| title | description | published | date | tags | editor | dateCreated |
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Recommended Builds |
Recommended Anti-Xeno Ship Builds |
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2025-02-02 19:25:22 UTC |
builds |
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2021-06-08 12:52:54 UTC |
Anti-Xeno operations require specialised ship builds as Thargoids have special resistances and deal special damage types that will typically render a standard combat build useless. As such, we have put together the following guide to help you make the correct decisions to lead you towards building the most effective ship for hunting down Thargoid vessels. These ship builds are designed to maximize firepower and survivability, allowing any commander, regardless of skill level, to achieve victory.
Due to the variety of Thargoid Vessels and locations in which they may be encountered, there are a variety of specialized build classes required for Anti-Xeno combat. As a rule of thumb, a solo-capable build is always the best option, even for AXCZs. Variations on the solo builds below form the core of all other build classes, as more specialized technology is usually required for more hostile locations.
There are two common build types used for Anti-Xeno Combat:
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Fast Shieldless Builds (Cold Orbiters) - Fast ships that use no shield and cold mechanics to evade damage. Generally recommended for all skill levels.
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Slow Shielded Builds (Shield Tanks) - Slow ships with large shields, using reboots to regenerate shields periodically. Much more difficult to fly and not recommended for absolute beginners. You have been warned - the technique for flying shielded fits is different from cold orbiting.
In addition, there are many different AX activities, and the builds for them can be quite different:
- Solo Builds - One commander, one (or more) interceptors. These builds form the basis of all other builds, and you should always start here.
- Anti-Xeno Conflict Zone (AXCZ) Builds - These builds are solo builds with various modifications to make them better suited for fighting in groups. Group AX presents a few hazards which usually aren't seen in solo fights.
- Scout Builds - Like shooting fish in a barrel, Thargoid Scouts put up little resistance to a few Enhanced AXMCs.
The absence of Titans (and maelstroms) and Spire sites have made these builds obsolete:
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Maelstrom Builds - Heavily specialized for combat in the most extreme locations - where caustic clouds are thick, staying undetected is paramount, and guardian tech is useless. These build have the same base hull configuration as Solo Builds, but share little else.
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Spire Builds - Even more like shooting fish in a barrel, Thargoid Spire sites are very low intensity combat zones where Cyclops interceptors and Scouts occasionally spawn, and where Orthrus interceptors are found in large numbers. Builds for Spire sites are designed for maximum shield damage to Orthrus.
Please see our Ship Build Theory page for a more in-depth explanation on AX ship building. {.is-info}
These builds are designed for solo combat, meaning one commander engaged with one or more interceptors. They have different requirements than Wing AXCZ or Maelstrom builds, but they form the core of all other builds.
Thargoid Interceptors are very tough and powerful enemies that will require equally strong ships to be able to stand a chance in combat. Due to the incredibly high damage output of Thargoid Interceptors, there are only a handful of different styles and methods you can use effectively.
When starting out, stick to the tried and true. The Chieftain and the Krait have been the best ships for AX combat for a long time. The Chieftain offers exceptional agility paired with an excellent set of hardpoints. The Krait trades agility for firepower and is able to run four medium AX weapons.
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The shieldless Alliance Chieftain is the undisputed AX meta, just like the Fer-de-Lance in PVP. Providing good hull, cargo space, agility, and firepower, the Chieftain is able to effortlessly cold orbit while maintaining devastating gauss fire. Its ample hardpoints also allow for four gauss cannons in addition to a flak launcher and thermal vent beam laser. Its sister ship, the Alliance Challenger, provides more damage and hull at the cost of speed.
Unarguably the best ship and build style for AX combat.
Type: Cold Orbiter
- Speed: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Agility: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Armour: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Shield:
- Firepower: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
AX Chieftain Build Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP6-xP3vCkI
The following build contains modifications intended to make the ship better for Anti-Xeno Combat Zones: AXCZ Meta Build
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The shieldless Krait, while not as maneuverable as the Chieftain, provides a greater damage output. The Krait's massive distributor and numerous hardpoints allow it to mount four of any guardian weapon effectively. This is also a great platform for mounting Enhanced AXMCs for commanders who do not yet have access to guardian tech.
