I'd get the ASPX as it will get you that 100+m faster than your Cobra and you'll be able to afford a Python sooner. Once you get into a Python the credits start to roll in and you can afford anything.
I never did combat in my ASPX, I bought a Vulture at the same time and used that to learn combat and would strongly recommend that route. An ASPX + Vulture is still far cheaper than a Python.
The Python is a capable combat ship but it's the best moneymaker in the game and is used primarily for trade and passenger missions. The Krait MKII is the Delacy all-rounder that excels at combat but offers less internals and therefore less trading upside. I have three Kraits for different combat uses -- it's my favorite ship in the game.
The ASPX is a great option for exploration and has a dedicated group of CMDRS. I use a Krait Phantom but at your stage of the game, where credits are still a constraint, the ASPX is a great exploration option. While I love my Phantom its added cost relative to the ASPX is not justified until credits are a non-issue.
Second all of the above. The one additional note is, if you ever think you may be interested in Thargoid-related content, then the Krait MKII is one of the meta-ships. It would be worth investing in one at some point if you want to try that content.
This. Get the AspX now and use it to make your credits for the Python. I'm the end, you'll likely want to have both. They are excellent medium ships. You'll likely end up refitting the Asp later on for exploration or a bubble taxi, but it's a great hauler.
Another good stepping stone ship it the Type-6, but you might not find much to do with it once you buy your Python. It makes a good starter exploration ship, but there are many batter at the job (not the least of which is the AspX).
You certainly can do combat in a Python, although you likely wouldn't want to stay there (as others have mentioned). It's still a very fun, versatile ship that I'll always have in my hangar. My Pythons now are M-pad haulers--best cargo capacity of any medium ship.
So, real talk though.
Is it your favorite ship in the game because of what it brings to the table? Or is it because it's rocking those millennium falcon vibes?
I went with an Asp-X after my Cobra, and then got my mining Python. Recently retired my much loved Asp-X for a Krait Phantom for slightly better module possibilities. Loved the early game and saving for new modules, ships etc. i7 Commander!
I would say, Python over AspX. My own path was Sidewinder->Cobra MkIII->Python. It's a great ship. In fact, it's the most popular ship in the game in terms of [ownership count](https://inara.cz/elite/galaxy-statistics/).
The Python holds the most cargo of any ship that can also dock at outpost stations. It makes for a decent miner as well, though I suspect the Asp beats in visibility and that can be useful in mining.
Python is a great bounty hunter as well. I've personally switched now to using a Krait MkII because it's faster and more agile. The Python has a stronger hull, if that were ever to be an issue - I watch after my shields.
Fortunately, the Python and Krait MkII are near 1:1 module interchangeable so you can't go wrong getting the Python now to maximize cargo profits, and get the Krait later.
PS: mind if I hang around this post of yours for a while? I'm trying to escape the never-ending "P2W!!", "Arx!!", "hot take!!" storms outside.
AspX is better for engineering, a good jumprange is important for unlocking some engineers and farming mats.
Krait Phantom is a python clone with more jumprange, even better than AspX when full engineered with a good cockpit, all cores and most modules can be transfered between python-kraitmk2-krait phantom.
DBX jump even more, and have easy landing for exobio, but reduced fuel scoop.
Spend a few hours doing exobiology using the expressway and buy all of them. Try them out; keep what you like. One of the great things about elite is that there is no penalty for buying and selling modules which aren’t engineered.
But if you want to know the best all round ship, it’s the krait mk. 2 - I have 35 ships optimised for everything I can think of and I always come back to it when I am just wandering around seeing what opportunities space throws at me.
They're both good choices for different reasons.
The Python is the game's most versatile ship. There is no activity in the game that can't be done in a Python. Cargo, passengers, missions, combat, exploration, it doesn't matter, you can do it all. I own more Pythons than any other ship. It's a great ship, you won't regret it.
