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The state of Drones in general.
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Paul Oliver
Doomheim
#1 - 2012-09-12 19:02:19 UTC  |  Edited by: Paul Oliver
So after reading multiple articles about weapon balancing it seems like the only primary weapon that hasn't really had any work done on them in ages are drones. I've watched people talk about how apparently only Gallente drones are viable for PVE and Minmatar for PVP, I've seen videos that seem to show that the mining drones never had their lasers updated after the color and sounds of regular mining lasers were changed, and I've read threads where people complained about the drone interface itself.

So with all that in mind, and the fact I really like drones, what should CCP be doing to make drones better?
Its good to be [Gallente](http://dl.eve-files.com/media/1209/QEQlJ.jpg).
stoicfaux
#2 - 2012-09-12 19:13:34 UTC
I should be able to AFK Post with Drones.

Pon Farr Memorial: once every 7 years, all the carebears in high-sec must PvP or they will be temp-banned.
Ensign X
#3 - 2012-09-12 19:14:17 UTC
Paul Oliver wrote:
So after reading multiple articles about weapon balancing it seems like the only primary weapon that hasn't really had any work done on them in ages are drones.


As a minor addendum to this, CCP did recently add the Drone Damage Amplifier module to the game which was a huge buff for Drones and Drone users.
Shizuken
Venerated Stars
#4 - 2012-09-12 19:17:03 UTC
For starters they need to make them do more damage and be more durable.

Then they need to toss the current control system. In a PvP fight it boils down to who can click and recall and then spit them back out again. It takes too much attention and would benefit from more autonomy or faster response times.

Some kind of interface that allowed for more control options would be nice, like being able to tell them to go to a certain spot and stay there, or fly some sort of pattern...
Paul Oliver
Doomheim
#5 - 2012-09-12 19:17:33 UTC  |  Edited by: Paul Oliver
I just realized drones haven't been "V3'd" yet, are their any plans to give them shiny make overs too?
Its good to be [Gallente](http://dl.eve-files.com/media/1209/QEQlJ.jpg).
classified data
Doomheim
#6 - 2012-09-12 19:21:11 UTC
erm, V3?
errr.....

drones are fine. the ships that support drones are getting a nice buff (i.e. T1 frig dedicated drone boat). we have also had new drone modules so...
C DeLeon
Ministry of War
Amarr Empire
#7 - 2012-09-12 19:21:25 UTC
Somewhere (I don't know where) CCP talked about improving the UI related to drones by giving them a slot on the action bar or something where we can manage the drones more easily. Of course it's not balance but at least it's something. I'm sure when they will finish the ship rebalance, drones and moduls will be the next on the list.
War Kitten
Panda McLegion
#8 - 2012-09-12 19:21:37 UTC
Ensign X wrote:
Paul Oliver wrote:
So after reading multiple articles about weapon balancing it seems like the only primary weapon that hasn't really had any work done on them in ages are drones.


As a minor addendum to this, CCP did recently add the Drone Damage Amplifier module to the game which was a huge buff for Drones and Drone users.


This.

And they added T2 versions of the other drone upgrades.

And they added CPU enhancing rigs. (Because drone modules are CPU hogs, it counts as a buff)

And if I recall correctly, there is work in progress on a new UI for controlling drones.

I don't judge people by their race, religion, color, size, age, gender, or ethnicity. I judge them by their grammar, spelling, syntax, punctuation, clarity of expression, and logical consistency.
Luc Chastot
#9 - 2012-09-12 19:25:59 UTC
More than work on the drones themselves, what I think CCP should iterate on (oh noes, such an ugly word!) with most urgency is the drone mechanics and UI.

I'd love to see the day when I can create a drone squad and assign it to any of the F keys, so pressing it once will launch those specific drones and then send them to attack your target automatically, or attack a new target if you press it when they are already in space.

A UI that doesn't require so much right clicking would be very welcomed indeed.

Make it idiot-proof and someone will make a better idiot.

stoicfaux
#10 - 2012-09-12 19:28:22 UTC
The drone interface issues are somewhat mitigated via the keyboard shortcuts.

If all you're looking for is a graphics overhaul, then meh, it's not like people zoom in on drones much anyway. If you're looking to buff or increase the roles and abilities of drones, then this could be interesting.


How about an anti-drone setting? This setting would either attack any drones attacking you, or would attack the nearest enemy drones.

Letting your logi drones work on your own ship would be nice. (And probably imbalanced.)

Drones with payloads could be interesting. Drones would have a harder hitting weapon, but that weapon would use ammo that would need to be replenished while on-board. Basically, higher burst damage at the cost of endurance.

Spoof Drones. Defensive drones that draw enemy fire. Incoming attacks have a chance of hitting a drone instead.

Kamikazi drones. One shot ECM drones with a high jamming strength, but burn out after one use. Basically a chancy lock breaker.

Ship Bumping Drones. Because Twisted

Pon Farr Memorial: once every 7 years, all the carebears in high-sec must PvP or they will be temp-banned.
Robert De'Arneth
#11 - 2012-09-12 19:28:54 UTC
Luc Chastot wrote:
More than work on the drones themselves, what I think CCP should iterate on (oh noes, such an ugly word!) with most urgency is the drone mechanics and UI.