Type: Cold Orbiter
- Speed: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Agility: ⭐⭐⭐
- Armour: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Shield:
- Firepower: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: Great for modified shard cannons and plasma chargers.
Engineering Note: When downsizing the powerplant for extra weight reduction, power limits will require more engineering to keep everything running. Check EDSY for minimum engineering based on your specific build.
AX Krait Mk.II Review Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isamR6yLLMQ
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The Alliance Challenger, sister ship of the more popular Alliance Chieftain, is a slower alternative with higher damage output against an interceptor’s shields. Depending on preference, it can also have more raw hull than a standard Chieftain build. Its three medium hardpoints with good convergence make it a better platform for running modified Shard Cannons or Plasma Chargers.
A great ship for those who find the Chieftain too responsive, or want to use shards or chargers.
Type: Cold Orbiter
- Speed: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Agility: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Armour: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Shield:
- Firepower: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
These builds are targeted at more experienced commanders, either those who have flown the above ships against Thargoids before or have prior PVP combat experience. These ships offer different flight characteristics, new hardpoint setups and generally some variety while requiring more experience to use effectively. If you intend to use any of these, we recommend reading the Anti-Xeno Large Ship Guide.
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One of the "big three" the Federal Corvette is a force to be reckoned with. Offering a huge power distrubutor and massive hull, the ship loses out only on speed. While this ship takes more skill to fly, it is a favorite of many an experienced AX pilot. When shieldless, it stays icy cold while firing on all cylinders.
An outstanding large ship for those looking for such a thing. Requires good knowledge of AX mechanics.
Type: Cold Orbiter
- Speed: ⭐⭐
- Agility: ⭐⭐⭐
- Armour: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Shield:
- Firepower: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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One of the "big three" the Federal Corvette is a force to be reckoned with. Offering a huge power distrubutor and massive hull, the ship loses out only on speed. While this ship takes more skill to fly, it is a favorite of many an experienced AX pilot. By utilizing prismatic or even bi-weave shields, the Corvette can slug it out with the toughest of targets.
An outstanding large ship for those looking for such a thing. Requires good knowledge of AX mechanics.
Type: Shield Tank
- Speed: ⭐⭐
- Agility: ⭐⭐⭐
- Armour: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Shield:⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Firepower: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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If you prefer flying large ships the Imperial Cutter is the recommended ship to go with. Out of all the large ships, the Cutter is the only one capable of effectively outrunning most Thargoid Interceptors. The Cutter relies on Prismatic shields to tank large amounts of damage.
Different fighting style and generally very capable with weaker Interceptors. Becomes much harder for tougher variants.
Type: Shield Tank
- Speed: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Agility: ⭐⭐
- Armour: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Shield: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Firepower: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A collection of more advanced builds can be found on the Advanced Builds page.
View even more ship builds by visiting our Ship Build Repository, a large collection of ship builds built by experienced AXI pilots, along with full stats, ratings, and build links. Be warned that many of these fits are out-of-date and may not be the most optimally-fit.
Because of the presence of variables outside one's control (other players) and with more Interceptors on the field at once, certain modules are recommended. Most Solo builds can be refitted slightly to incorporate these modules, to get a ship well-equipped for AXCZ's.
- Shutdown Field Neutralizer - Interceptors fire an unavoidable Shutdown Pulse upon entering the AXCZ, for which you'll need an SFN.
- Decontamination Limpet Controller or Caustic Sink Launcher - Caustic missiles are more common, and Scouts & Interceptors leave caustic clouds behind when they die. Either of these modules will get rid of the caustic status effect, but overheating is also a viable option to remove it.
- No Gauss cannons - Because of the low ammo capacity of Gauss, it is recommended to bring other weapons instead, or to be prepared to synthesize/rearm a lot.
