As an Elite Dangerous bounty hunter, making money is the name of the game. But with so many variables to consider, it can be difficult to know where to start. Fear not, as we’re here to present you with some tips for making money bounty hunting in Elite Dangerous.
Firstly, let’s talk about outfitting your ship. The Cobra Mk III is a great starting point, offering good speed and manoeuvrability, as well as weapon hardpoints. It’s also relatively cheap, so you won’t have to break the bank to get started. As you progress, upgrading to a Vulture, FDL, or Chieftain will give you more firepower and better defensive capabilities.
When it comes to weapons, you’ll want to fit your ship with pulse lasers, multicannons, or a combination of both. Pulse lasers deal thermal damage, while multicannons deal kinetic damage. Having a mix of the two will allow you to take down shields and then finish off your target’s hull. Engineering your weapons can also help maximise their effectiveness.
Next, let’s talk about where to find bounties. Resource Extraction Sites (RES) are the most popular spots. These can be found in ring systems around planets, and come in Low, Medium, and High intensity variations. Low and Medium offer weaker targets, while High intensity RES sites will have tougher opponents. Nav Beacons and HazRES sites are also good for finding bounties.
Once you’ve found your target, it’s important to approach them carefully. A scan of the pilot may reveal if they have any outstanding bounties, and you may also want to check their ship type and loadout. Generally speaking, you’ll want to engage targets with bounties of at least 20,000 credits to make it worth your time.
During combat, keeping your distance is key. Use your ship’s manoeuvrability to avoid taking too much damage, and focus on taking down the target’s shields first. Once their shields are down, you can focus on damaging their hull. If the target starts to retreat, use your ship’s speed to chase them down and finish the job.
It’s also worth noting that some systems have security forces present. These may assist you in taking down wanted pilots, but be careful not to accidentally hit them or they will turn hostile.
Once you’ve collected your bounty, head to a station to cash it in. The amount of credits you receive will depend on the target’s bounty and combat rank. Higher ranked pilots will offer bigger payouts, but will also be tougher to take down.
In terms of making money, the most lucrative method is to bounty hunt in a wing with other players. This will allow you to take down tougher targets more easily, and will also increase the number of bounties available to collect.
Finally, it’s important to enjoy the experience. Bounty hunting can be a thrilling and rewarding activity in Elite Dangerous, so take your time and savour the hunt.
In summary, outfit your ship with pulse lasers, multicannons, or a combination of both, and upgrade to a Vulture, FDL, or Chieftain for better firepower and defensive capabilities. Look for bounties at Resource Extraction Sites, Nav Beacons, and HazRES sites, and approach targets carefully. Keep your distance during combat, focus on taking down shields first, and chase down retreating targets. Collect your bounty and cash it in at a station, and consider winging up with other players for more lucrative opportunities. Above all, enjoy the hunt. Happy bounty hunting!
