X4 Foundations: How to start, things to know! Pre 7.0

[@egosoft]

Thanks for your support! ❤ /greg

[@T-Skillet]

Thank you for an amazing game!

[@Dan19870]

I just purchased X4: Foundations, so it seemed like a real good idea to watch as many tutorial videos as possible. The last time I delved into the X Universe was X3: Rebirth and before that X3: Reunion.

[@T-Skillet]

All the newer stars are more hand holding but you should feel right at home real soon! Never play rebirth myself but X3 AP was my jam!

[@JerodTrd]

@@T-Skillet Rebirth was horrible...

[@cavitycreep]

you spend more time watching videos trying to figure the game out than actually playing it.

[@qqq4200]

Having been a X player for well over a decade im well aware of basically everything you said, but your information was spot on with everything so well done on making such a good video for any newcomers as the X series is a VERY overwhelming series to get into and X4 has a steep learning curve.

[@T-Skillet]

It really is!! They have tried to change and correct it with guided starts but I always learn something new! lol Thank you for watching!

[@boreasreal5911]

I couldn't disagree more. Unlike games like Elite Dangerous and Star Citizen, this games controls are fairly simple and intuitiv. The fact that you can change almost every keybind helps a lot too.

[@T-Skillet]

@leemills6825 Its not just the VIG, Terrains are pretty strong as well. But i do mention the VIG marines in a video, perhaps the Shih video. I'm not sure, but there was a time i exclusively used them because of the their close proximity to my operating area.

[@neilbaker7645]

Solid vid. 🙂 What I like to do for crystal hunting, is if I see two nearby, I'll target one of the asteroids and go for the other. That way regardless of my orientation after tracking the crystal I'm currently mining, I know where to turn to for the other nearby crystal.

[@T-Skillet]

Solid advice!!! Wish I’d thought of that for the video! Lol Thank you, I know starting can be a daunting task!

[@imblackmagic1209]

important to note, not all starts are unlocked at the start, just getting it out there thanks for the video! I learned a lot

[@T-Skillet]

True! I do need to make that edit. I’ve just played for so long they are all there and forgot you unlock two when you discover the PHQ.

[@TocYounger]

Subbed because I really like how you presented this information. Nothing new or earth-shattering, as an old hand, but well put together, and I'm glad to see some new content beyond let's plays from the big names. With the new dlc, it's nice to see updated beginner content. This game is crazy overwhelming! I look forward to seeing more from you.

[@T-Skillet]

Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed it. It’s been a joy and pain to start again! Slow ships suck. 😂

[@TocYounger]

@T-Skillet Gaming You're telling me... The new dlc brought me back for the first time since the last dlc, and it's a grind!

[@T-Skillet]

Gotta love it though or hate it 🤷🏻‍♂️😂 It is fun for me though I like it, always learn or relearn something.

[@TocYounger]

@@T-Skillet I keep coming back, after all these years!

[@T-Skillet]

Me too, it’s the only solo game I play. Other than this it’s Hell Let Loose, Tarkov and War Thunder.

[@platonicgamer]

I'm new to the game/franchise. However I've been playing elite dangerous for a while. I saw the new X4 dlc and it got me intrigued, so i had to get the game to see what's all the fuss. Wish me luck!

[@T-Skillet]

Wish you the best! Lots to learn, lots to see! I hope you have fun!

[@cavitycreep]

You have to go to x4 school just to figure out how to play it

[@edstar83]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoibZKJ4ZtiMeJI

[@ssmurf2990]

I used to start with crystal hunt, but i think it is way more profitable to get the derelict Odysseus and sell it, or collect loot in npc combat areas. Second method has the advantage that you can build your SETA drive quite early. If you want to farm crystals collect a patrol mission in that area.

[@T-Skillet]

A lot of people do that I feel. I do think the newer E’s look a lot nicer but I always keep that ship. It was my go to destroyer for the longest time.

[@atreus_falcorth]

In any start i do, i do these when I can free roam/ finish the intro quest: -Get the free perseus vanguard /sell your first ship to get a discoverer vanguard -deck the ship out with mk2 pulse, mk2 / mk3 engines, mk3 shields -pirate freelancer katanas in segaris controlled sectors -strip down, repair, then sell them, eventually deck 1 out and use it -start whatever I want to do once I have enough money from pirating / hunt for yaki raiding party for early KURAOKAMI ❤️

[@T-Skillet]

I've never sought our the Katanas like that but i bet they are good money makers!

