General

Introduction

Vendetta Online is a game primarily based off of player vs player combat. Though there are other things you can do to earn a living as well as have fun, the "no where is safe" environment means that it's good to at least have a general knowledge of PvP. Therefore, this section may prove useful whether or not you choose to become a combat pilot. I can't stress this enough, YOU CAN (and will) BE SHOT ANYWHERE. Sometimes you don't choose the fight, the fight chooses you. So read on and attempt to master the art of PvP to fight for your nation, or in the hope that if (and when) you're attacked, you can make your attacker wish he'd picked a different target.

When To Start PvP

The twitch based combat system of Vendetta truly makes PvP related to skill more than to equipment. However, equipment can still make a difference. In PvP, though you see a variety of ships, you almost always see the best variants of each type of ship. It is highly reccomended to get combat, light and heavy weapons to level 5 (5/5/5/x/x) before beginning PvP. These levels will give you access to a good variety of ships and weapons that will increase your chances of surviving PvP. Once you have access to all of the ships and weapons, it becomes all about who's the better pilot.

Some Message Board Threads

Dog fighting strategies - http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/1/13981
Thoughts on fighting. - http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/1/13523
Direction and Vision of PvP Combat - http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/3/13854

Some Popular Ship+Equipment Layouts

IDF Valkyrie Vengence + 1 Neutron Blaster MkIII & 2 Sunflares
SkyCommand Prometheus + 1 Auto Gatling Turret & 2 Sunflares
Orion Rev C Centurion + 2 Neutron Blaster MkIII or Mk II
Itani Border Guardian + 2 Neutron Blaster MkIII or Mk II
Serco Vulture Guardian + 2 Neutron Blaster MkIII or Mk II
Any Vulture + 2 Gauss Cannons
Ragnarok + 3 Sunflares & 2 Jackhammers
TPG Atlas Type X + Auto Gatling Turret & Sunflare (Atlas of DOOOOOM!)

Don't be afraid to make your own combos, the possibilities are endless! Well, not really, but there's a lot of them.

Tactics

Backrolling - Although effective in botting, it is frowned upon for PvP. Backrolling involves holding two strafes, one of the being backwards, and one roll key. This makes you difficult to hit, but keep in mind you won't hit your enemy much either. There are much more effective and creative ways to fight than backrolling.

Jousting - Best applied when using gauss cannons, jousting consists of leaving FA on and making passes at your opponent. Gauss is most effective when jousting because of its good auto aim, and high damage per shot. Though heavier, plasma devastators are also effective at this tactic due to the same advantages.

Ghost's SKV Combat Tips
Remember, the gauss cannons only weaknesses are their weight and their long fire delay. Use this information to your advantatge when fighting with or against gauss.

Spamming - Not to be confused with simply using missiles. Spamming involves emptying most of the ammo from a missile tube at one target. This is another frowned upon tactic in PvP. Not only is it very annoying, but when facing an experienced pilot it is very ineffective as well. The best use of missiles is through careful aim and timing your shots correctly.

Rocket Netting - When using rockets, a useful tactic can be to use their proximity detonation to your advantage. Netting involves shooting multiple rockets in slightly different directions giving your target less escape routes. I emphasize slightly because if done with too much variation, not only will your rockets most likely miss, but you'll make a large target of yourself as well. As with all tactics, this one takes practice to become efficient.

Power Strafe - Power strafing can technically be considered any manuver that involves keeping your ship in a strafe at a high velocity. In my opinion, this is easiest to accomplish by turning FA on, forward thrust to 0 and using full thrust on either your port or starboard strafes. It's best to vary your strafes though, as staying in a pure power strafe for very long will make you a target.

Distance Control - In my opinion, this is the most difficult style of combat, but can be one of the most effective. Distance control involves using FA off and on when needed to keep your target exactly where you want him. Note that this does not mean simply staying far away. Real distance control (in an energy dogfight, for example) involves staying between 200-150m from your target and not allowing him to get an angle on you. Pick and choose your moments to close the range inside 150m so that you always have a good shot when you move in close, then back away once your enemy has recovered and is able to line up a shot on you. Distance control can take months to perfect, but if you stick with it the results can be very rewarding. Before you become experienced in this tactic, expect to get blown up plenty of times while practicing it.

