How to nerf build blocks

[Mariux]

I came up with a few ideas on how to nerf build blocks so that they would not be exploitable when mining:
First, they would only affect a certain area: let's say 21x21x21 build block being in the middle. But what if you want to build something bigger then that? You would also be able to link build blocks together to make areas of all blocks be editable from one block.
Next thing is activation time. After you place a build block you would have to wait a certain amount of time until the block activates (becomes usable). One player would only be avle to have a limited amount of build blocks activating at once. When that is exceeded, ones that were placed the latest would enter a queue and only get activated after the others finish activating.
The main idea of this suggestion is that players would need some basic infrastructure before gaining access to advanced building tools on planets.

 

[NeonSturm]

Personal preferences:

The activation time should depend on blocks which are already there and not inside another (radius 20-40?) build block's area (will make it easier to build new stations)
Build blocks should be deleted by actions which target only build blocks - no other block types - to avoid accidents.
The default area should be 2x the value of the build area defined in the server's server.cfg file (you should be able to adjust it if it has no dedicated option).
Shipyards should be able to circumvent this restriction.​

 

[Mariux]

Personal preferences:

The activation time should depend on blocks which are already there and not inside another (radius 20-40?) build block's area (will make it easier to build new stations)
Build blocks should be deleted by actions which target only build blocks - no other block types - to avoid accidents.
The default area should be 2x the value of the build area defined in the server's server.cfg file (you should be able to adjust it if it has no dedicated option).
Shipyards should be able to circumvent this restriction.​

This would only work on planets and asteroids. But I do agree that activation time could depend on block count in the area

 

[FunnyBunny14]

You can't place build blocks on asteroids (can you?).
And: in the new update asteroids aren't useless! (And they are gorgeous! I'm thinking if you, orange asteroid, blue asteroid and green asteroid!)

 

[starhaiden]

I think they have already been nerfed they can't mine shards and the other basic building component

 

[FunnyBunny14]

Seriously? That is good to hear.
My own solution: Make it a requirement to have claimed the station for your faction. Faction modules cost about 2 1/2 million, and with that money I can build a salvage ship capable of salvaging a station almost as fast (salvage reactors from stations for power, their glass for money, buy 625 salvage cannons, 625 cannons, a salvage computer, a weapons computer, some thrusters and a cockpit, takes about 45 minutes, and 30 if you're lucky).

 

[karkinosz]

I thought faction modules cost only about 200-300k at normal shop prices. Otherwise seems OK.

 

[FunnyBunny14]

Yeah, sorry about that. It is indeed cheaper (according to the wiki at least). But there should definitely be a time to wait before editing too, but the build block linking system will get in the way of the building itself.

 

[NeonSturm]

ship blocks make you slower. A singe faction module in your inventory not.
neither you risk losing it with default settings (keep blocks, drop 10% credits).

 

[Calbiri]

We've discussed a few ways of nerfing build blocks to prevent them being "mining exploits", in regards to planets and such and quickly gathering minerals? Simple, I've suggested that they simply dont obtain any ore/shards from blocsk gathered, this means you can readily edit a planet for personal/faction use, but will effectively gain no metal or crystals in the process. This, combined with limitations tied into the faction point system (a proposed territory mechanic) and time a base has been owned (perhaps even the proximity of other things) controlling the size/speed/cost of this block. We are aware of the exploits players are using, and we are trying to resolve these without removing the basic reason the build block exists, which is meant to be a quick method to edit stations/bases via the advanced build mode, NOT for gathering resources more quickly than a savlage ship could.

 

[Valiant70]

Absolutely. There's no reason whatever to nerf the basic function of the block, and since ore and shards are the issue here, nerfing only the ability to gather those seems the logical solution.

 

[K10wN]

Absolutely. There's no reason whatever to nerf the basic function of the block, and since ore and shards are the issue here, nerfing only the ability to gather those seems the logical solution.

This is only half the current issue with build blocks solved.

Using them to salvage the default stations quickly using symmetry mode is still a problem. You can net a few million credits with only a few clicks, and most times the offenders leave parts of the station behind with huge square chunks taken out of it. Makes the universe look very messy when every station you come to has had the same thing done to it.

Selling your proceeds from station raiding is actually more cost effective than crafting at the moment. Salvage the station, sell the parts to shops, buy back the items you need for your ship building (or just save the cash to buy from catalog for even more profit). For the time spent playing, it's much, much quicker than salvaging 1000's of ores etc from asteroids and planets and trying to craft your parts.

 

[FunnyBunny14]

If I salvage a station I always make sure it is gone completely. The easiest way for that is to use a salvage ship, which is one of the reasons why I never use build blocks to salvage station parts. The other reason is because it is to easy compared to salvaging the station, and therefor cheating, and I don't like to cheat (unless it is a really fun cheat, but regarding resources, I really don't).

 

[Valiant70]

The station build block issue should be solved in a different way. If you do something that affects that, it'll affect every other structure anyone wants to build and it will probably just be stupid. Calbiri referred to some upcoming features that should address the station shredding issue as well.

 

[FunnyBunny14]

The best solution I've heard so far is:
a. You need to claim it for your faction
b. There will be a time lock on building. (No more pop on, salvage, pop off. You have to wait first).

 

[Mariux]

Cool. I'm really glad this issue is getting fixed. Also, faction territories sound cool as hell.