[@atreus_falcorth]

@@T-Skillet oh hell yeah, especially when you get a katana with 100 advanced satelites. That baby is ka-ching $$$

[@T-Skillet]

@@atreus_falcorth Thats a money hack btw. Finding cheap Advance Sats and then finding a dock that is in a desperate need.... Money. money..... Just need a nice M class ship.

[@atreus_falcorth]

@@T-Skillet well, its a game mechanic to exploit so, its not cheating if they made it that way 🤷‍♂️

[@Nightbar0n]

One of a few games that still rolling strong with its "sim" herritage (Joystick necessary) and dont give in to the console friendly mario kart in space kinda trend.

[@T-Skillet]

Played countless hours in X3 with a joystick. Great times.

[@roundeyeudie]

I snickered when you said "Now, you will be a lizard..."

[@T-Skillet]

I get a little chuckle every time I see one getting into the cockpit. Poor little guys lol

[@pelgrin21]

Thanks bro this was the most helpful guide I like the game but is hard to get started the game is a bit weird.

[@T-Skillet]

I'm glad i could help! If you have any questions or want to know something else come stop by this weekend or whenever you see me live! Or leave a comment! lol

[@inukrieger5206]

X4 with all dlc is a great sandbox, now that the universe is complete i hope the devs focus on bug fixing and improving Ai behaviors and so on. And of course work on new features like more dynmamic diplomacy and many more, hope there is many more to come to X4. A good start for new players is Terran Cadet.

[@T-Skillet]

I’m enjoying the boron start. It is hand holdy but I think all the DLC starts except for Split starts are. The prison start in the Tides of Avarice really puts you into the puzzle side fast. Which is good because they aren’t the easiest sometimes.

[@imblackmagic1209]

the downside of terran cadet is that everyone hates the terran u.u

[@T-Skillet]

@@imblackmagic1209 Also their wares! But everything there is expensive too. I just try to rep up and purchase blueprints. lol

[@fusion9619]

Game looks amazing. I picked up base game and all expansions. Problem is, i have no idea what to do or how to do it. Tutorials helped a tiny bit, but its too much to remember. I spent 5 hours "playing" - didn't get a single thing done.

[@T-Skillet]

That sounds like how i feel sometimes! It can be that way at times though, got to stick with something like crystal mining or Missions to have Rep and money to automate your income. Then you can do a story or continue to build wealth. Terrain, Tides or Boron starts are helpful to guide you in the beginning.

[@net2000man]

Great video as always, Skillet! Can't wait for the mid-game and late-game vids!!

[@T-Skillet]

Thank you! Will be in the works shortly!

[@High_Goblin_King]

Totally new player. I am doing the tutorials, should I start with one of the Avarice DLCs or just stick to the Foundation starts for now? I don't care what I do on my first play through, just learning the game.

[@T-Skillet]

Stick with one of the guided starts! They will help you. Boron, Avarice and Terran starts. More so the first two.

[@turbosnowy]

Been a mad fan since X2 and built empires and cap ship fleets until the horizon but not played for a long time and X4 does seem alot different from X3 Terran Conflict/Albion Prelude, so yeah happy to have someone provide a newbie guide as I'm basically that yet again, which is cool, looking forward to Boron DLC :D

[@T-Skillet]

It's a tough learning curve maybe not as big as X3 that is where i started myself in the series. Love X3. Love X4 as well. There is more to come in the starting/beginning videos. I had to scratch a vid due to difficulties but from last stream will be dedicating to different Piracy tactics. My mind has been opened!

[@ex0stasis72]

I have my volume cranked to the max, and I still can't hear it over my surrounding ambient noise. You've probably already fixed it in future videos, but I just thought I'd leave some constructive feedback. No volume is too loud, unless it's clipping. We can always turn it down but there's a limit on how loud we can crank the volume up on our end.

[@T-Skillet]

It was a weird thing that happened while in editing. But yes future videos are fixed!

