Applications of a softcap

[CyberTao]

As almost anyone here should know, power has a 'softcap'. It gains a bonus up to a certain amount based on dimensions, plus a flat rate that continues on to the max (2.14some billion I believe?). I don't often see people complain about this, they complain about power supply and the pitiful state of docked reactors, but not about this softcap itself. I wonder if people would feel similar to a softcap in other mechanics.

The idea of a softcap is not reduced gains at higher numbers, but a bonus in efficiency for smaller designs. I'm not good at equations, but the idea would not be to copy/pasta the power regeneration formula and softcap and apply it to everything, but to create a new formula for each system based on they should ideally be placed.

Thrust could potentially cap at 10k, weapons at 500 dps and shields capacaity/regen at 5500/550. Would add more efficiency to small turrets, drones and other small ships while not directly impacting large ships (they would get a small boost, plus things like escorts and fleets become more important for large ships).

Just an idea, didn't feel flushed out enough to throw it into suggestions, curious to see what people of it.

 

[Keptick]

So, a bonus (up to a certain amount) based on system disposition? Good idea!
+1

Ps: It's fleshed out, not flushed out

 

[Criss]

On top of what you suggested. I would like to see systems influence each other more. Right now the only concern for placing a weapon system for example is power and space. What if systems had positive or negative effects on one another. These influences could be based on this soft cap thing. Once you go over it for system A, system B starts to take a dip. *Suddenly specialized ships* The era of the "jack of all trades" ships is over.

Also this is the perfect opportunity for players to create actual internal rooms for their ships. Instead of hallways giving you access to the core and maybe a bridge.

 

[Mered4]

On top of what you suggested. I would like to see systems influence each other more. Right now the only requirement for placing a weapon system for example is power and space. What if systems had positive or negative effects on one another. These influences could be based on this soft cap thing. Once you go over it for system A, system B starts to take a dip. *Suddenly specialized ships* The era of the "jack of all trades" ships is over.

Also this is the perfect opportunity for players to create actual internal rooms for their ships. Instead of hallways giving you access to the core and maybe a bridge.

That era is slowly coming to an end, but it's still got some life in it.


Cool ideas like the one he's suggested will help push the game towards aesthetically pleasing, diverse, and functional combat vessels, instead of the "war of the fancy bricks" we have today.

 

[CyberTao]

On top of what you suggested. I would like to see systems influence each other more. Right now the only requirement for placing a weapon system for example is power and space. What if systems had positive or negative effects on one another. These influences could be based on this soft cap thing. Once you go over it for system A, system B starts to take a dip. *Suddenly specialized ships* The era of the "jack of all trades" ships is over.

I feel like that would come in later updates, like the thrust one for example, ships will be slowed down and most likely lose strafing, but can regain some of their speed and maneuverability at the cost of shields. All of the systems mentioned here are important for any ship, and on larger ships where all of them would exceed the softcap, everything would get a debuff. Adding other systems (like effects or directional thrust) to help in specializing would be more beneficial in this regard.

 

[AtraUnam]

I love building overly complex reactors in order to get that 1% efficiency increase. Something similar for other systems would be great.

 

[karkinosz]

(2.14some billion I believe?).

(2^31)-1 for all who want to know ie. 2147483647.

 

[aceface]

personally i think softcap should be on everything