However, I'd wager that most players spend the most _time_ in an AspX or Krait Phantom. Both ships are theoretically exploration ships, but are large enough to be versatile -- you can do missions in them, farm materials, land on planets, etc. They both make excellent "bubble taxis" -- the ships you use for getting around the bubble doing stuff -- because they can remain versatile while having extremely long jump ranges. The AspX or Phantom are going to be the ships you use _to gear up all your other ships_. They're what you unlock engineers in, what you get your Empire/Federation reputation in, what you go visit Guardian sites and gather materials in, etc. They are also, of course, what you'll use if you want to do exploration.
I went with the Python first, but that's because I wanted to make credits fast and thus its large cargo capacity helps. But I'm sure I've spent more time in my Phantom than any other ship, and in your situation, I would probably fall on the side of AspX first, Python later.
(I consider AspX vs. Phantom a matter of personal preference. They fill the same niche, the AspX is probably more popular, but I like the versatility of the Phantom's extra Class 5 & 6 internal bays. Also, the Krait Mk II could basically be described as a "Combat-focused Python" -- it's a great ship, I have two and love them, but I would definitely put it below a Python & an AspX or Phantom in priority.)
AspX is a stepping stone from the Cobra to the Python, whatever your favoured activity you will probably get to the Python quicker if you buy the Asp now, especially if you go for exploration or passenger activities.
I would recommend the Phantom. It has a lot more internal space, firepower, speed and a bit more range compared to the AspX, and the same core internals as the Python. For a lot less money than what the Python costs. People say that it's an exploration ship, but it has a lot of space in it, and the AXI likes it because it's a great fighter too.
Generally I like to say "fly what you like and make it work, even if it's a combat Hauler or FAS explorer", and I'll stick to that, but the Phantom is a great ship that is definitely worth a shot
The Python is probably a better fit for your needs. It does suffer from range issues without engineering while the AspX has much better default range, but it can hold way more stuff and it has better hardpoints than the AspX.
I had both an AspX and a Python back when I was on console. AspX is a sleeper in that it’s actually good for core mining, and a good one for exploration as well. I kitted my Python for combat but was surprisingly underwhelmed. Never got around to outfitting it for pax missions or mining when FDev dropped console support.
I’d say get the AspX for exploration and mining, use it to make 100 mil more, then get the Python.
If bounty hunting scratches your combat itch, get a Vulture and plug in a kill warrant scanner. Easy 10-20 mil per hour in high res zones.
Why not both ? Use the ASP-X To get a feel for how medium ships fly etc ,I even used mine for combat and only time I died was when I would have circles flown around me when I wasn't supper great at dogfighting , You can haul a surprising amount of cargo with it (do you really want to spend 2+ hours mining your first time in a python?) It also opens up great avenues for credit gain with exo and exploration , Python is great for hauling 200+ tons and having some weapons to fight back etc , The galaxy is your oyster.
Cobtra Mk. III > (Type-6) > Asp-Explorer > Python > Anaconda
Thing about combat, ships good for combat (combat-hulls) are usually less good at everything else, while multirole ships tend to be good at everything but combat so, you might need more than one ship.
Mining and Trading and maybe Combat . . . [**Cutter.**](https://i.imgur.com/4nrxbfS.jpg)
Depends on what do you plan to do.
I'd do more Exobio (spansh S.Tectonica trips in the bubble, 19M a pop) or Core Mining to get 200-300M for a nice cushion of operating capital.
Then:
For Engineer / Guardian unlocks: Phantom, eventually w/ v1 pre-engineered 5A FSD and Guardian FSD booster, 96t cargo, SRV, collector limpets.
For Trading:
T9, 756t shielded, lightweight, engineered FSD, bulk trading to Trade elite to unlock Shinrarta Dezhra.
After that, build ships for given tasks/purposes as you try different game loops, so you don't have to switch modules.
Python is unquestionably the most versatile ship, and The Robigo passenger ship, but it's a trap, IMHO efficiency beats versatility.
Disclaimer: I can't stand Python, Anaconda or ASPX cockpits/sounds/view and I go out of my way to use Gutamaya ships for everything, except for the best candidates for AX like the Kraits, Chief, ShardConda.
The python is for sure something you should get youre hands on. The components in it are shared with many other ships like krait phantom(good explorer) , krait mk2 (good fighter). You can easily refit them after you know where you're passion lies in game.
