The video provides a thorough analysis of the Cougar Stingray in Star Citizen 4.10, highlighting its competitive speed and stealth capabilities but noting its weaknesses in firepower, armor, and power management that limit its combat effectiveness compared to other medium fighters. Ultimately, the creator suggests the Stingray is not currently meta-viable and recommends waiting for future updates before purchasing, while also showcasing its unique features and entertaining potential.
In this video, the creator conducts a detailed combat test and comparison of the Cougar Stingray ship in the Star Citizen 4.10 PTU patch. Although the ship was removed from their account, they use previously recorded footage to analyze its performance with different weapon loadouts, including energy and ballistic weapons. They begin by examining the ship’s stats, comparing its speed, maneuverability, acceleration, and G-forces against other medium fighters like the Gladius and Hornet Mark II. The Stingray shows competitive navigation speed and better roll maneuverability than the Hornet Mark II but falls short of the Gladius in overall agility and acceleration.
The video highlights the Stingray’s hull and armor health, noting that while its total hull health is decent, it is inferior to the Hornet Mark II, which also boasts a stronger armor rating. Weapon damage output is another critical aspect, where the Stingray’s default loadout offers moderate burst DPS, outperforming the Gladius but significantly lagging behind the Hornet Mark II. A major limitation is the Stingray’s single size one power plant, which restricts its ability to power multiple weapons and systems effectively, especially with energy weapons, impacting sustained combat performance.
One of the Stingray’s unique advantages is its stealth capability, with a notably low radar cross-section allowing for close-range engagements without early detection. However, the ship’s overall combat viability is questioned due to its relatively weak shields and armor, making it vulnerable in prolonged dogfights. The creator shares footage of combat scenarios where the Stingray performs well against smaller or similarly sized targets but struggles against larger ships or those with heavy armor. Repair mechanics and damage effects are also demonstrated, showing the ship’s ability to salvage and repair components mid-combat.
The video further explores different weapon loadouts, including a full ballistic setup with Tiger Strike and Relentless Galling guns, revealing mixed effectiveness. While the Tiger Strike offers low alpha damage, the Relentless Galling gun proves somewhat effective against medium and heavy fighters. The creator notes that size two weapons struggle to penetrate the armor of larger ships, indicating a need for a balanced loadout to optimize combat performance. Despite some aesthetic appeal and group combat potential, the Stingray is seen as lacking in firepower and durability compared to other medium fighters.
In conclusion, the creator suggests that the Cougar Stingray is not currently a meta-viable fighter and may not be worth purchasing unless future patches improve weapon damage and power management. They recommend waiting for the ship’s in-game release and potential balance updates before investing. The video ends on a lighter note with a fun test hinting at the ship’s possible underwater capabilities, adding an entertaining twist to the comprehensive review. Viewer opinions are mixed, with some considering the Stingray “dead on arrival” and others appreciating its design and stealth attributes.