[@russt9395]

What mods are you using? just curious

[@T-Skillet]

Currently none. I do plan to do a video about mods after Boron release and mods get updated for that DLC.

[@serendipitygaming6785]

This game is like math i have found out.. and the issue i have with math is, i am darn bad at exploring stuff and numbers when i DONT know where to start. This game is the exact same thing, I am darn bad at knowing (choosing) what to do, because I dont know where to start. for my brain this is hella confusing. when i start exploring something i am new at, i need to have a certain rule set to follow. After that when i have learned the rules of the game and I understand the rule limits thats when i start exploring on my own and failing and what ever. So i am wondering out of all the starter scenarios, which one would be the most helpful and handholdy for a first start? :) for my brain there has to be a "right" way, and that makes everything so much more confusing when there isnt a right or wrong path.

[@T-Skillet]

Boron, Tides or Terrain starts kind of hold your hand and walk you through some things before letting you go on your own. The game is very much like a shallow lake at times, meaning there is a lot to do (surface area) but depth (draw/knowing what to do) varies greatly at times. Just got to find a goal for yourself and stick to it. A good thing that i will do to keep me involved is find a hole or kink in the supply chain and then try to fill it with a station of my own. The new series i am doing, i am taking a slower start. Faction missions is what i focused on. Built a Trading/Storage station for ore and gases.

[@serendipitygaming6785]

Yes the terran start is exactly what i am looking for. I have played it today and i am enjoying it immensly. You get introduced to every aspect of the game almost. thanks :) @@T-Skillet

[@T-Skillet]

@@serendipitygaming6785 That's great to hear!! Have fun and let me know how its going later the road. There is a lot to this game!

[@serendipitygaming6785]

I have a goal in this game to fly the Shark because i think its the coolest ship in the game.. but i don't want to skip the journey of aquiring it. Right now i have 2 M miners in each system i want faction rep with and they are brining good cash. I am looking to build some business up somewhere but not quite sure what yet. this game is fun now that i understand it. @@T-Skillet

[@T-Skillet]

@@serendipitygaming6785 That's great!!! I'm glad you are enjoying it! It can take a while to get into. My new series i am having problems with where to place stations; just because how i started and how things will expand. So do i build now or for the future..... lol

[@brendansheeds1209]

Very helpful, thanks

[@T-Skillet]

I’m glad you found it helpful! Starting is easy, figuring your way from there can get tough. But that’s gonna be in the mid-game episode!

[@ExceedProduction]

So if I start with a Split and finish their little mini story, can I keep playing sandbox as a Split or does it end my run?

[@T-Skillet]

It keeps going, it’s more of a personal objective to the character rather than a closed ended story.

[@ExceedProduction]

@@T-Skillet Nice, thanks for the answer. I've always loved the Split ship designs. Especially the X3 iterations. The Python is just love. Though the bulky designs of X2 also hold a place in my heart. I really liked the X2 Dragon, though it spoke a much different design language.

[@T-Skillet]

I'll look it up, i only played X3 and X4. Skipped rebirth and never played any of the earlier ones.

[@valentindelasierra7517]

I hope you keep doing these videos I'm starting new on it

[@T-Skillet]

Thank you! I am doing more, i am actually redoing the latest video due to some complications BUT I also stream on Saturdays. Stop on by!

[@renealbrechtsen9743]

Is it worth to buy the x4 foundations basegame or should I buy it with a dlc ? And which one ?

[@nolgroth]

The base game is incredibly fun. You only start with the Argon, Paranid, and Teladi factions. This will limit you a very little bit. You miss out on a few weapons and the faction ships and sectors for the Split, Terran, and Boron. I did not even notice the missing content. I only recently picked up the Split DLC. That remains the only DLC that I presently have. The base game gives you plenty of playing value. The DLC only gives you a larger sandbox.

[@renealbrechtsen9743]

@@nolgroth thanks. Do you know how often the game goes on sale ?

[@nolgroth]

Honestly, about every major U.S. holiday. Probably around the last weekend in May for Memorial Day, for the next likely sale. No promises, of course, but I'd keep my eye on those dates.

