Ships & Modules

Carebear here, pretty new to PVP.
I'm looking to make an alt for some faction warfare and try my hand on some PVP.

What would you recommend as a good starter ship for FW? Preferably something cheap as I'm sure it will be popped frequently until I get the hang of PVP strategies vs PVE. Also preferably Gallente or Minmatar since I'll be doing FW for Gallente.

I do like the Incursus hull..

How are blasters compared to autocannons in PVP? In PVE Projectiles were useful simply because you could pick the best damage type but I suspect with PVP you don't get that luxury..

Blasters do more damage with more tracking, at less range and with less damage selection. They also reload in 5 seconds instead of autocannons' 10 seconds.

If you can get in range, blasters are excellent. If not, autocannons will end up doing somewhat more damage due to their long falloff.

In PVP, most ships tend to omni-tank, so limited damage type isn't as big a flaw as you might think. Usually the weakest resist will be plugged with a rig (shields) or a dedicated plating (armor). For example, every shield ship I've PvP'd in has an EM patch on it, so most of the time shooting thermal at me is more effective. Especially in frigate based combat, the damage you'd do in the 10 seconds it would take to switch to optimal ammo would probably cost you the fight. If you can get it loaded before the fight starts, then yeah you might get a few more deeps on them, but if they change ranges on you, you'll lose the reload race, and they'll get 5 seconds of free damage from Null before your Barrage loads. In all honesty, try both, and see what fits your combat style best. Keep in mind that both hulls are very versatile, although the new Incursus would be wasting a bonus if you don't active tank it.

with the new changes to t1 incurses and merlin, those are awesome minor plexing ships, thrashers were popular, but my incurses could probably own any fit thrasher 1v1.

But imo best minor plexing ships are Thrasher, Merlin, Incurses ( in no specific order)

Medium Plexing i have no preference, speed tank it most the time.

Majors i speed tank unless i have a fleet running or someone else is with me to speed tank.

But i find myself using Destoryers and t1 frigs most the time, unless we have a fight on our hands s and are shipping up to counter.

But that being said. T1 frigates and destroyers like mentioned above.. For solo i would suggest a dual rep incurses its boss, even a medium sheild boost merlin. (i like to active tank when solo) and a thrasher or Catalyst, but thrasher is a little more flexible with fittings.

I like autocannons cause of the range versatility but blasters do more damage up close. If you need any more help feel free to contact me. Caldari Militia F T W !