The Viper Mk4 [Elite Dangerous] | The Pilot Reviews

Review of the The Viper Mk4 from Elite Dangerous. What do you expect from a small ship that's three times heavier than the previous model? Not this. The Viper Mk4 is a goddam treat. The Pilot Reviews The Viper Mk4. #EliteDangerous #ThePilot #Viper4
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[@MW-ud8zp]

The no-shield streak makes for a really interesting narrative.

[@mckeeganator5844]

The take away i got was if the community says a ship is awful to not listen to them and just have a good time.

[@nunyabizz1508]

EXACTLY!

[@nobodyimportant2470]

It is a flight and dogfighting simulator game. Most effective isn't nearly as important as what is fun. I will agree with The Pilot that it isn't going to be anyone's daily driver but nothing wrong with having one in the garage to take out for a joyride every now and then.

[@vivianfoxtail5425]

funfact you can fly any ship and have a good time

[@spaceonisorceress4406]

Guy who mains a Frag Mamba says "yeah screw those people" :P

[@MrTimjm009]

Its not what the tools you have can do , its how you can get the best out of them

[@arthurvilain7270]

"Small ships are better without shields" - The imp. courier wants to have a word with you :P

[@ThePilot_]

"Except for this one, and this one, and that one..." doesn't roll off the tongue as well.

[@arthurvilain7270]

Definitely. And generally speaking, I agree with you : small ships are great fun in a shieldless configuration!

[@TheValmal]

Am starting to agree with you about small ships

[@eraktor]

Small, cheap ships are not exclusively "for new pilots", that's faulty thinking to judge any ship. Fly what you enjoy

[@JakeMcGrawType10]

I enjoy my T10. I do absurd things with it, like go exploring out past Sag A* with a pathetic jump range and all my guns and fighters with me. Because I enjoy it. This game becomes something else entirely when you find *Your* ship. When you stop grinding because you already have the thing you love. Always fly what you enjoy.

[@ThePilot_]

You should. But to say it wasn't designed for new players is being willfully obtuse. Ships like the Vipers, the Cobra, the Hauler and Adder were designed for new pilots. That's why they're cheaper. I don't want to screw with anyone's expectations here. I can get the MkIV to do these things because I have access to hundreds of hours of tweaks and upgrades. If you don't, then you should lower the bar of what's reasonably possible.

[@deanwarsore]

@@ThePilot_ Hey Pilot. How heavily engineered was that MkIV if you don't mind me asking? Awesome serie btw.

[@ThePilot_]

@@deanwarsore Very. The beam lasers are thermal vents. The Pack Hounds are expanded mags. Military Hull, and the optionals are chock full of engineered heavy duty Hull Reinforcements.

[@deanwarsore]

@@ThePilot_ Nice. Just one more: did you go for Military armor over Reactive whats-its-name to keep the expenditures down or do you find it does the job better. Fly dangerously, pal (but stay safe in real life)

[@Serxne_]

The eclipse shot at 7:27 is stunning.

[@Shivaess]

Eric Gibson I noticed that too. It’s quite the shot.

[@mizuvoidmuffin7132]

I found a really cool use for the Mk 4 Viper as a medium range explorer. It gets 49 LY per jump, but still has an vehicle hanger and - more importantly - rocks a speed of 401~505m/s making it really fun to take down for a spot of canyon running between SRV sessions. I still wouldn't take the Mk 4 out to combat personally as I would prefer my Mk 3 for that... But still, I came to appreciate the ship after flying it around.

[@Paraboljah]

I understand you completely, CMDR ... doing that in a Mamba "I.S.X. SISKO" ... and in a Courier "EARTHWORMJIM" meanwhile ... for the style & fun ... :) o7!

[@ThePilot_]

Interesting! I should give that a shot.

[@mranthonymills]

I have a Courier for that kind of thing, tricked out with Enhanced Performance thrusters and enough shields to boost into a wall and survive. :)

[@kingjim9619]

How did you get the upgrade parts for the viper iv I have only 270m/s and max 10.44ly highest on offer is like 3d thrusters which only gives slight increase is there some mission I have to do first?

[@Paraboljah]

@@kingjim9619 s.orbis.zone/6n5i ... an unfinished example ... you'd need the ENGINEERS to reach max performance ... and for A rated internals, use EDDB.io (f.e.) to locate them ... o7! :)

[@althaz]

Hey dude, I just wanted to say that I've long since stopped playing Elite (although I'll likely find my way back from time to time), but I've *loved* these videos. Very reminiscent of the good episodes of Top Gear (the UK one). Honestly just excellent work.

