Star Conflict taken apart

Star Conflict is a dogfighter with a loadout system deep enough to argue about. Interceptors, fighters and frigates each want a different place in a battle, and the module slots turn a stock hull into something with a defined job.

Matches are short and finish cleanly. You fly, you win or lose, you go back to the hangar and change something. Open space adds mining and salvage for a slower evening between matches.

The ceiling is high and the climb is long, but the opening hull is capable and the early matchmaking keeps the first fortnight sensible.

The part it gets right

• Dogfight combat
• Many ships
• Team objectives

Good match

You enjoy flying and tinkering in roughly equal measure and prefer matches that end.

Poor match if snap decisions feel like work rather than fun.

The first week here

Fly interceptors to learn where a fight moves, then settle into fighters. Frigates punish anybody who has not learned the maps yet.

Finish one ship line before branching. Spread resources and you are underpowered in every tier at once.