Are you tired of mining manually? Well, automated mining can be much more efficient and is a favorite of many players. Mining ships can be found in almost every race and in a variety of sizes. However, what is the best mining ship in X4?
In this article, we will discuss the different aspects that make a good mining ship and review some popular options. We will also examine the issue of cargo vs. speed and the new Split mining ships.
Top 5 Mining Ships in X4
- Argon Drill
- Split Elephant
- Teladi Phoenix
- Paranid Odysseus
- Xenon K
Argon Drill
The Argon Drill is a medium-sized mining ship that is a favorite among many players. It has a good balance of cargo and speed, making it a reliable choice for most mining operations. It is equipped with eight mining drones and two cargo drones, which is an ideal combination for mining efficiency and ease of use. This mining ship is also known for its good handling and maneuverability.
Split Elephant
The Split Elephant is a new mining ship introduced in the Split Vendetta expansion. This ship is a large-sized vessel, making it a prime choice for those who prioritize cargo capacity over speed. It has ten drone bays and can be fitted with up to eight mining drones. The Elephant also features excellent shielding and decent weapons, which make it a good choice for those who want a bit of extra protection while mining.
Teladi Phoenix
The Teladi Phoenix is another medium-sized mining vessel that is highly regarded among players. It is a good choice for those who prioritize speed over cargo capacity. The Phoenix is equipped with eight mining drones and two cargo drones, and its speed makes it a good choice for mining in larger systems. The Teladi Phoenix is also highly maneuverable and can quickly change direction.
Paranid Odysseus
The Paranid Odysseus is a large mining ship that is suitable for players who prioritize cargo space. It has twelve drone bays and can carry up to sixteen mining drones, making it an efficient miner. However, its speed is slow compared to some other mining ships. The Odysseus is also known for its good handling and maneuverability, which make it easy to use.
Xenon K
The Xenon K is a medium-sized mining ship that is very fast, making it a good choice for those who prioritize speed over cargo capacity. It has eight drone bays and can be fitted with up to eight mining drones. The Xenon K also has a decent amount of shielding and weapons, making it a good choice for those who want some extra protection while mining.
Cargo vs. Speed
When choosing a mining ship, you need to decide what is more important to you: cargo or speed. A ship with a large cargo capacity can carry more resources before returning to the station to unload. However, a faster ship can cover more ground in a shorter amount of time, which can be more efficient in larger systems.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference and the specifics of your mining operation. If you are mining in a smaller system, then a ship with a larger cargo capacity might be a better choice. However, if you are mining in a larger system, then a faster ship might be more efficient.
New Split Mining Ships
The Split Vendetta expansion introduced three new mining ships for the Split faction. These ships are the Alligator, the Caiman, and the Crocodile. The Alligator is a small mining vessel, while the Caiman and Crocodile are medium-sized mining ships.
The Split mining ships are notable for their speed, which makes them a good choice for mining in certain sectors. The new Split mining ships have recently been introduced to the game, but it is not yet clear if they are superior to other race ships.
Large Mining Ships – Best Application?
When it comes to X4: Foundations, finding the best mining ship can be a daunting task. There are a plethora of mining ships available, each with its own set of features and unique abilities. However, one of the most important factors in choosing a mining ship is its size – M or L. The M and L miners have their unique features that make them suitable for different mining scenarios.
For instance, if you are looking for an ideal mining ship with good cargo capacity, then the M-sized mining ships are the way to go.
These ships may not be as fast as their larger counterparts, but they can store more minerals, which means you don’t have to worry about emptying their hold as often. Additionally, they can operate in relatively smaller spaces, making them ideal for mining in sectors where larger ships cannot.
On the other hand, if you are looking for speed and durability, then the L-sized mining ships are the better choice. They are more resilient and can fend off enemy attacks more effectively. Also, they are faster, which means they can reach their destinations quicker and begin mining faster.
The Limitations of M and L Sized Ships
The individual characteristics between the various races and etc. are relatively irrelevant. Therefore, you will probably end up with several different types of mining ships, each with its own unique features that make them ideal for specific mining scenarios. However, when choosing between M and L sized ships, it is crucial to keep in mind that L ships require more attention to detail when it comes to finding suitable sectors to mine in and station capacity.
In terms of mining capacity, it is a common misconception that L miners are more productive than their M counterparts. The reality is that it depends on the situation. For example, M ships are better suited for sector mining as they can move around much faster, while L ships are better suited for more distant mining operations, as they have more mining drones and can mine more efficiently over a longer period.
Drones – Mining, Cargo, Defense, or Repair?
When it comes to drones, more mining drones mean faster mining, so you want to max out mining drones as much as possible. While stations usually have drones, it is a good idea to have extra mining drones on your mining ships just in case.
As for cargo, if you are mining for your own stations, cargo drones may not be necessary. But if you are selling to other stations, then cargo drones are essential.
Defense drones may not be necessary for larger mining ships as they are more capable of defending themselves, but if you are mining in hostile sectors, they are a must-have.
Finally, repair drones may not be necessary for larger mining ships, but they are a good idea for smaller ships or if you are mining in sectors with dangerous asteroids.
Fleet Formation
Fleet formation is an essential aspect of mining, especially when using multiple mining ships. Fleet formation makes it easier to manage your mining ships, reduces the number of ships in your screen, and helps optimize your mining operations. To use fleet formation, ensure that all pilots have the required skill levels, and then group them into fleets using ‘Mimic commander’s behavior.’ This way, all ships will work together to mine the same minerals.
Sector Selection
The best mining sectors in X4 depend on your specific goals and priorities. However, the Saturn and Oort cloud sectors are generally considered the best mining sectors in the game. Saturn has two sectors beside it that are hungry for solid resources, and mining there can help keep your stations well-stocked. Additionally, mining in Saturn is relatively safe since there are no Kha’ak raids in Terran territories.