[@alexweibel6636]

Justin Murtagh very top gear-esque

[@Caelum_NLD]

@@alexweibel6636 Funny, mentioned the same at the Type 6 vid :) I totally agree with the above statements.

[@Screwtxpe.]

it is like top gear haha, nice spot

[@cmdrfilthymick4208]

Viper 4 is underrated asf imo. Ive definitely popped npc condas and vettes in a viper 4. Its definitely worth more than its cost

[@PetesCreativeRecycling]

Yeah v4 is underrated until you use the DBS for the same thing. DBS is absolutely amazaballs!

[@Lupinicus1664]

I agree, it makes a nice economical entry to PvP as well. Two C2 efficient PAs and two C1 long range Rails plus the dirty drives and engineered hull/HRPs will definitely give Vette/Conda pilots something to think about.

[@foldionepapyrus3441]

I agree its underrated, however there are too many 'better' options out there. It is one of if not the toughest of the small ships but I wouldn't say its special it is just kinda good, solid little ship. Its not going to pull a massive surprise on any combat experienced CMDR the way the faster more agile reverb mine bombers might or a all plasma DBX might with the huge alpha damage on some ganker thinking they grabbed an explorer for a free kill. It also like most of the small ships to become effective even for PvE needs engineering - where a medium size or up combat oriented hull can just drop in to a rez and stay there with minimal risk and much lower ammo worries (Which is not to say un-enginered small ships can't be used PvE but small ammo capacity, the weapon size damage model, lower speeds, small distro's, overheating, power management issues - its a pretty extensive list mean they all have a need for the ENG to become effective). I think most of the small ships are in general underrated but this and the DBX (as a combat ship) are probably the worst for it. The DBX handles really poorly for the small ship but its got firepower!

[@DarkDisc1]

I had one..two beam lasers and cannons..took out an Anaconda Feels good commander o7

[@athaphian]

I suck at combat but I love the viper mk4, can any of you recommend a loadout? I don't mind farming engineers.. I just need a goal to strive for with my viper. This beam laser / packhound combi looks like fun. But what when you run out of missles?

[@RelativelyBest]

Can I just say, I do love the design of this ship. It has that broad but strangely sleek "Millennium Falcon crossed with an oversized space shuttle" type look. It looks like the sort of ship you go adventuring in.

[@folcotook3049]

The Mk IV was the first ship I truly loved flying. It makes a great armed courier ship as well as a hot extraction ship for rescuing escape pods from 'goids.

[@MattManDX1]

This was my second upgrade after the Eagle when I first bought the game. I didn't know what I was doing back then and bought ships based on looks alone. Say what you want but I still love this tough little tank

[@PSC4.1]

MattManDX1 i did the same thing equipped it with chaff and heat sinks and put lasers and a seeker missile launcher on it and it rips through ships pretty easily when I’m putting out that level of fire when it comes to fighting bounty targets like NPC pirates and even had my first high level enemy encounter with it and survived, heavily damaged but I survived, all my ammo for chaff and heat sinks were used and missiles were out, never facing a anaconda again unless I upgrade my armor, shields and power core, although maybe I should get rid of my extra fuel tanks, literally can make at least 10 jumps before I’m out of fuel. I had to move on and sell it though mostly because I did a bounty without thinking and I had to hack a Satellite relay in a Zachary Hudson area and it put a warrant on that ship so I had to sell it and downgrade to an eagle temporarily, the bounty was paid but it’s a pain when they tell you to hack a site that has intel when they are not willing to share the intel to kill a wanted terrorist, you would think that it would be made public information so people don’t build up a kill warrant from a faction, although it’s fun to have so many ships from a different group come to fight you, eventually you can’t fight them all off and some jerk with a python or anaconda Mercs you because you didn’t know what you are doing. Such a pain in the a**.

[@variousabominations8066]

Heyyyy, I'm hungover as hell and this made it all just a little better

[@rainwhater]

Feel better, mate.

[@tristang4138]

I remember getting one of these for free and having a blast going around. When horizons came along I modified mine dubbed "big red rocker" into an exploration ship and could get 28 ly jumps, detailed scans, SRV pickups, and scoop all whilst carrying teeth to show. It's no cobra, but by god it's venom is just as potent.