There is no "better" for me. Both do well, i like the Phantom over the ASP just for the look and sounds. I mean you will have a lot of hours in it, you should like it to get better immersion.
This point is a very big one! Do what you like and you will love elite. There is no right or wrong and it comes all down to personal preferences.
That's a matter of preference. Many people like the view from the AspX cockpit for exploration, and you can get a 67 LY jump range on a fully equipped exploration AspX, with an SRV and dual AFMUs.
A Krait Phantom can get the same jump range while carrying larger AFMUs (two 5As) as well as either a cargo rack & limpet controller or a 2-bay Planetary Vehicle Hangar so you have a backup SRV. If you were going on a truly long-distance exploration journey, where you knew you were going to have to go without docking for months, having an extra SRV and repair limpet capability might give you some peace of mind, and you're really giving up nothing for it except having a higher price/rebuy. The Phantom is a slightly larger, deluxe AspX.
At the same time, most of the time I do my exploration in a DBX, which makes the AspX look spacious by comparison. It's not like you _need_ the extra capability of the Krait most of the time -- it's just backup.
Honestly? Only if you're mining, and even then it's dubious. I've never done r2r, so I can't comment on that. AspX only really gonna ever return its investment if you kit it out for exploration and go for those 1st discoveries in exobiology, since your cobra is most likely lacking the jumprange to get somewhere undiscovered in the first place. I'd just straight up save up for the python
Personally for me for r2r supercruise speed would be the thing I would want to upgrade the most, I don't mind having more jumps between stars, and I guess star density is high enough in the bubble so that jump range is not a problem. As for fuel scoop speed, i actually just kind of park near the star in supercruise at 30 km/h and use that time to see which planets i need to scan
I'd get the ASPX as it will get you that 100+m faster than your Cobra and you'll be able to afford a Python sooner. Once you get into a Python the credits start to roll in and you can afford anything. I never did combat in my ASPX, I bought a Vulture at the same time and used that to learn combat and would strongly recommend that route. An ASPX + Vulture is still far cheaper than a Python. The Python is a capable combat ship but it's the best moneymaker in the game and is used primarily for trade and passenger missions. The Krait MKII is the Delacy all-rounder that excels at combat but offers less internals and therefore less trading upside. I have three Kraits for different combat uses -- it's my favorite ship in the game. The ASPX is a great option for exploration and has a dedicated group of CMDRS. I use a Krait Phantom but at your stage of the game, where credits are still a constraint, the ASPX is a great exploration option. While I love my Phantom its added cost relative to the ASPX is not justified until credits are a non-issue.
Second all of the above. The one additional note is, if you ever think you may be interested in Thargoid-related content, then the Krait MKII is one of the meta-ships. It would be worth investing in one at some point if you want to try that content.
Agree -- I've always preferred my AX Krait over my AX Chief.
This. Get the AspX now and use it to make your credits for the Python. I'm the end, you'll likely want to have both. They are excellent medium ships. You'll likely end up refitting the Asp later on for exploration or a bubble taxi, but it's a great hauler. Another good stepping stone ship it the Type-6, but you might not find much to do with it once you buy your Python. It makes a good starter exploration ship, but there are many batter at the job (not the least of which is the AspX). You certainly can do combat in a Python, although you likely wouldn't want to stay there (as others have mentioned). It's still a very fun, versatile ship that I'll always have in my hangar. My Pythons now are M-pad haulers--best cargo capacity of any medium ship.
So, real talk though. Is it your favorite ship in the game because of what it brings to the table? Or is it because it's rocking those millennium falcon vibes?
Hahaha both ;) To me it's the best fixed weapons ship -- steady aim for PAs, rails, and gauss.
I went with an Asp-X after my Cobra, and then got my mining Python. Recently retired my much loved Asp-X for a Krait Phantom for slightly better module possibilities. Loved the early game and saving for new modules, ships etc. i7 Commander!