Hunting scouts is an efficient method to increase combat rank. This is because all scouts are considered dangerous or deadly targets and will give a lot of experience per kill. Scout killers also hold a valuable role in Anti-Xeno Conflict Zones. Due to the 77% resistance to human weapons it is very inefficient to use normal weapons against them. Due to the unpredictable flight nature of scouts, we strongly recommend the use of Large Enhanced Anti-Xeno Multi-Cannons, either Gimballed or Turreted, as the most effective weapon for hunting scouts.
These are best suited as they are not affected by the 77% resistance, can actively stay on target with scouts and are very ammo-efficient. While vessels used to be limited to four AX Weapons, Experimental Weapon Stabilizers now allow ships to mount up to six, allowing for truly devasating Scout killers.
- Decontamination Limpet Controller (and Cargo Rack) - For when hit by caustic missiles.
- Enhanced Xeno Scanner - Lets you see scout health and type, as well as allowing you to scan Interceptors for heart targeting.
- Hull Reinforcements - Thargoids attacks phase through shields, meaning you need strong shields and hull to withstand their attacks.
Ultimately, due to the simple nature of scout hunting, almost any ship can be retrofitted for the task quite easily. A simple rule of thumb is….
- Decent Hull
- Decent Shields
- As many Enhanced AX Multi-Cannons as you can fit
- Caustic Sink Launchers
WARNING: Some of these fits are out-of-date and will be updated at some point. {.is-warning}
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- Very cheap at 25 million credits
- 2x Large AX Multicannons, and a class 5 shield generator
- Does not need engineering, although it is still recommended
Unengineered Vulture Build Engineered Vulture Build
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- Can fit 3x Large and 2x Medium AX Multi-Cannons.
- Alternatively can swap 1 AXMC for a Thermal Vent Beam Laser.
- High mobility to keep targets in range or disengage.
- Good upgrade from a Vulture, allowing for powerful AXCZ support.
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- Can fit all 4x Large and 2x Medium AX Multi-Cannons
- Can be fitted with large shields and boosters for worry-free farming
- Overkill in nearly all cases
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- Outclassed by the Anaconda in pretty much every way
- Some people just really like flying this ship, for some reason. So here it is.
In the current meta, the Krait Mk.II is the most versatile ship. With the ability to mount any weapon, plenty of optional internals, a massive powerplant, and good maneuverability, the Krait Mk.II is the best all-around starter build.
Do note that cold orbiting in the Krait requires more finesse than in the Chieftain. Due to its weaker lateral thrusters, you will need to boost at correct times, which can be difficult. Because of this reason, we often recommend new players to start out with the Chieftain, as it doesn't need this boost to keep orbiting.
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The shieldless Krait is a tried and true powerhouse. The Krait's massive distributor and numerous hardpoints allow it to mount four of any AX weapon effectively. This build is designed specifically for solo fights, and is lacking in countermeasures against caustic and shutdown fields (which can be avoided solo).
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This build has a Thermal Vent Beam Laser instead of Flak, and brings a Shutdown Field Neutralizer and Caustic Sink Launcher to mitigate the added hazards found in AXCZs. The limpets and cargo rack can be safely removed if fighting at a planetary or station CZ with an active station.
The "repairless" build below is specifically for active port defense where repairs are readily available. For space AXCZ, it is necessary to take your own repairs with you. The Modified Shard Cannons on the "repairless" build can be swapped for Modified Plasma Chargers, or perhaps a mix of 2x Modified Plasma Chargers and 2x Class 3 Enhanced Multi-Cannons.
AXCZ Krait Mk.II Build
AXCZ Krait Mk.II repairless Modified Shard Cannons Build
AXCZ Krait Mk.II repairless Modified Plasma Chargers & Enhanced AXMC Build
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The Krait Mk.II is a tried and true favorite of maelstrom divers, as it offers substantial firepower and optional internals while still maintaining good maneuverability. The Maelstrom (or TitanKiller) Krait can be outfitted with a variety of weapon loadouts; the example given is the "fighter" configuration with Enhanced AX Multi-Cannons. For more detail on alternative options, visit the "Titan builds" section below.
