The video discusses the major updates to radars in Alpha 4.7.1, highlighting that radars are now physicalized and available from various manufacturers in sizes ranging from 0 to 4. Currently, all radars can be purchased exclusively at Omega Pro in New Babbage, MicroTech. The presenter guides new players on how to reach this location via the Metro Loop train and explains how to browse the radar selection at the store, where prices vary widely depending on the radar’s size and class.
Radars are categorized into five classes: stealth, military, industrial, competition, and civilian, with grades from A to D. The key factors to consider when choosing a radar include aim assist distance, electromagnetic (EM) emission, power segment usage, component health, and self-repair time. The military A grade radar offers the best aim assist but comes with high EM emission and power requirements, making it ideal for combat ships with sufficient power. Stealth A radars provide lower EM emissions and decent aim assist, suitable for stealth builds, while competition B radars are efficient in power usage and serve well for general or industrial purposes.
For size 1 radars, the military A grade radar is the top choice for combat due to its superior aim assist and health, despite its high EM emission and power demands. Stealth builds benefit from stealth A radars, which balance EM emission and aim assist effectively. For ships prioritizing power conservation, competition B radars offer the best compromise with lower power consumption and decent performance. Size 2 and 3 radars follow similar patterns, with military A and stealth A radars favored for combat and stealth roles, and industrial or competition radars preferred for general use.
The presenter physically showcases various radar models, noting that many stock ships come equipped with lower-grade radars that should be upgraded for better performance. He emphasizes the importance of power management, illustrating how military radars require significantly more power pips compared to competition radars, which can free up power for weapons and shields. This trade-off is crucial when customizing ships for specific roles, especially combat versus stealth or general utility.
Finally, the video touches on the impact of radar choice on stealth gameplay, highlighting that with the recent missile rebalance and component protections, stealth radars now play a more significant role in reducing EM signatures. The ability to switch from military to stealth radars allows for more effective stealth operations, particularly for recon and bomber ships that do not rely heavily on aim assist. The presenter concludes by encouraging viewers to consider their ship’s power capacity and mission profile when selecting radars and hints at upcoming discussions on cross-section detection changes.