[@Clorox__Bleach]

*It's 4am, why am I here?!*

[@ThePilot_]

Sometimes you watch the bleach, sometimes the bleach watches you...

[@MrTimjm009]

Listening to your videos makes me all nostalgic from watching Top Gear for years and listening to Clarkson

[@albarus4444]

I actually started watching your videos to get a good grasp on the different ships and as decision help. I didn't find what I was looking for, instead I found something better. A very beautiful and inspiring way of describing your experience as a pilot. Please keep making videos about space ships for whatever game there is.

[@elete0447]

i remember i got one of these for free when i just started out playing, dont remember what promotional thing frontier were doing but i still have a soft spot for the MK4. outfitted it for maximum Dakka and ground nav beacons until i could buy a more expensive ship. which turned out to be a cheaper Cobra. that i never left. until i got an ASP.

[@fangtuuth7311]

Every time you post a video my brain goes into overload and I end up going on a shopping spree at the shipyard. Keep up the amazing work commander!

[@Finster9511]

It's like you know. I JUST brought my MK4 as my first combat ship after doing only transport and passager missions. I love your videos. Keep it up!

[@martinhurst7372]

I absolutely love the ship review series. Please keep this up, your videos are incredible my friend

[@schifferfoto8659]

I love these ship reviews! So much effort went into them! Great job!

[@toryalbertson877]

Great vid, and fantastic way to start this Tuesday. Thank you. Love the soundtrack.

[@tommyleisy863]

I like the thermal vent and Pack Hound build. I took it a step further and built a Chieftain with 3 of each. Very effective!

[@larkshadow5317]

Hehehe, I LOVE my Viper 4. Even though I now have a Mamba and a Krait, the Viper 4 is still what I conciser my main ship. Been engineering the heck out of it, and it is a treat to fly now, I think the Viper 4 while fine for new commanders, as a small ship offers more potential than the other small ships do for experienced commanders as well. Just what I've found flying it for so long. :D Great video as always.

[@Phoros]

Goddamn I love the aesthetic of your videos, the F1/Forza like camera shots of the ship, the smooth commentary, the music, perfection

[@Necreus4090]

After this awesome series is finished, I think a series about the different playstyles/ main activities would be a great follow up. Something like "the life of a Bounty Hunter in ED" or "what it's like to be a Bounty Hunter" But whatever comes next, I'm looking forward to it. ^^

[@yrneh1974]

Another incredible video! Your vids are most enjoyable....still waiting for that king of ships review of the federal corvette

[@Shivaess]

Hey I hope you’re okay! I just binged your last few videos (which I love) and couldn’t help but notice the different tone at the end of this one. I know it is a terrible time but hang in there. You’re making a lot of people smile and that’s pretty great. I hope it makes you smile too.

[@ThePilot_]

Just trying to keep my head above water. :-)

[@schiefer1103]

That blew my expectations. You kept contradicting my thoughts as soon as I had them. Amazing work as always

[@MinaVillegasArt]

Missiles are fun.. LOL 😆 Congratulations on your 20,000 subscribers!! You are awesome ☺

[@ElfInflicted]

Back when I was first playing Elite, on XBox, I flew a Viper 4 for a while. Back when I literally had no idea what I was doing. Taking that thing out to Maia to talk to Palin was not the best idea ever, but I did get there. I think I switched to PC after that and haven't flown one since, but it's fun to hear what people can do with them.

[@Kinzokugia]

This ship was my main ship for a significant portion of my early game.

[@TheValmal]

Pips to weapons doesn't transfer power to your weapons. It actually transfers it to the weapons cooling systems. That's why with no pips to wep you get thermal lock out. It's a small not to obvious difference but it effects engineering in interesting ways.

[@Ariana321]

Flying a Viper IV without shielding... You absolute madman.

[@paavobergmann4920]

I absolutely love this for bounty hunting. I beefed it up, fitted it with pulse lasers and ridiculously overengineered shotguns, and I am having a blast

[@lokai7914]

excellent as always!

[@Chrono_Mitsurugi]

This is my ship. I keep my Mk 4 Viper and my Type 7 at my home station. my third ship is whatever i feel like flying that day.