- AXMCs: 3 large, 1 medium
- Speed: 385m/s, 530m/s boost
- Hull: 3,050
Maelstrom Krait Mk.II Build
Build Video by CMDR Mechan
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While not recommended, this build gives a sense for what grade three engineering looks like. While grade five is always recommended, the Krait can still be a potent vessel even with minimal engineering.
There are no more Titans or Spire sites, therefore, these builds are outdated and no longer used. They are kept here for posterity and historical reference, and in the event that Fdev decides to return this content to us.
Titan Maelstroms contain an anti-guardian field and large caustic zones. Specialized ships are required to be effective in these operating conditions, and Guardian internal modules will be destroyed; Guardian weapons (but not modules) can, however, be engineered to avoid this. These are modifications of other meta ships, designed to either strike directly at the Titan itself, or to provide combat interdiciton to Thargoid Scouts or Interceptors in Titan space, with various specific modifications.
- Caustic Sink Launcher - Protects you from the caustic clouds and missiles present in Maelstrom combat.
- Thargoid Pulse Neutralizers - Required for passing into the center of a Maelstrom, these also act against Interceptor shutdown pulses.
- Thermal Vent engineered Beam Lasers - These enable cold running in combat, reducing the likelihood and accuracy of incoming fire.
- Nanite Torpedo Launcher - This torpedo launcher can damage the thermal vents on the dorsal side of the Titan, causing the Titan to expose its thermal core, which enables damage to the Titan itself.
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DISCLAIMER – this build is recommended only as an entry-level stepping stone towards more effective builds.
PREREQUISITES – Access to Felicity Farseer is required, and will enable you to engineer your Power Plant, Thrusters, Frame shift Drive and Sensors. You will need to donate 1x meta alloy, a commodity which can be purchased from Fleet Carriers, for access to Felicity Farseer's engienering workshop. Once access is acquired you will need to obtain the following engineering materials:
7x Iron
3x Hybrid Capacitors
2x Heat Vanes
3x Specialized Legacy Firmware
1x Mechanical Equipment
3x Vanadium
5x Grid Resistors
1x Chromium
1x Mechanical Components
If you wish to engineer your sensors for long range you will also need these further materials:
3x Iron
2x Hybrid capacitors
1x Unexpected Emission Data
USING THIS BUILD – You will need to run cold to avoid detection, by turning off the Frame Shift Drive, Repair Limpet Controller, Auto Field Maintenance Unit, one Heatsink Launcher, and the Cargo Hatch when not in use. Retreat to the asteroid belt near the Titan where enemy ships will not follow, before turning any of these back on for repairs. You will also need to synthesize heatsinks to stay in titan space for any length of time, so it would be prudent to stock up on a lagre quantity of the following:
Basic Conductors
Heat Conduction Wiring
- Armaments: 3x class 3 AX and 2s class 2 Missile Racks
- 1x Guaridan Nanite Torpoedo Pylon
- Speed: 346m/s, 476m/s boost
- Hull: 1,376
TitanKiller "Farseer" Bomber Build
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The Krait Mk.II is the workhorse of the Second Thargoid War, offering substantial firepower and optional internals, while still maintaining good maneuverability.
- Armaments: 3x class 3 AX Missile Racks (Sirius AX Missile Racks are most effective, and are in the build but require a lot of materials to purchase; Enhanced AX Missile Racks are also effective)
- 1x class 2 gimballed beam laser with Long Range and Thermal Vent
- Speed: 322m/s, 544m/s boost
- Hull: 3,358
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A Fighter variant of the Titankiller Bomber Krait.
- Armaments: 3x class 3 and 1x class 2 AX Multi-Cannons - Azimuth Enhanced AX Multi-Cannons are incredibly effective but generate significant heat, and are expensive to purchase; Enhanced AX Multi-Cannons, purchased from Rescue Megaships are a very acceptable alternative, and Guardian Shard Cannons with anti-Guardian field engineering are also a highly powerful alternative
- 1x class 2 gimballed beam laser with Long Range and Thermal Vent
- Speed: 323/s, 547m/s boost
Thargoid Spire sites are low-threat conflict zones where Orthrus-type interceptors come and go regularly. Combat in Spire sites assists with the recapturing of systems from Titans. When engaged, Orthrus will summon packs of Scouts, and occasionally a Cyclops, to defend them. Combat bonds for Orthrus kills are especially high at 15 million credits.
