Missions & Complexes

Raven would be fine. I prefer BS to T3 hulls for Lvl 4 missions personally.

Welcome back

Or you can simply remember that ir is all pixels on a computer screen and fly what you want to fly and not worry about that whole gank thingy. The basics of the thought process are correct here though, the more bling the more likely you are to attract a ganking group but then even that can be mitigated with wise decisions and a few simple safety precautions.

Best ship for mission based on your skills will still depend on how you want to run them.
A good fit for blitzing wil be lousy if you want to full clear. A full clear fit will be lousy if you want to blitz.

Any T1 BS can do level 4 missions with ease so it is more about what you want to fly and the NPC you will be up against most often. Just a little caution for you to consider, unless you are blitzing you will not be able to buffer tank your way through most of the level 4 missions so an active tank is usually recommended.

For blitzing the Machariel is still one of the best, the Vargur also works well for this due to the additional benefits of being a marauder and being Minmatar so fast by design in a relative way. For full clear the Marauders specifically the Golem and Vargur are perhaps the best choices, although the Paladin can be devastatingly effective against some NPC. I tried the Kronos and for those who prefer blasters etc they work extremely well, however I found the range limits to be a bit of a hassle based on my mission running style, that being drop into a pocket and head for the exit killing on the move never did like having to chase things around to get into range.

Raven has been mentioned and it is a good ship to fly, however if you are looking at gong that way I suggest you look at the Navy variant, yes it is enough better to justify the additional costs to purchase the hull.

I actually like T3 Cruisers or Command Ships over Battleships.

They have a smaller signature, are faster and can easily tank the incoming dps when fit right. Granted their range and firepower doesn't compare to Battleships and more piloting skill and time is required to complete the missions. However in my opinion that makes for a more exciting time than just heading for the next gate while pressing F1 - F4.


DMC

Been there, done that.

Back years ago, after I had been playing for about 6 months, I had lot's of players tell me a Tech 1 Frigate couldn't complete level 3 missions. Needless to say a few months later I proved them wrong and was completing level 3 security encounter missions within the bonus time with a Rifter. Course I was max trained in every skill related to it and had max fit it with bling.

Also at that time I had a friend who was doing level 4 security missions with an Assault Frigate. And yes he was also max trained in all skills related to the ship with a max bling fit.




DMC