Ghost's SKV Combat Tips
The best pilots have a variety of tactics at their command. Even if you're not proficient at certain tactics, familiarize yourself with them all so that you can recognize them on the fly. This will not only increase your ability to counter one-dimensional pilots, but allow you to slip in and out of these tactics quickly and efficiently should you need to do so. If something isn't working, try a new approach. Remember, you don't always need to be using a tactic. My favorite way to fight is to simply watch my target and adapt to what it is doing. The most I use any one tactic for at a time is maybe 5-10 seconds, slipping in and out of them to keep my opponent guessing. Above all, don't let yourself fall into a predictable pattern. No one fights exaclty the same, therefor you should not fight everyone the same way. Adapt, adapt, adapt.

Combat Ranges

What Range To Fight At?

Your desired combat range depends entirely on your ship and weapon configuration:

All energy weapons are best used at close range with the exception of rail guns. (Though rail guns use ammo, they are often considered energy weapons due to their high energy consumption.) Under 150m is optimal for most.

Rockets and missiles are best used when at mid-range, around 150-200m. Be aware that all rockets have a safety range where they will not detonate. If your target gets too close to you, you will not be able to hit.

Rail guns are best used at long range and are a defensive weapon. Stay as far back as possible, make your enemy come to you, and remember that you are capable of scoring a hit on your target anywhere under 1000m. But, I'm not going to give away all the secrets of rail combat, you'll have to find those on your own.

Heavy ships such as the Ragnarok and Prometheus turn very slowly. Naturally, you want to keep your target in front of you. So heavier ships are best used at close-mid range while being careful not to let your enemy get the turn on you. Depending on your loadout, heavy ships can be useful at long range as well.

Light ships can be used at a variety of ranges and depend, once again, on the weapon layout you are using or facing. Obviously one would want to take the fight as close as possible if his enemy is using rails, while one might want to keep his distance if his enemy is using rockets. Don't get stuck in a rut. Adapt and be flexible.

Ghost's SKV Combat Tips
Having trouble dodging rockets? Use distance to your advantage. Try to bait your opponent into firing off a rocket or two by using a controlled approach, being careful not to get too close. Once he fires, full throttle backwards and strafe away from the rocket. Because you are moving away from the rocket, it will appear to move slower and thus easier to dodge.

Tips On How To Control Your Distance To The Target

If you're aiming for distance control, you're going to want to be able to switch back and forth between FA off and on very quickly. However, keeping FA off will yield the best results when trying to stay at a specific range.

Awareness

Possibly the most valuable tool in combat is a pilot's awareness. When in a dogfight, it can be difficult to keep an open focus. It is all too tempting to focus tightly on the crosshairs and try to get that crack shot in. If you do this for too long in open combat, you're asking to be ambushed. A great pilot will know when you're sneaking up behind him and have adjusted before you're within weapons range.

How To Stay Sharp

When not in combat:

Frequently check the in sector ship list (the "u" key). This is an invaluable tool for knowing who is in the sector, how far away they are, and whether or not they are hostile. You can often plan your target order and tactics or make the decision not to engage at all before your enemy is within radar range.

Don't go AFK in space unless you're in an empty sector. And by empty I don't just mean a sector with no one in it. I mean a sector that's out of the way, in the middle of space. No wormholes, no stations, no nothing.

When in combat:

Get used to glancing at your radar. If you see red dots closing in, chances are you might want to disengage and re-evaluate the situation before engaging again. If you see many small yellow dots (rockets), you'd best get out of the way before you explode.

Pay attention to sounds. Often times you can hear a ship that is close to you. That engine noise can be a sign that someone is trying to line up a shot. Also, should you hear incoming fire that doesn't appear to be coming from your target, check your radar to see who is closest to you. If it's apparent that the fire is coming from your wingman, you may continue as normal. If it's not clear who the fire is coming from, assume that it's an enemy and adjust for it.

