.

Ship Rank (Currently 1-17): Generally, the higher the rank a ship is, the more powerful it is. Before a player can buy a new ship of a higher rank, there are often prerequisites to achieve such as achieving a certain Synergy level with a lower rank ship of the same type. In PVE Skirmish and PVP Arena game modes, players are grouped together in Tiers according to the highest rank ship in their active lineup. Be advised that the matchmaking system can be erratic. Also, don’t wait until you are ”maxed out” before jumping into the mix with PvE or PvP - knowledge of the game and pilot skill is the key to victory!

In-game Currency:

• Credits – the main in-game currency earned through combat and completing battles or missions. Credits are used to buy non-premium ships, weapons and ship equipment modules as well as manufacture various items in the workshop.
• Galactic Standards (GS) – the premium currency in the game purchased with real-life money. They are used to buy premium ships, cosmetic items and other perks. You can earn small amounts of GS by completing certain in-game tasks or events. Buying or selling items between players (the Trade button) is done exclusively with Galactic Standards.
• Iridium – used to buy special containers that may contain rare items, for fast travel in open space or for creating and upgrading corporation shipyards or dreadnaughts. Iridium is earned by looting following a PvP or PvE victory, completing special tasks or as a reward while being part of a corporation that controls a sector.

Ship Tree and Hanger

From the main screen, clicking on the SHIP tab at the top left or pressing “T” on your keyboard will bring up your Ship Tree showing what ships are currently in your hanger.

As mentioned, as you gain experience, you will soon unlock higher rank ships and different ship classes. While you can sell ships to fund the purchase of additional ships or upgrades, it is recommended that you keep your lower-level ships. There is no limit to the number of ships you can have stored in your hanger and this allows you to choose which ship you take into battle depending on the type of mission.

To view which equipment is installed on a particular ship, right-click and select ‘equipment’. This menu will allow you to remove, sell, salvage or upgrade your chosen weapons, active modules and equipment. If you hover your mouse over the different ship or module icons, a window will pop up showing you the different stats for the ship or item.

Double-clicking or dragging a ship icon to one of the three boxes at the bottom of the screen (combat slots) will place that ship in your active line-up. You will eventually unlock a fourth combat slot.

Factions

There are three main factions in Star Conflict: The Empire, The Federation and Jericho. Each faction also has various sub-factions. The factions and sub-factions are primarily for in-game lore and atmosphere and have no bearing upon gameplay beyond ship cosmetic appearance, general hull/shield/speed characteristics and ship-role availability. For instance, the Empire ships tend to have stronger hull strength but weaker shields than ships from the other two factions. The Empire has access to ECM and Recon Interceptors, but no Covert Ops Interceptors. Players play the role of independent mercenaries and a beginning player will begin with a handful of Empire ships. At Clearance Level 7, the player may purchase ships from the other factions.

The Empire

Ships created by the Empire have larger amounts of Hull strength, but lesser shields, compared to Jericho and Federation ships. The Empire does not manufacture Covert-Ops Interceptors, Tackler Fighters or Guard Frigates.

The Federation

These ships offer a balance of hull and shield strength and tend to have superior speed. The Federation does not field ECM Interceptors, Command Fighters or Long Range Frigates.

Jericho

Jericho ships focus on high shield power at the cost of less hull strength. The Jericho do not possess Recon Interceptors, Gunship Fighters or Engineering Frigates.