The video discusses how the introduction of Refinery ships like the Expanse in Star Citizen could streamline the mining process by allowing miners to offload ore for processing while continuing to mine, potentially increasing efficiency. These Refinery ships, along with cargo ships and larger multi-functional ships like the Genesis, Argo Mole, and Orion, offer new possibilities for optimizing mining operations and require players to adapt to new processes and logistics considerations.
The video discusses the potential impact of Refinery ships on the balance of mining activities in Star Citizen. Currently, the mining process involves scouting for ore deposits, extracting them, refining the materials, and transporting them for sale. The majority of time is spent on flying, scouting, and setting up refinery jobs rather than actual mining. Introducing Refinery ships like the Expanse could streamline the process by allowing miners to offload ore for refining while continuing to mine, potentially increasing efficiency.
The Expanse, a Refinery ship, can store ore in saddle bags and has an intake receptacle for ore transfer. The refining process requires active player input but is faster than space station refineries. With a Refinery ship like the Expanse, miners can offload ore for processing while continuing to mine, allowing for a larger volume of ore to be processed. This setup requires coordination between the mining ship and the Refinery ship, potentially increasing overall mining efficiency.
Expanding on the concept, adding a cargo ship to the setup allows for a more optimized mining operation. The mining ship extracts ore, transfers it to the Refinery ship for processing, and then the refined materials are transferred to the cargo ship for sale. This setup allows for specialization in different tasks and eliminates the need for scouting, potentially maximizing profits. However, balancing the earnings between different roles in the setup is essential.
The video also explores larger ships like the Genesis, Argo Mole, and Orion, which offer combined functionality for mining, refining, and cargo transportation. The Genesis, for example, can act as a Refinery, cargo ship, and crew replenishment platform, providing flexibility for mining operations. The Argo Mole and Orion offer all-in-one platforms for mining and refining, with the Orion being more suited for large-scale mining operations.
In conclusion, the introduction of Refinery ships like the Expanse, Genesis, Argo Mole, and Orion could significantly impact mining operations in Star Citizen. Players will need to adapt to new processes and logistics considerations, especially in group mining scenarios. Balancing the roles and earnings of different players in a mining group will be crucial, and the final implementation of ship refining will determine how these changes affect the overall mining gameplay experience.