[@saiconjr]

If I'm not usually in my Imperial Cutter, I'm always coming back to this ship. This ship led me to having the earliest and most fun in the game. Sure it's probably not the most optimal ship, but I don't care - put some rails, go out with some friends, and the enemy won't be gunning for you until their shields are gone and by then its too late. Or take it to fly in some canyons. When I go out in this thing I find my love for the game again and again.

[@chadverrall9516]

Loved this video, the Top Gear of Spaceships. Any chance you'd post the setup for this ship?

[@dragonwithamonocle]

You earned a like just for that intro. Got me in stitches over here.

[@speedytheporcupine]

Your videos are just awesome man, thank you

[@Candystripedshredder]

I used to fly an unshielded Viper Mk4 for stealth-smuggling (before they nerfed Shadow Deliveries). So liberating being able to toggle Silent Running without the paranoia of shedding all my shields.

[@TheLaptopLagger]

Viper MKIV was the first ship I got into after my Sidewinder and Eagle I made it into a dumb chonky heavy hulltank with dakka dakka multicannons and loved every second. Frankly remained my main combat ship until I finally got myself up to Anaconda levels. Since I couldn't get along with the Vulture or Python in combat.

[@gameoverinsertcointocontin8102]

I have fond memories of the Viper MK4. It was my progression from the Eagle and yes it handles like a brick but for a small fighter it is though nut to crack. In the Viper Mk4 I survived multiple encounters were I was absolutely over my head. I used the Viper Mk4 to earn the credits and reputation for the Imp Courier.

[@alexweibel6636]

I love these videos. As other people have mentioned they have a very top gear-sequel feeling to them. Is there anyway I can get a copy of this build list. I bought the viper for looks and fell in love with it. I mainly fly for fun now, and this would make those road to riches runs feel like there’s a purpose to them.

[@ThePilot_]

It's nothing particularly special. Thermal Vent Beams with Expanded Pack Hounds, Heavy Duty Hull Reinforcements, Dirty Drag Drives (which should be Clean), and an expanded range FSD. Cause I put that on everything. Even though it should probably be quick jump for this.

[@bandybushido]

Nice work sir. Enjoyed the voyage. x

[@Ploskkky]

I think the Mark IV is the best looking hull in the game. I would love a medium or even large version of this hull.

[@curtiseverett1779]

I'm excited to see what you will be doing once you've covered all the ships

[@maximilianyuen]

cover every weapon

[@tacticalderpy2077]

Im pretty sure I said this before but After the Sidewinder, when I started, I bought this ship for Exploration. Got to the Horsehead, and found my first 200 systems with it... I had fun. Yes I bought a DBX after this and went to Colonia. But I was new, I had fun. It was a challenge at times. And it was a wonderful stepping stone.

[@yuenin5318]

Incredible quality and presentation!

[@marksmith9369]

Thank you as always!!

[@angelmin8819]

Packhounds be like Imma roast your ship to 474% heat

[@madrax5733]

Turn that Flight assist computer off and utilise boost and you'll never be outflown by a cobra III. Only thing a Cobra III can do to a Viper IV is run away :D FA-off gets rid of those 'rails'

[@Datan0de]

I respectfully disagree. The Cobra is at least on par with the Viper 4 in most respects and in many ways superior. Well, at least until the sugar glass canopy gets blown out.

[@LooxJJ]

@@Datan0de Hmmmm in a experienced pilots hand, Viper 4 is deadly. But Cobra 3 is more flexible - it does combat, it does mining, it does trading. Viper 4 on the other hand, can be a tanky bounty hunter that can take punishments and deal lots of damages to other small ships. But then again, I think Viper IV is really a small explorer's ship.

[@madrax5733]

IMO the is only one thing the Cobra III does better than the V IV. Go fast in a straight line. Even then the top cruise speed (non boost) isn't better unless you have 4 pips to Eng. The shields are worse, hardpoint placement MUCH MUCH worse. Anything the Cobra III can do the Viper IV can do the same. Viper IV has much better accelerations in all vectors, much higher boost multiplier which means it is much more controllable under boost. Ignore the agility stat that is a really bad indicator of how a ship actually flys. Fit the same the Viper IV will have better shields, way better armour, same cargo and will generally jump further than the Cobra III. Like I said before in a straight up fight with similar fits/eng and similarly skilled pilots the Cobra III will only be able to run away. It is the only thing it has over the Viper IV.... oh that and ship kits and paint jobs :D

[@madrax5733]

@@Datan0de Cobra III has 2 things better than Viper IV. Top boost speed and pitch rate. Viper IV will out fly Cobra III in every vector with much better accelerations.