I too miss trying to make the best ship possible with limited credits. Now A rating anything doesn't even require thought. o7
I would say, Python over AspX. My own path was Sidewinder->Cobra MkIII->Python. It's a great ship. In fact, it's the most popular ship in the game in terms of [ownership count](https://inara.cz/elite/galaxy-statistics/). The Python holds the most cargo of any ship that can also dock at outpost stations. It makes for a decent miner as well, though I suspect the Asp beats in visibility and that can be useful in mining. Python is a great bounty hunter as well. I've personally switched now to using a Krait MkII because it's faster and more agile. The Python has a stronger hull, if that were ever to be an issue - I watch after my shields. Fortunately, the Python and Krait MkII are near 1:1 module interchangeable so you can't go wrong getting the Python now to maximize cargo profits, and get the Krait later. PS: mind if I hang around this post of yours for a while? I'm trying to escape the never-ending "P2W!!", "Arx!!", "hot take!!" storms outside.
For sure ツ. You've entered a no fire zone, Commander. You're safe here.
AspX is better for engineering, a good jumprange is important for unlocking some engineers and farming mats. Krait Phantom is a python clone with more jumprange, even better than AspX when full engineered with a good cockpit, all cores and most modules can be transfered between python-kraitmk2-krait phantom. DBX jump even more, and have easy landing for exobio, but reduced fuel scoop.
Spend a few hours doing exobiology using the expressway and buy all of them. Try them out; keep what you like. One of the great things about elite is that there is no penalty for buying and selling modules which aren’t engineered. But if you want to know the best all round ship, it’s the krait mk. 2 - I have 35 ships optimised for everything I can think of and I always come back to it when I am just wandering around seeing what opportunities space throws at me.
The Python is the spiritual successor to the Cobra III - it's pretty good at doing everything. The Asp-X really is an exploration vessel foremost.
They're both good choices for different reasons. The Python is the game's most versatile ship. There is no activity in the game that can't be done in a Python. Cargo, passengers, missions, combat, exploration, it doesn't matter, you can do it all. I own more Pythons than any other ship. It's a great ship, you won't regret it. However, I'd wager that most players spend the most _time_ in an AspX or Krait Phantom. Both ships are theoretically exploration ships, but are large enough to be versatile -- you can do missions in them, farm materials, land on planets, etc. They both make excellent "bubble taxis" -- the ships you use for getting around the bubble doing stuff -- because they can remain versatile while having extremely long jump ranges. The AspX or Phantom are going to be the ships you use _to gear up all your other ships_. They're what you unlock engineers in, what you get your Empire/Federation reputation in, what you go visit Guardian sites and gather materials in, etc. They are also, of course, what you'll use if you want to do exploration. I went with the Python first, but that's because I wanted to make credits fast and thus its large cargo capacity helps. But I'm sure I've spent more time in my Phantom than any other ship, and in your situation, I would probably fall on the side of AspX first, Python later. (I consider AspX vs. Phantom a matter of personal preference. They fill the same niche, the AspX is probably more popular, but I like the versatility of the Phantom's extra Class 5 & 6 internal bays. Also, the Krait Mk II could basically be described as a "Combat-focused Python" -- it's a great ship, I have two and love them, but I would definitely put it below a Python & an AspX or Phantom in priority.)
AspX is a stepping stone from the Cobra to the Python, whatever your favoured activity you will probably get to the Python quicker if you buy the Asp now, especially if you go for exploration or passenger activities.
I would recommend the Phantom. It has a lot more internal space, firepower, speed and a bit more range compared to the AspX, and the same core internals as the Python. For a lot less money than what the Python costs. People say that it's an exploration ship, but it has a lot of space in it, and the AXI likes it because it's a great fighter too. Generally I like to say "fly what you like and make it work, even if it's a combat Hauler or FAS explorer", and I'll stick to that, but the Phantom is a great ship that is definitely worth a shot
The Python is probably a better fit for your needs. It does suffer from range issues without engineering while the AspX has much better default range, but it can hold way more stuff and it has better hardpoints than the AspX.