As with all Thargoid ships, due to the 77% resistance to human weapons it is very inefficient to use normal weapons against them. Orthrus have a particularly strong shield, and will fire both a shutdown field, and an anti-Guardian field, when engaged. The shutdown field can be countered with a Shutdown Field Neutraliser. The anti-Guardian field immediately starts eroding the guardian modules and weapons of its target, and cannot be countered. This means when weapons are subjected to the anti-Guardian field, the CMDR is in a race against time to destroy the Orthrus before their weapons completely fail.
- Caustic Sink Launcher - Thargoids emit caustic clouds when they die, and taking caustic damage is inevitable.
- Shutdown Field Neutraliser - For countering the shutdown field emitted by Orthrus and Cyclops on engagement.
- Hull Reinforcements - Thargoids attacks phase through shields, meaning you need a strong hull to withstand their attacks.
The general premise of Spire site builds is to create a ship which can survive in the caustic environment without resupplying. this means:
- Decent Hull
- Strong damage to all Thargoid ship types
- Ability to remove caustic damage
- Self-repair functionality
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The Krait can fit 3x Large and 2x Medium Enchanced AX Multi-Cannons (for Scouts) or Missile Racks (for Orthrus). It can also be useful to swap 1x class 2 hardpoint for a Thermal Vent Beam Laser, for tagging Orthrus targets at range. The Krait has high mobility to keep targets in range or disengage. Overall, this build has strong all-round performance with great endurance, power and speed, and reasonable damage output. The Missile variant is also particularly useful for clearing the Banshee skimmer-type missile launchers from Spire sites.
- Speed: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Agility: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Armour: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Firepower: ⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: A great entry-level ship for Spire AX.
Shieldless Krait Missile Bomber Build
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This build is very similar to the entry-level Missiles/Multi-cannons build but with enhanced engineering on the power plant to drive powerful Guardian weapons. Modified Guardian plasma chargers and shard cannons are highly effective against Orthrus shields, albeit vulnerable to Anti-Guardian Fields. Auto-Field Maintenance Units are therefore mandatory for these build types.
- Speed: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Agility: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Armour: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Firepower: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: Agile and packs a punch, and strong enough to go toe-to-toe with Cyclops.
Shieldless Krait Guardian Weapons Build
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CMDR Mechan's famous "CytoPlasmaConda" build is designed to very effectively strip Orthrus shields. Building this ship equires access to the Cytoscrambler lasers, a PowerPlay module from Archon Delaine. Slow but extremely powerful, it is also vulnerable to Anti-Guardian Fields so again, Auto-Field Maintenance Units are mandatory.
- Speed: ⭐⭐
- Agility: ⭐⭐⭐
- Armour: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Firepower: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: Not very agile but huge damage output; requires some finesse, especially for escaping interdictions.
This ship requires access to Class 2 and 3 Guardian Shard Cannons, as well as Guardian Zone Engineering from Ram Tah. The Python Mk. II build is designed to strike at Orthrus interceptors in a solo instance, dodging incoming Banshee missiles and stacking a second Thargoid Pulse Neutraliser for when they can't be dodged, or attempting a strike run. Due to the internal module constraints of the Python Mk. II, this build also stacks Caustic sink Launchers to deal with Caustic damage and Shield Boosters, to shrug off incoming Scout fire.
- Speed: ⭐⭐⭐
- Agility: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Armour: ⭐⭐
- Firepower: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: In the hands of a competent pilot this ship is highly capable of effectively demolishing Orthrus interceptors in a solo instance. The Shard Cannons can be used to clear Scouts but this is highly inefficient use of ammunition, so strike-and-run tactics work well here.