I'd love to see the day when I can create a drone squad and assign it to any of the F keys, so pressing it once will launch those specific drones and then send them to attack your target automatically, or attack a new target if you press it when they are already in space.

A UI that doesn't require so much right clicking would be very welcomed indeed.



Agreed!! I am fine with how my drones perform, they do their job for me which ever ones I use.

I'm a nerd, you can check my stats!! Skilling Int/Mem at 45 sp per minute is how I mack!     I'm like a lapdog, all bark no bite. 
Luc Chastot
#12 - 2012-09-12 19:35:02 UTC
stoicfaux wrote:
The drone interface issues are somewhat mitigated via the keyboard shortcuts.


This is true, but you still need to right click > launch drones, which can cost you a few precious seconds in pvp; seconds that can make the difference between a fiery victory and dying in a fire when we talking frigates (Ishkur?).

Make it idiot-proof and someone will make a better idiot.

Jim Era
#13 - 2012-09-12 19:58:09 UTC
C DeLeon wrote:
Somewhere (I don't know where) CCP talked about improving the UI related to drones by giving them a slot on the action bar or something where we can manage the drones more easily. Of course it's not balance but at least it's something. I'm sure when they will finish the ship rebalance, drones and moduls will be the next on the list.



We have action bars in EVE?

Wat™
DJ Synthia
NECESSARY RESPONSE
#14 - 2012-09-12 22:47:41 UTC
Luc Chastot wrote:
More than work on the drones themselves, what I think CCP should iterate on (oh noes, such an ugly word!) with most urgency is the drone mechanics and UI.

I'd love to see the day when I can create a drone squad and assign it to any of the F keys, so pressing it once will launch those specific drones and then send them to attack your target automatically, or attack a new target if you press it when they are already in space.

A UI that doesn't require so much right clicking would be very welcomed indeed.


This!
Saede Riordan
Alexylva Paradox
#15 - 2012-09-12 22:56:49 UTC  |  Edited by: Saede Riordan
from fanfest 2012:
http://cdnmo.coveritlive.com/media/image/201203/phpWMGHCC60.JPG

blurry, but hopefully a picture of the near future.

Fear and Loathing in Internet Spaceships
Surfin's PlunderBunny
Sebiestor Tribe
Minmatar Republic
#16 - 2012-09-12 23:07:45 UTC
My drones aren't quite as stupid as they used to be, I'd say that's an improvement. One time I gave them an order to attack and they all took off and left me there ShockedSad

"Little ginger moron" ~David Hasselhoff 

Want to see what Surf is training or how little isk Surf has?  http://eveboard.com/pilot/Surfin%27s_PlunderBunny
Paul Oliver
Doomheim
#17 - 2012-09-12 23:08:05 UTC
Saede Riordan wrote:
from fanfest 2012:
http://cdnmo.coveritlive.com/media/image/201203/phpWMGHCC60.JPG

blurry, but hopefully a picture of the near future.

That looks kinda interesting, so basicly drones would be treated as any other weapon and operated from the same panel. I wonder if that will make it into winter expansion?
Its good to be [Gallente](http://dl.eve-files.com/media/1209/QEQlJ.jpg).
Voi Lutois
Vonkell
#18 - 2012-09-12 23:10:56 UTC  |  Edited by: Voi Lutois
Luc Chastot wrote:
A UI that doesn't require so much right clicking would be very welcomed indeed.

UI really isn't that tough. Right Click -> Launch. Takes what, a second? Shift+E -> drones charge and shoot enemy in the face, enemy dies, Shift+R -> Drones come back to my drone bay. Assign shortcuts instead of clicking everything maybe? Ugh

The new drone damage mod was a nice add though for sure. I think ships that rely on drones for most of their dps need more bonus to drone hp than they have now. Most have a 10% bonus per level to drone hp and damage but atm it doesn't take very much to completely remove their damage from the field. There is also the problem of how long it takes them to get to their target and put their damage on them but I heard or read somewhere CCP are looking at ways to help with this.

Also nerf ecm drones plaz.
Gogela
Epic Ganking Time
CODE.
#19 - 2012-09-12 23:13:05 UTC  |  Edited by: Gogela
Paul Oliver wrote:
I just realized drones haven't been "V3'd" yet, are their any plans to give them shiny make overs too?

...and will I be able to get some Hobgoblin II's w/ flames painted on the front?

Inquiring minds want to know...

edit: flames make drones fly faster, fyi

Signatures should be used responsibly...
Paul Oliver
Doomheim
#20 - 2012-09-12 23:15:01 UTC
Gogela wrote:
Paul Oliver wrote:
I just realized drones haven't been "V3'd" yet, are their any plans to give them shiny make overs too?

...and will I be able to get some Hobgoblin II's w/ flames painted on the front?

Inquiring minds want to know...

edit: flames make drones fly faster, fyi

Maybe some Ogre IIs with Shrek faces on them? Big smile
Its good to be [Gallente](http://dl.eve-files.com/media/1209/QEQlJ.jpg).
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