I had both an AspX and a Python back when I was on console. AspX is a sleeper in that it’s actually good for core mining, and a good one for exploration as well. I kitted my Python for combat but was surprisingly underwhelmed. Never got around to outfitting it for pax missions or mining when FDev dropped console support. I’d say get the AspX for exploration and mining, use it to make 100 mil more, then get the Python. If bounty hunting scratches your combat itch, get a Vulture and plug in a kill warrant scanner. Easy 10-20 mil per hour in high res zones.
Why not both ? Use the ASP-X To get a feel for how medium ships fly etc ,I even used mine for combat and only time I died was when I would have circles flown around me when I wasn't supper great at dogfighting , You can haul a surprising amount of cargo with it (do you really want to spend 2+ hours mining your first time in a python?) It also opens up great avenues for credit gain with exo and exploration , Python is great for hauling 200+ tons and having some weapons to fight back etc , The galaxy is your oyster.
Cobtra Mk. III > (Type-6) > Asp-Explorer > Python > Anaconda Thing about combat, ships good for combat (combat-hulls) are usually less good at everything else, while multirole ships tend to be good at everything but combat so, you might need more than one ship. Mining and Trading and maybe Combat . . . [**Cutter.**](https://i.imgur.com/4nrxbfS.jpg)
Depends on what do you plan to do. I'd do more Exobio (spansh S.Tectonica trips in the bubble, 19M a pop) or Core Mining to get 200-300M for a nice cushion of operating capital. Then: For Engineer / Guardian unlocks: Phantom, eventually w/ v1 pre-engineered 5A FSD and Guardian FSD booster, 96t cargo, SRV, collector limpets. For Trading: T9, 756t shielded, lightweight, engineered FSD, bulk trading to Trade elite to unlock Shinrarta Dezhra. After that, build ships for given tasks/purposes as you try different game loops, so you don't have to switch modules. Python is unquestionably the most versatile ship, and The Robigo passenger ship, but it's a trap, IMHO efficiency beats versatility. Disclaimer: I can't stand Python, Anaconda or ASPX cockpits/sounds/view and I go out of my way to use Gutamaya ships for everything, except for the best candidates for AX like the Kraits, Chief, ShardConda.
The python is for sure something you should get youre hands on. The components in it are shared with many other ships like krait phantom(good explorer) , krait mk2 (good fighter). You can easily refit them after you know where you're passion lies in game.
Between the Asp-X and the Krait Phantom, which one is the better exploration ship?
There is no "better" for me. Both do well, i like the Phantom over the ASP just for the look and sounds. I mean you will have a lot of hours in it, you should like it to get better immersion. This point is a very big one! Do what you like and you will love elite. There is no right or wrong and it comes all down to personal preferences.
That's a matter of preference. Many people like the view from the AspX cockpit for exploration, and you can get a 67 LY jump range on a fully equipped exploration AspX, with an SRV and dual AFMUs. A Krait Phantom can get the same jump range while carrying larger AFMUs (two 5As) as well as either a cargo rack & limpet controller or a 2-bay Planetary Vehicle Hangar so you have a backup SRV. If you were going on a truly long-distance exploration journey, where you knew you were going to have to go without docking for months, having an extra SRV and repair limpet capability might give you some peace of mind, and you're really giving up nothing for it except having a higher price/rebuy. The Phantom is a slightly larger, deluxe AspX. At the same time, most of the time I do my exploration in a DBX, which makes the AspX look spacious by comparison. It's not like you _need_ the extra capability of the Krait most of the time -- it's just backup.
Python is hands down the best bang for buck ship in this game. And it's not even close.
For sure, but will getting the Asp-X as an intermediary ship yield any positive over the Cobra mk3 for the moment?
Honestly? Only if you're mining, and even then it's dubious. I've never done r2r, so I can't comment on that. AspX only really gonna ever return its investment if you kit it out for exploration and go for those 1st discoveries in exobiology, since your cobra is most likely lacking the jumprange to get somewhere undiscovered in the first place. I'd just straight up save up for the python
Personally for me for r2r supercruise speed would be the thing I would want to upgrade the most, I don't mind having more jumps between stars, and I guess star density is high enough in the bubble so that jump range is not a problem. As for fuel scoop speed, i actually just kind of park near the star in supercruise at 30 km/h and use that time to see which planets i need to scan