How to: train and get better (snub PvP, gamer's gym?))

[Yber]

As announced here this is Yber's get good/how to practice- guide. It is organized by spoilers, you just need to click on them.

0. Introduction:

Spoiler

0.1 Preamble:

Spoiler

As you may know, I've been away for nearly 2 years, sometimes taking a peek but not really committing to a return. I've been playing regularly for a month+ and I've recieved certain feedback regarding the PvP guide I made 2 years ago. Taking this input, I bring you the first part of the "how2getgood" snub tutorial. For more detailed descriptions please check the PvP guide.

0.2 The idea:

Spoiler

There are different scenarios you can encounter: duels, groupfights, ganks, saving/killing a miner while someone else shoots you, etc. All these scenarios have 2 factors in common: damage dealt and damage taken (dodging). I'll show you how to aim better and how to dodge better.

1. Aiming

Spoiler

1.1 Training routines with Aim400kg

Spoiler

Aim400kg is a russian web (available in english as well) meant for gamers to train their aim and reaction time. Taking the minigames available, these are aiming "workouts" that you can do to exercise both when simply training and when you can't play Freelancer for whatever reason. I advise registration because it'll allow you to keep track of your scores easily.

1.1.1 Routine 1
Demonstration
Necessary time: ~7 minutes.
Perform at least 1 time every day. You may repeat it as many times as you like. I advice to do it before going ingame.
Press Reaction
Exact Aiming V2
Exact Aiming
Exact Aiming antistrafe

1.1.2 Routine 2
Necessary time: ~7 minutes.
I advice to repeat this routine at least in weekly basis.
Press Reaction
Fast Aiming
Mass Click
Exact Aiming

1.1.3 Routine 3
Necessary time: between 5 and 15 minutes.
Perform in cases of boredom after doing routine 1.
Press Reaction
Exact Aiming survival x4 times reaching +10.000 points.
Exact Aiming Unlimited until you can't keep up with the amount of targets.

1.2 Training routines ingame

Spoiler

Playing ingame is also important. Your perfomance ingame will be better if you're used to the weapon speed and refire/ship energy core. This can of course be achieved by fighting people, but that's not always an option. Therefore:

1.2.1 Bouy training.
Necessary time: 1-2 minutes.
Perform when using guns you haven't used before or in a long time.
Shoot the buoy in connecticut while sliding around it at different distances, trying to hit it. Video coming soon TM.

1.2.2 Commodity training.
Necessary time: 1-2 minutes.
Drop commodities in space/blow NPCs up and then shoot the loot while thrusting/sliding. Specially recommended with low refire guns. This will help you get used to the weapon slots on your ship. Video coming soon TM.

1.3 General training tips.

Spoiler

Shoot smaller/harder to hit ships. If you can hit a rapier during a groupfight then it's very likely that you'll be able to hit the same player on a sabre. The harder it is, the easier everything else becomes.

Don't get frustrated. Aiming is hard. If you have trouble shooting small targets because your mouse "glides", try lowering your sensitibity. If you have trouble getting there, get a bigger mousepad or enhance your mouse sensitibity.

Aim400kg is a very demanding website. Don't be surprised if you get negative scores or you don't make it to the minimal rewarded one. When doing a workout, concentration and determination are more important than natural ability or age. Stick through and you'll notice the improvements over time.

These aiming routines are mere suggestions that I do myself. Don't be afraid to try other combinations or minigames, the more the better.

To-do list:
Dodging.
Attitude when training.
Cooler cosmetic format.


Feedback and opinions are both welcome.

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inb4 Sirius gets renamed to XTF.