[@renealbrechtsen9743]

@@nolgroth I just found the basegame for sale on humble bundle. 40% off :D

[@T-Skillet]

So the last series i did, i went from DLC to DLC. My goal with that was to complete each story. I do think the base game is great! A nice starting point get comfortable with the game. You can play the Paranid story, PLayer HQ story and build your own Empire. If you like it i highly recommend the DLCs.... Not really one over the other. Your sandbox does get much bigger and the threats come from all over but if you're on the fence, get base play for an hour or 1.5 then make your decision. But i highly recommend the game in any iteration.

[@colinchichester1809]

only thing I worry about with the coming update to X4, I've heard they have done a lot with the graphics and the game engine and will that toaster my pc cause I'm still using an old 1070

[@T-Skillet]

Do you have the game now? You can test it out and do the beta. But the game for what I know is more CPU, a lot to think about in the vast universe. I had issues and sometimes still do with the volumetric fog, I have a 2070 super.

[@CristianVeliscu]

I play on a 970 and I get over 50 fps with AA turned off. You should be fine.

[@colinchichester1809]

@@T-Skillet Ya I have the game, my last playthrough was about a year ago and it ran fine then but been thinking about starting a new run when I had the time cause the game is such a huge time sink. Didn't think of trying the beta maybe I'll do that

[@T-Skillet]

It is a time sink, but! And hear me out here…. You could leave it running while you’re away! Make fake money while you make real money! Lol

[@colinchichester1809]

@@T-Skillet Did that once came back to new xenon overlords

[@ezbgambler]

is there boots on the ground at all?

[@T-Skillet]

In terms of on planets no.... No atmospheric flight either. Pure void.

[@ezbgambler]

@@T-Skillet hmm that sucks I guess imma be sticking with empyrion

[@chrisjewell6817]

what is that alarm

[@T-Skillet]

If it’s the high pitched beeping in the background it would be my CGM for diabetus…. (Diabetes)

[@valentindelasierra7517]

Thx for vid

[@BawsNuTz]

Instead of Crystal Mining, go second contact II and Salavge stuff from Destroyed HOP and Xenon Ships. Should make the same Money if not better. If crystal mining is to boring

[@T-Skillet]

That’s covered in my piracy vid, cause if catch them mid battle you can get pilots to bail!

[@stormlands]

orange crystal is most worth 150.000 pr pop

[@T-Skillet]

I may have found that crystal once in my life! Lol

[@stormlands]

@@T-Skillet and that is why it is so much worth. the easiest way to find them is in large asteroide fields. also that crystal is the only one that will always drop 4 crystals never more never less.😊

[@T-Skillet]

@@stormlands That is great to know! I didn't know they drop certain amounts of crystals either!

[@stormlands]

@@T-Skillet they all do, i dont have all of them on topp of my head tho. also nice video we need more X4 video creators, i would love to make some to but i am not fluent enough in English verbally to make any sens. lol

[@T-Skillet]

It doesn’t need to be in English! Sorry this comment feel between the cracks. But any vide you can post would bring people! Even if it’s showing ships with certain load outs! I’ve thought about it but I don’t feel comfortable with the in game camera all the time

[@JSRJS]

"But yeah..."

[@crightbrayons8416]

Anybody have some insight into what dlc should be purchased? Are they all good?

[@T-Skillet]

They are all good! And today comes out the Boron DLC which everyone and their mother has waited for! It’s been on everyone’s mind! I’m super excited for it. But if you want story, I really like the Tides of Avarice. Most dlc’s expand the universe and add at least two factions. Not sure you can go wrong with any 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@crightbrayons8416]

@T-Skillet Gaming Well alright guess I will buy them all. The game and dlc are on sale right now

[@T-Skillet]

I had to check! I see now they are!

[@kerbalkerman6827]

Hello! New viewer and potential new player here, just wanted to say the first 6 minutes of this video are painful, you spend 6 minutes giving vague explinations of the different starts and worst of all you don't even show them. I know you did this to avoid the ingame voice over but it would have been much better if you had disabled game audio, showed the different starts and made it much shorter.

[@T-Skillet]

Thank you for your feed back. Most starts are just you in a ship or on a docking bay. For most of them there is nothing special or unique. It was meant as a brief highlight. I myself have not even touched them all. Most of the ones that are part of an expansion start you on the mission track for that particular expansion. Which could have made the video a lot longer! But I hope it made sense, if you have any other feed back on how I can improve for your and others viewership please let me know!

