It is imperative that every pilot knows their ship, inside and out. You will be starting out in the prototype Z-95 , prototype Tie or prototype scyyk ship depending on your factional side.

These ships has a very low mass, and is pre-equipped with prototype level 1 parts. While you are in Tier 1, you are instructed to utilize the stock parts already on your starter ships. This makes Tier 1 very easy. I advise you to look at the stats for all of your ships components.

As you progress, you will qualify for level 2 and 3 parts. It is at this point that you need to learn about the individual components of your ship. You will discover that you have a limited amount of mass from which to add new equipment, as well as a limited number of hardpoints from which to as weapons and ordnance. The higher the level the part, the more mass and energy consumption that part has.

The first limiting factor in adding components will be chassis capability. The Z-95 and other starting ships has one hardpoint for a weapon. To increase your firepower, I recommend upgrading the weapon to a Mark II blaster (Lvl 3 part). This will maximize your firepower within your parts certification level.

The next limiting factor you will come across is the mass. As you upgrade your engines, shields, armor, etc, you will quickly exceed your Z-95s allowable mass. At this point you must pick and choose which parts you want to upgrade to stay within the mass limits. To get around this limiting factor, you have the opportunity to obtain the “Heavy” Z-95 Variant. This chxxxis has a great deal more mass than the prototype Z-95 and can accommodate a full load of Mark II components. Though not a requirement in Green Group, I advise that you begin experimenting with the limited mxxx of the prototype chassis instead of moving to the heavy variant. This will allow you to have a better appreciation for component selection. Contact any instructor to assist you if you chose this more difficult route.


The final limiting factor, not so much experienced at this level, is reactor capacity. As stated before, each part has a drain on your reactor, with the exception of Armor. As you upgrade your components, you will drain more energy from the reactor. When you exceed reactor capability, your energy numbers at the bottom of the starship management screen will turn RED. This will let you that it is time to get a new reactor with a higher energy capability.

The Basic Starships Components article will identify each component and the importance of those components. To indicate that you completed reading this lesson, please post a reply. If you don’t reply I can’t track your progress.

Practical application: Attempt to refit a prototype Z-95 with upgraded parts within the mass and energy constraints (Not required. If attempted, notify an instructor to check your progress).