Ghost's SKV Combat Tips
Another tactic that I like is to set your incoming ship notification sound to just outside of energy weapons range. I find 650m gives me enough warning to figure out if the incoming ship is friend or foe.

The eyes have it. The best way to keep track of the situation is to keep it in front of you. When fighting multiple opponents, if possible try to keep them in view. This applies doubly if you're flying a vulture or any other ship with a large profile. Though sometimes, with smaller ships such as a centurion, you can get away with (and often it is better) to let the enemy surround you and rely on your agility to keep you alive. Though I can't stress enough, if you take your eyes off of a target carrying rockets, you deserve what's coming to you.

Coordinate with your wingmen. Be aware of who is doing what and where at all times. If there's more than one of you on a target, try to adjust your flying to make sure that both of you have clear shots. It is very annoying to have a friendly pilot unintentionally intercept shots that were meant for an enemy.

Ghost's SKV Combat Tips
When piloting a ship with a slim profile such as a vulture, be aware of which of your sides are facing your enemy. If you have someone firing at you from the rear, use the horizontal and vertical lines on your radar to make sure your slim edge is facing them. This will make you a much more difficult target.

Group Combat

Also known as "furballs", group combat can be a real blast provided you can survive more than a few minutes.

Furball Tips

Have a plan. Know what targets are priority and which you can let slide for a while.
Communicate with your wingmen.
Be aware of the entire battlefield.
Focus the whole group's fire on one target before moving to the next. Don't turn the battle into a bunch of little 1 on 1's. Use your team to your advantage.
Don't be afraid to call for help.
Watch for rockets. They're devastating if you don't see them coming. That being said, try to take out ships with rockets first.
If you're in a heavy ship, stay near the smaller fighters on your team.
If you're in a smaller fighter, protect the heavy ships on your team.
And again: adapt, adapt, adapt.

If you die early, don't get frusturated. Learn from your mistakes and you will get better with practice.

Ghost's SKV Combat Tips
Have a chat bind set up to call your targets. Time spent typing is time that you could be fighting.

Etiquette

Although we all get absorbed sometimes, it's good to remember that this is just a game. There are no Serco, no Itani and no UIT. We're all just gamers playing a game. It's easy to get caught up during battles, but please try to be nice. We're all playing to have fun after all.

Common PvP Etiquette

Respect your opponent. Kindness comes full circle, so treat others how you would like to be treated.
After the fight is over, whether you won or lost it is considered a salute to message your opponent: "gf" meaning "good fight" (not girlfriend).
Hail your target before attacking to give them fair warning.
If you're going to roleplay, be able to tell the difference between acting in character and being personally offensive. You can RP an offensive character without insulting people on a personal level.
Do not run from a 1 on 1 fight if you initiated it. This is considered very cowardly and will come at the cost of respect. Running in general is frowned upon. There is very little penalty for dying in Vendetta and it's a lot more fun if everyone stays till the death. You'll be right back in the battle a few moments later.*
Avoid ganking (double teaming a lone pilot).*
If you're using all ammo based weapons and you find yourself out of ammo during a 1 on 1, inform your opponent that you are out of ammo and let him decide if he wants the kill.*
Be humble. Nobody likes an arrogant pilot.
Don't complain if you die or were killed by an underhanded tactic. The game is called Vendetta, take that to heart. Instead of whining or insulting the person who killed you, keep a lid on it and go make him pay. Nothing is more satisfying.

All that being said, taunting and trash talk is okay provided it's all in good fun. A little bit of trash talk always makes things more interesting. =)

5,6 and 7 apply only to 1 on 1 fights. In group battles such as Border Patrol or Border Skirmish, ganking becomes a viable tactic. Running is still frowned upon, but may be done with less disgrace than running from a 1 on 1.