[@madrax5733]

@@LooxJJ Viper IV can do all those things you mentioned about the Cobra III just as well as it can. But with more protection.

[@pineapplepizzasandwich1974]

The logic behind the pips is that they power your cooling systems. The weapons themselves already have their power from their powerdraw. Thats why venting your ship to 0% heat with beam lasers or sinks also makes your weapons capacitor more efficient.

[@ryannightingale2457]

A comment not related to this video (which is good), but I bought a Keelback based on that video. I am glad I did. I have found my new joy in combat in the ship launched fighter, total game changer when it comes to combat. This is good content for the Elite community.

[@kylecrane4376]

I'm having hella fun in mine for my alternate CMDR. It's very close to a Cobra in multi-role capability, and for the same engineering cost has better shield and armor, not by much but better. I took it unengineered to a CZ and by sticking to the outskirts and fights where I had some back-up it was quite effective with just burst and frags and A rated gear. Heck that loadout still had 36T of cargo racks installed. That was fun!

[@Screwtxpe.]

Great video man

[@Rahiimu_Rossu]

I love your videos BUT you taking your sweet time to do the Corvette, take your time looking foward to it

[@yuthura7871]

He once said that the vette would be the "great finale" of his ship reviews.

[@Datan0de]

@@yuthura7871 I can't wait!

[@Knightwolf1875]

I used the MKIV as my bubble bus before getting a hauler. The Viper MKIV also makes a nice bug hunter too. At least for the scout ships, and in a wing.

[@house382]

I've turn this into a fun little travel and scan vessel. 38 light years in a jump with mild engineering, FSD booster and an SRV bay. It runs cooler than the standard explorers so it doesn't cook scooping and is way more fun to fly. Is it optimal? Hell no. Is it fun, absolutely.

[@jakenoltensmeyer7366]

I was considering putting pack hounds on my shield tank mk4, thanks for warning me otherwise!

[@alexbenis4726]

Glad you did say something, you have a good voice for this kind of thing!

[@ThePilot_]

Thanks. I've added "Take Voice Acting lessons" to the list of things I'm gonna do when I can finally leave the house.

[@Jackenn_Cooper]

Where is the location at 5:10? I've been wanting to go visit places like the training course in the intro, because I really like that style of station design but I didn't think there were any other places like that in the game.

[@theoldone689]

Well looking video ^^ I like your style :D

[@chopper35s]

where is the station at 5:04 located? i’m just getting back into the game, and i’ve never seen that station

[@TheNiteNinja19]

This ship differentiates itself with a power plant that's one size larger than the Mark 3. As a beginner pilot, that was substantial as fits that would normally not work with the Mark 3 would work with the Mark 4, because that's before you learn that you can go slightly over your power limit.

[@johnterpack3940]

I just bought one as a mission runner. Tiny bit of cargo space, but all the stuff I need to retrieve black boxes, scan bases, visit megaships, whatever. And just enough muscle to get me away from a situation if need be. Bought a MkIII for bounty hunting though.

[@Dwumper]

This was the first ship I bought after the sidewinder. Had so much fun with it.

[@ottolehikoinen6193]

Used this one for rare goods and other valuables trading. Occasionally it was fun being interdicted.

[@LordtwoDark]

this ship is not only "for new pilots" , it's my favorite small ship to just wreck NPC's. I have a light engineered one in the bubble and a barely engineered one in colonia. It's just that much fun to fly and cheap repairs/restock. I go bounty hunting in it every time, with pleasure. Thank you for making this great showcase, as always, you really sell the ships on it's strong points without leaving out the bad points.

[@BlindProphet413]

Another brilliant video! If I may inquire, when do you think you'll get to the Imperial Eagle?

[@ThePilot_]

It's next.

[@sirdeadlock]

Looking forward to your video on the cruiser.

[@ThePilot_]

Eh?

