The video compares the Fer-De-Lance, Mamba, and Python Mark II as top combat ships in Elite Dangerous, highlighting the Fer-De-Lance’s balanced performance, the Mamba’s high-speed but niche jousting style, and the Python Mark II’s superior versatility, extra weapon hardpoint, and better jump range. Ultimately, the Python Mark II emerges as the new favorite for most players due to its enhanced capabilities, while the Fer-De-Lance remains iconic and the Mamba serves a specialized role.
The video revisits a classic comparison between three prominent combat ships in Elite Dangerous: the Fer-De-Lance, the Mamba, and the Python Mark II. These ships are hailed as some of the best for pure combat, excelling in both PvE and PvP scenarios. The presenter sets the stage by highlighting the Fer-De-Lance as the defending champion, known for its perfect balance of speed, damage output, and shielding, making it a formidable and easy-to-fly combat ship despite its limited jump range and internal space.
Next, the video examines the Mamba, described as a close relative of the Fer-De-Lance but with notable differences. The Mamba boasts a higher top speed, surpassing 600 m/s, which allows it to dictate combat flow by outrunning slower opponents and controlling engagements. However, this speed comes at the cost of reduced shields and maneuverability, making it less versatile and less popular among players compared to the Fer-De-Lance. The Mamba’s playstyle is more niche, focusing on jousting tactics rather than the flexible combat approach offered by the Fer-De-Lance.
The Python Mark II is introduced as the new contender, essentially a direct competitor to the Fer-De-Lance but with several improvements. Despite its name, the Python Mark II shares little with the original Python and instead closely mirrors the Fer-De-Lance’s combat capabilities. Statistically, it matches or slightly outperforms the Fer-De-Lance in speed and maneuverability, offers an extra hardpoint for weapons, and boasts a significantly better jump range. It also balances shield strength with more hull armor, making it a more versatile and durable option.
The video highlights that the Python Mark II’s main drawback is its higher cost—about 15 million credits more than the Fer-De-Lance—but this is considered a minor issue given its superior performance and versatility. The ship’s power distributor remains a limitation, but this can be mitigated with efficient modules and weapon choices. The Python Mark II has gained widespread popularity, effectively becoming the new standard for combat ships in the game, especially outside organized PvP where the Fer-De-Lance still holds some niche appeal.
In conclusion, the presenter suggests that while the Fer-De-Lance remains a strong and iconic ship, the Python Mark II is a clear upgrade in almost every aspect, making it the preferred choice for most players. The Mamba, with its unique but restrictive playstyle, remains a niche option for those seeking something different. Overall, the Python Mark II has taken the crown as the top combat ship in Elite Dangerous, rendering the Fer-De-Lance somewhat obsolete and the Mamba a curiosity for dedicated enthusiasts.