PvP FAQ

When To Use Auto-Aim And When To Turn It Off

Learning to toggle your auto-aim takes a great deal of practice. In close range, the auto-aim is mostly accurate and you're pretty safe to leave it on. When fighting at ranges outside of 250m, you may find your energy weapons are more effective with auto-aim off. The key is to not get frusturated and keep working at it. Eventually, you'll find yourself getting an occasional hit at long range with auto-aim off rather than never hitting at range with auto-aim on.

Ghost's SKV Combat Tips
Try binding your auto-aim to your mouse wheel or a joystick button that can be pressed quickly. This makes for a quick and easy toggle.

Does Anyone Fight With Mouselook On?

From what I've heard, people who use a joystick setup prefer mouselook off. I use a mouse setup and prefer it on. Though there are some pilots who use a mouse and like mouselook off. My advice for this, as with everything else, is play around with them both and find out what you like.

When to use Flight-Assist And When To Turn It Off

It is somewhat easier to land ENERGY shots with FA turned on. It is easier to dodge and aim ROCKETS with FA turned off.

Ghost's SKV Combat Tips
Mix up your styles and don't get stuck in a pattern. FA on or FA off, flying in a pattern will still get you hit. Like the auto-aim toggle, try setting your FA toggle to your mousewheel (you can wheel in one direction for FA and the other for auto-aim) or a joystick button that can be pressed quickly. Play around with it and see what you like.

Dodge Binds

Dodge binds are programmed dodge patterns. Basically, you press a button and the ship will cary out the manuver that you have programmed ahead of time. I can't stress enough, DO NOT USE DODGE BINDS. While temporarily effective, they lock you into a predictable pattern and make you incredibly inflexible. The binds will take away your ability to adapt during a fight. Also, you're not going to become a better pilot by using programmed binds. Keep practicing, find tactics you like and perfect those, but never lock yourself into a pattern such as a bind.

Other General Combat Tips

Remember to try out new layouts once in a while.
Remember you can strafe in all *4* directions!
Adapt adapt adapt! Make the enemy play into your strengths.
Be patient.
Don't get frusturated. If you feel that anger boiling up about being ganked by those two guys you hate, turn off the game and take a break for a while.
Remember, it's just a game.
If you're really interested in learning PvP, find a mentor to spar with. And not just any random mentor, people will do anything just for a mentor point. Ask around and find out who's good at PvP and try talking to them about practicing. If you're going to practice PvP, you're going to want it to be with someone who is much more experienced than you. You'll learn much quicker this way. And again, refer to #4 above.

Ghost's SKV Combat Tips
Having trouble hitting your target? Try aiming using your strafes. For practice, target an asteroid or stationary object and work on getting a good shot using only strafes and rolls, don't turn your ship at all. With practice, you can be much more precise using your strafes to aim and turning only for minor corrections. This decreases your chances of overcompensating in your aim and leaving yourself wide open for a shot.

Mentors

The following are people who I know to be experienced PvPers and have expressed an interest in mentoring players:

Shape

Gavan

Eldrad (If you can find him)

yoda

Bojan

Spellcast

Borb Sarken

That's just a few. There are other good pvpers who I haven't listed because they haven't expressed a desire to mentor that I know of. Ask around on channel 100 for people who are experienced at pvp. Remember, you don't want to get taught by any old sap who just wants to use you for your mentor point. You can look for me online as well if you like. I'm always more than happy to mentor new pilots. You can find me in-game as Ghost.

Questions and Comments

If you're unsure of something, or have a question that wasn't covered, click the edit button to the right and post your question there along with your in-game name. Either myself or someone else will be happy to assist you when we can.

--Ghost

Player Submitted Questions

Is Ghost in the running for Most Detailed Editor? Galadrix 22:35, 17 August 2006 (EDT)
If I add tips to the page should I put them in a fancy colored box like that?

Answers

Not that I know of =P Thanks for the formatting mate. It looks pretty now =) --Ghost
If you're posting a general combat tip, just post it as normal in it's proper section. But if your tip is more specific or something that you personally reccomend doing in combat, feel free to make a template and post in there. That way, people can discern from general ideals that everyone pretty much adheres to and more specific tips from certain players.--Ghost

Player VS. Player

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