Subset Games Forum

Do you exploit "safe" situations for free XP? Use self-repairing scouts to level your crew in combat? Sit in front of a two-laser enemy with layer three shields to max out evasion?


I myself used to do it quite often. Until I realised that it's not really much fun. These days I'd rather get blown to bits than wait and watch numbers grow slowly on my screen.

It's FTL, dammit, not WOW or cookie clicker (admit it, you've been there).

Very rarely. Even Hard Difficulty, I just go out there, get my ship wrecked and try again.

Mostly because Shields are the worst to grind. Takes forever and in the end it's rather useless. Besides, chances are I'll pick up someone better than my last crew member (like replacing a Human with a Zoltan) who has Level 2 in Shields.

Although having a +20 evasion bonus in Sectors 1 or 2 would be neat.

Right, AE makes it a bit superfluous with already-skilled crewmembers in later sectors.

I'm still a bit ambivalent about that. On the one hand it's good storytelling: every person you meet has their own strengths and weaknesses. And wouldn't you like to know how that Mantis became a two-star mechanic? On the other hand, in a masochistic kind of way, I liked the punch of losing an experienced crewman late-game. Sure, you hire a replacement, but Random Schmuck Number 5 will never be as good as your beloved Killer McMurderface.

"Greetings meatsacks! My name is Bomfy M. I am a skilled mechanic and would be happy to help your Engi crews out with their repairs!"
"Ah good, we have a Mantis. Stand over by the teleporter and sharpen your claws will you?"
"Combat? But I've got no..."
"Oh and if you die, the Clone Bay will fix you right up. And you'll also unlearn those useless repair skills. Have fun!"

Speaking of strengths and weaknesses though... with my habit of replacing Humans with aliens, my ship probably would end up like this:

"Ah, another Zoltan. That makes 4 for the shields. But we only have room for eight people, who's gotta go?"

*looks over at the two Mantises, the Slug, Engi and the Human*

"Well, I need the Mantises for boarding operations, the Engi is good at fixing our Engines and the Slug is immune to Mind Control, so he can stay as our pilot. Looks like the Human's going out"
"But I'm your best pilot and make good margaritas! I mean look at the Slug over there. He can't do anything useful!"
"Sorry, but we can't keep you onboard man. You're a Human. We need to be a more diverse ship here."
"This is why the Rebellion always gets support!"
"Yes yes, but look on the bright side. We just slaughtered the crew of that ship over there. It's all yours now!"

Sometimes, while playing I'll want a cup of coffee or to make a call or just want to take a break. If such a desire occurs in a totally safe battle, I've on occasion left the ship there, went away and did whatever, and came back to a leveled up crew. I don't think I've done it once this whole year, though.

Like others, I don't think the benefit is worth the cost. And that's a good thing IMO, considering the cost.

Haha, I thought you were asking about polishing your overall FTL session stats.

I usually do household chores while levelling up my crew members for free, and only rarely do I kill them all by suffocation or underestimation of a combat drone.