[@cmdrmaskime]

Great review again ! I would add that this ship is very good for Thargoid combat, maybe even better than mkiii on this purpose ! 😍😋

[@EB-fc2mp]

The Viper Mk3 was my second ship. I skipped right over the Eagle. The Viper Mk3 got me started on my combat career in Elite while my friends were busy playing space truck simulator. And it got me lasting allied reputation with one very specific system. My home. The Mk4 was my 6th or 7th ship. The Mk3 had bought me various ships I had bought before selling again, once I had tried what I wanted to. When I got the Mk4 though? Well, it stepped up my game. Everyone asked why I had bought a worse ship. I didn't think I had. I was sent to rebuy less in the Mk4, while also collecting higher value bounties. The Mk3 rented me ships to experiment with. It bought me trials. The Mk4 bought me ships. The Mk4 got me an Asp Explorer, a Vulture. Permanently. And before engineers were a thing too. I now run a Krait MKII for combat (why wouldn't I?), but I still have my Mk4 sitting in the shipyard. I don't have a Mk3. Maybe one day I'll bring the old girl out again, engineer her, and then have some fun down at the RES just outside the station like I used to. It would certainly be different to using a Krait engineered to survive fire from many system security vessels to murder an annoying politician. And now you've given me an idea for how to outfit it.

[@BlackTalonz]

I originally went for a mkIV because I liked how it looked and it had more options for internals, but immediately traded it in when I saw the lack of customization: no ship kit and sucky paint job options. I'm now the proud owner of a mkIII w/a ship kit that makes it look like a mkIV.

[@fire_ant_187x7]

I'd like to see these reviews done in mostly fully engineered ships with combat rank of dangerous or Elite (making npc formidable). Where can I go to see hardcore stuff like that?

[@ravigill5341]

Man, i love these videos, hope he make a new one on the phyton mk2

[@jakemorris6934]

Great video as always, can you do the imperial eagle next :) curious to see your take between that and the regular eagle

[@ThePilot_]

Imperial Eagle is next.

[@jakemorris6934]

The Pilot amazing man!! Thanks for these videos, they are a breath of fresh air and your editing and script is on point!!

[@TheRealDaitoTsu]

I did my first bit of combat ranking in a basic V mk4 with minimal engineering didn't change ships until i hit deadly then did the rest in a Chieftain, there really is something awesome about holding your own in a tiny cheap ship like this when one wrong move and you splatter yourself across a conda's hull & cue rebuy screen =D In combat I run 4 weapon 2 eng, shields using the energy already stored, whacking it back to 4 pips to recharge once your target is dead and topping up when the res goes quiet. Then it's just keeping an eye on the charge level and seeing generally how much % each target takes from you which always adds a bit of butt clenching when they're under 20% =D But hell shield-less.... might be worth a looksie methinks =D Another great Vid m8

[@Caelum_NLD]

Cheers for this vid, mate :) This ship is my first buy and I must say that I consciously went for this ship over the Cobra, because I kinda like to rebel. Plus it looks better. It does indeed have the downsides you mentioned, certainly with a newby amount of money invested in it. But it's exciting to see what it can do when you are further into the game. The next ship on my path will be another ship most seem to not bother with, calling it either bland or not useful enough, the federal dropship. Once I got enough money (rank 3 already) I'll come back and check the vid you most certainly already must have shot about this ship.

[@WarHawkAU24]

I saw a video recently of 4 small ships in stealth configuration pirating 3 cutters mining. Those things can be deadly in the right situation!

[@AberrantKitsune]

Most excellent I'm excited to see the corvette

[@angushuddy4600]

I love the looks of the Vipers... I really want to get one and learn combat. I was debating missiles to have a less 'standard' build, but this! 😍 Yes please! Ps; love your videos. 1 new subscriber here! :)

[@TomitaGregorias]

This is like Top Gear/Grand Tour in space. I Love it. Recently bought this bad boy for pirate hunting as replacement for my old eagle. And I am glad I made good choice.

[@Baudelier42]

If I had to create an analogy. The Viper Mk III is to the Mk IV as an X-Wing is to Slave 1. The Mark III is a dedicated fighter but the Mark IV fits the role of bounty Hunter perfectly. With a decent jump range and cargo capacity while armed and armoured enough to be a significant threat.

[@bikemessenger7]

I think you are onto something that I have slowly been guessing at. I have watched lots of "shield tank" videos. the largest shields are CRAZY expensive, you need modules to max them, you need boosters, it takes lots of materials and such to improve them. I keep thinking that all that money materials and lost internal space still adds up to your shields dropping occasionally, Ive been told "then you are not doing it right" BUT everyone I watch fight loses shields at some point. SO why do we spend all that money time materials and on top of that all lose valuable internal space? I think the answer is we dont need all that stuff. Perhaps I am wrong, I often am but I intend to start flying without a shield on everything except my Beluga because if you clip the toaster rack you instantly get messages saying you just lost 15mil.