[@SebastianZub]

Did they really fixed the AI in 6.0? Do destroyers fleets acting as they should now?

[@T-Skillet]

They changed a lot. Will they work perfect, probs not but they do work better than they did! Especially with collision alerts or ships getting to close to each other. I haven’t really done any fleet actions since the video touching on it. Been doing the starting videos mostly but I will def check on it now you mentioned something!

[@SebastianZub]

@@T-Skillet If you can check it, that would be great and thank you for doing this. I really want to support and play this game but not until I know there are some real improvements to the AI, on my save I fight on many fronts with lots of destroyers but doing micro-management to each of them and to move every one in the position to fire....it's a real bummer and it made me stop playing and realise that I don't really shouldn't/wanna do this anymore and I kinda grown a bit of hate towards it (not to mention the miners getting lost really far away in space, but I can live with that) :)

[@T-Skillet]

Sound like an “End Game” problem! Lol I feel the same way and typically thats when I restart….. I’m not an armchair admiral. But I will look into it. I know the changes they made during the beta helped with attacking stations. But most of my fleets (2 out of 3) are carriers and sit at gates. They have been working just fine.

[@SebastianZub]

@@T-Skillet Well, I don't really think it's an "End Game" issue because I have just a few more sectors of Xen to clear but I started some more wars with other factions in my quest of conquering all races, it's a long process and I just started it, a lot of work needs to be done, my miners are just crap with full stars, my fleets are acting funny and I just can't be on all 3 fronts to manage by hand every destro (yes, all are full stars). On their forums, people are reporting that these new fleet AI features are crap and for some their fleets are actually acting worse :(

[@T-Skillet]

Thats not good at all. I know they will start patching that real soon then. I typically use my fleets as defensive unless i have a group of destroyers take on Xenon stations. The way i do it i've seen improvement, like my destroyers not pushing into the stations firing arc because they are too close to another ship. I don't send in a fleet to wipe a sector before i do some work in it first. I know fleet management and behavior was something they worked on. Maybe it needs a little more work.

[@TheIceThorn]

Uff... Everyone hates Teladi... Like if they would and could buy also your pants convincing that you have to pay them to take the pants...

[@T-Skillet]

😂

[@mentaldyslexia]

i still have no idea what im doing but at least now I know that I dont know shit

[@T-Skillet]

It's a lot at first! But you'll get it. What start did you do?

[@mentaldyslexia]

@@T-Skillet im still messing around at the start you suggested but im trying different ones to give me an idea of what I can do, its very overwhelming lol, the UI is just a pain, but yeah, ill eventually get it.. at least for now Im capable of traveling around and exploring stuff

[@T-Skillet]

@@mentaldyslexia The UI can be a pain at first for sure! The Boron start could also be a decent one. I do think it does hold your hand pretty well for the most part, it goes over a lot. But you are getting there. I can't tell you how many times i restarted when i first of the game. 😅

[@kreganf]

Its infuriating, this game seems to have so much going for it, but the controls are literally the single worst most complicated set of controls ive ever seen in any game in my entire life. They are literally worse and more infuriating then 90s 3rd person games with cameras that would constantly move around lol. I mean seriously there is no reason controls need to be that complicated, ive played dozens of games where you could literally do everything with 6-10 buttons at most, this games got around 20. Its just to freaking much, and it makes what seems like an otherwise good game unbearable.

[@T-Skillet]

😂You haven’t played Escape from Tarkov have you? The key binds in that game are a lot worse I think and then the combination of key binds you can have is just mind blowing. For X4 I think it’s just a problem with mapping out the key binds. They are a lot of way you can do it and simplify it for yourself. I think my biggest problem is when I take my hand away and then replace is in the none correct position.

[@shrillcrayfish6168]

You got this. Just keep trying. I have to re learn how to play every time I come back to it

[@vulcan4d]

Don't play Star Citizen. Every time I play I have to relearn.

[@aggadi]

Is this game like ( galaxy on fire )and (deep abyss 3d). I've played those games on a cellular device. Now watching this reminds me of those good times .

[@T-Skillet]

I honestly don’t know. I’ve never played a game like this on a mobile device.