The video compares the Guardian MX and F8C Lightning in Star Citizen, highlighting the MX’s advanced features, durability, and missile loadout versus the Lightning’s higher DPS, powerful weapons, but poorer maneuverability. In combat tests, the Lightning excels in quick kills but struggles with agility, while the Guardian MX offers greater resilience and tactical flexibility, emphasizing their different roles in space combat.
In the video, the host compares two heavy combat ships in Star Citizen: the Guardian MX and the F8C Lightning, following a viewer’s request. The Guardian MX is highlighted as a “gold standard” ship with interior access, physicalized components, external storage, and gun racks, whereas the FAC Lightning lacks interior features and physicalized components. Size comparisons show that both ships are similar in length, but the Guardian MX is taller. The host notes differences in design and functionality, emphasizing the Guardian MX’s more advanced features and status.
Performance metrics reveal that both ships have similar speeds, with the Guardian MX slightly edging out the F8C Lightning in maximum speed and boosted maneuverability. The Guardian MX boasts better shield and hull hit points, with 89,200 HP compared to the Lightning’s 40,200 HP, making it more durable in combat. Stealth characteristics are also compared, with the Lightning having a smaller front cross-section, but the Guardian MX has a more favorable profile on the sides and top, affecting IR and EM signatures during stealth operations.
Component and weapon configurations are examined in detail. The Lightning is equipped with two size two shields, a size two power plant, and a size two radar, along with four size two and four size three hardpoints, totaling eight weapons and missiles. The Guardian MX has two shields, a size two power plant, and a combination of size one and size two coolers, with four size four hardpoints and 24 size two missiles. Despite having fewer large weapons, the Lightning’s DPS slightly surpasses the MX due to its laser repeaters, while the MX’s missile count offers different tactical options.
The host conducts combat tests with both ships, showcasing their handling and firepower in real-time. The Lightning demonstrates powerful weaponry but suffers from poor maneuverability, especially against multi-crew targets like the Carrick, which can shoot turrets and make dodging difficult. Power management is straightforward but limited, requiring careful balancing during fights. The Guardian MX, on the other hand, requires active power management mid-fight, as full power to weapons or engines isn’t sustainable without sacrificing shields, and its larger size and heavier armor make it more resilient but less agile.
The video concludes with a live combat scenario where the host battles various targets, including fighters and a Carrack. The Lightning’s high DPS allows for quick kills, but its slow maneuverability makes it vulnerable to larger ships and turret fire. The Guardian MX’s durability and missile capabilities provide a different combat style, requiring strategic power management and positioning. Overall, the comparison highlights the strengths and weaknesses of both ships, emphasizing their roles in combat and the importance of skill and tactics in utilizing their full potential.