[@pottyputter05]

Eh I'd have to disagree. My courier only loses shields when I get the "fixed weps are better the convergence cant be as bad as I remember" bug. My conda can rock with 5 ships pounding away at it, chaff boost sink boost, and have non prismatics stay up with wiggle room.

[@Kayem237]

I was actually starting Elite around the time these videos were coming out. Personally the Viper Mk IV is my favorite ship. Sure the Mk III is faster, sure the cobra can have a better layout. But the Viper Mk IV fills a certain niche that isn't as important in a video game as it would be if we were actually out doing these things, versatility. I'm not talking about the ability to switch it around for every role. I can cram almost everything in this ship, storage space, srv, shields, fsd boosters. Meaning that if I were actually exploring the galaxy, the only thing I can't do with one loadout is mine asteroids, which theoretically I can get materials I need from planets.

[@TheHatori1]

In what system can I find that huge space "station"? Didn't even know it is in game.

[@squirrellordsgaming2772]

Funny I have the same weapon loadout on mine. You've convinced me to buy all ships I can in the game, and even more shockingly: I actuly found a good use for an Asp Scout....

[@Tuco1992]

The Mk4 was released just as I was finished up with my Mk3 and ready to move on. Could never get used to it after a lot of success with the Mk3. Pretty much when I went to full time trader. Maybe I should give it another spin, especially since I'm a much better engineer now.

[@jackson22896]

Just started playing this weekend. Got this as my "first ship" mainly because of it's design. Let's see how well I can use it as a explorer.

[@infn8loopmusic]

Great video as always! Maybe this is meant for group combat support roles to be a tank and provide cover fire? Like If you wanted to join up with some friends and go hunt down some pirates. I've been using it as a starter we exploration ship there are definitely better choices. It's almost like this was meant to be an appealing cheap jack of all trades kinda but also a master of none.

[@totallymady42069]

That's not THE viper, that's THIS viper. You've just changed my entire outlook on ships

[@ajsnell6256]

I honestly love this ship, once I spontaneously decided to dump all my credits (which was not a large amount I don't play much) and stripped one, put all the lightest parts and scrapped my shields and got rid of any non essentials, did whatever engineering I could to my fsd, and bought an srv. Then left the bubble for the first time and went to the heart and soul nebula. It was the most fun Ive ever had in this game, it was far from the best ship for the task, but it was good enough, and no shields made my choices and mistakes actually matter. I will always have a soft spot for viper mk4, its the ship that can, even if its not the best.

[@darkblossom21]

I seriously appreciate your writing.

[@KlingonCaptain]

This is my main exploration ship. Mine is all white with Nostromo painted on the side.

[@vrapbrap]

I like it. Coming from mk3 to mk4 felt weird at first. Heck, my first launch from a station almost ended up like the suez canal. Yet the odd quirks of it made me like it more than mk3 as I learned it better. I would recommend mk3 over mk4 but damn do I love this thicc ship. Now I just gotta stop ramming in fights by accident.

[@ThiccBirdBoi]

Woooow a positive ish review on a Viper? A VIPER MK4 no less???!! I never thought I would see the day

[@thethumbinator6046]

I fly the Viper Mk IV religiously. I painted it white and named it the “Albino Diablo” and it is just that, a devil. I’ve got a weird setup, but it works. Yes, I use shields AND a shield cell bank. I rock a Long Range, Thermal Vent small Beam. A Overcharged, Dispersal Small Cannon paired with a G2 Long Range, Target Lock Breaker Medium Plasma Accelerator.. that way they use the same reticle. Finally, I run a High Capacity, Drag Munitions Seeker Missile Rack. I fly solely FA OFF and have murdered many of FDLs, Chieftains, and even Corvettes. I’m an Elite status Pilot that has played Elite: Dangerous for 4 years now. The Viper MkIV makes me feel safe anywhere and everywhere I go, even Shinrarta Dezhra. Then again, even if I do get blown up then it’s a very small rebuy cost. I’ve watched all of your videos and I enjoy them, but for this video I’m going to throw a *dislike* on it. You’ve really got to fly the *V4* more and establish its inner beauty, as well as, its outer beauty. CMDR Thumbinator, out.

[@atretador2452]

I went from the Adder to the MK4 for a mining ship, and it worked actually great xD