ESF Basics (Tips and Overview) - PlanetSide 2

Today we're offering up some advice for players new to flying, or maybe just those interested in upping their chances in an ESF. Be sure to expand the video description for more useful information.

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@WrelPlays

[TheGokki]

I'm always amazing on how youtubers manage to find so many targets that run away from them in a straight line instead of turning around and shooting back which always results in my death because theu just fly circles around me and i can't do anything.

[eggyrepublic]

"Don't fly too low to the ground"


Proceeds to fly at an altitude of 10 meters.

[keithwhisler]

What would be useful is understanding how pilots are able to swirl around you, fly backwards, and keep their nose fixed on you the entire time.

[thisisnotnice]

think there are some advices left. 1) The ANALOG throttle key. bind it to a nearby key. 2) try to learn more than one method to turn around. 3) when it comes to learning how to dogfight (i am still a horrible pilot in dogfighting) fly as a wingman or in an air squad 4) lots of pilots are really nice guys so ask for some 1v1s, chase runs, or some tips. most of them will help out.
good Job as always Wrel *ThumpsUp*

[ksnab]

I love flying with the scythe. I started flying a couple weeks ago and have gotten so much better by doing things I sucked at like flying flow or engaging in hover fights. I usually never fly in any game but it feels so good in this game.

[TheChoisington]

Thank you Wrel! This does really help! My only other tips, kind of just going off what you said, would be like you said don't fly in a straight line, if you are on hossin fly low and into the trees or just as low to the ground as possible so you can hug the hillsides to try and get away (assuming you have the skills to do so). This ties into learning to fly though. I would HIGHLY recommend learning the ESF's limits, this means crashing... alot. Don't be afraid to crash into things, if you do, learn from it and just don't get as close next time. This has helped me escape very unbalanced fights and the lock on rockets, being able to dive into the trees and out maneuver anyone will save your bacon a few times.

[louchedecay]

Engagement radar is an excellent tool to use after you've gotten the hang of an esf in VR and want to try it on a live server. Helps you understand how other esf's move when they're targeting you.

Unsaid benefit of flying as an engie as a newer pilot: you get really good at cutting out of a fight and landing quickly to repair. I found that learning the skills necessary to stabilize the esf and land quickly helped later with dogfighting.

Also, and contrary to your advice, I found hover 3 to be the most helpful upgrade of all on the esf (in conjunction with afterburners). To me, the reaver turned from an iron lump  to a usable machine with hover airframe maxed.

[Vesuvatoa]

I am a pilot myself, and have been for over a year. I think it's awesome to see you encouraging people to fly the proper way. But a big tip to everyone learning to fly... It takes PRACTICE, PRACTICE, and more PRACTICE. The best way to improve your skill, is going on the test server with some good pilots and doing some ESF duels. Keep up the good work, love your videos!

[edstretton]

The most helpful thing that kickstarted my flying was STL Youngblood being an absolute saint in replying to a query on the scythe of mine with a detailed video entirely answering my question. What a rock star!

[CarBENbased]

One thing you showcased in the gameplay but didn't mention was learning to swap between first and third person view. Third person for general awareness and manuvering, and first person/cockpit view for when you have your target in front of you. Youngblood (who is a a great pilot and teacher and an old outfit mate of mine) covers this in his videos. Glad you linked him ;).

[jamesedwards]

Hey Wrel glad you still use this channel. Even your so called 'outdated' videos still provide a wealth of data to use.

You have improved my game since I started playing planetside 2. Thanks and congrats working for the company.

I hope Planetside 2 'never' dies :).

[WinchesterLock]

Something that wasn't really talked about much in this video is, going to the VR room and learning the reverse maneuver (Hover airframe helps a lot for people trying to learn this).  It really is something that cannot be understated.  It is mandatory knowledge if you plan to be in the air more than a couple minutes.  Personally, I would have suggested running fire suppression or scout radar (great for getting bonus XP) on the ESF loadout, but I suppose that is up to personal preference. 

[TheUnchainedMind]

I've had the most success flying at max altitude with max stealth and dropping down on stray ESFs. It allows me to easily assess the situation and avoid big groups of aircraft way before they spot me.
Will give this a try.

[Reohz]

The thing that helped me a lot, and I noticed Wrel was doing this but I don't think he commented on it, was third person view. While flying around and not engaged I always pop out to third person. It makes flying easier and gives you a better view of what's going on. I just pop into first person when I'm chasing a target.

[cbaltlghtnng]

There's a little trench thing in the VR Training room that I was shown a while back, like a dried up river running into a dried up lake or something, with a bridge over it about half-way through. One outfit I flew with taught me that it can be a good spot to practice all the really super-fine movements with all aircraft, as well as their hit boxes for using live terrain as cover.

[ussunderway]

Posts video discussing basic ESF movement and tactics - Good

Showcases pro ESF rape and terrain flying in outnumbered Air to Air combat while telling us to avoid these things - Bad

Most people are visual learners. They -are- going to attempt to emulate what they see before what they hear. Almost all will start pulling ESF and try to play like a badass, get pissed off, and never play again. I think this video had great info but was defeating itself. Sorry bud, still a subscriber.

[plainlake]

I learned how to fly by channeling my inner snowspeeder pilot. Starting off by hugging the ground on Esamir as much as I could. avoiding mid-air dogfights like the plague. Unfortunately this has not made me much better at dogfighting (reverse manouvers, awareness of enemy air etc.), but I can usually pick my fights and I am able to engage ground targets even when there is heavy AA all around by exposing myself as little as possible and firing 1-2 hornets on the same target after a short round around a mountain/through tech plant etc. To the point where as a VS pilot flying into an enemy NC zerg is a viable way of getting away from TR ESFs.

If I get engaged by enemy ESF I usually bug out or try to outmanouver them through tight areas (independence day style), but the good thing about flying low is that most Air-air fighters look at the skyline when they are hunting targets.

Sure sure, I am no red baron, but I am able to provide CAS in a fight where no other friendly air is able to get near. Helping out in dogfights. And roadkilling infantry underneath the canopy of small trees,   (that have twigs that instakill you) is a rush that I enjoy. :)

[Polaris]

In general, an excellent guide. Although I'm not quite sure if I agree with your very last point. In my experience at least, I tend to find that flying at maximum altitude is often the safest way to play. In dogfights, altitude is the name of the game. You have the ability to fly faster if need be and also place enemy ESF at a disadvantage by surprising them (in most cases) and by forceing them to fight a target which is above them (which tends to be a pain in the backside). 

[pikeysproductions]

An important factor of flying is binding the 'throttle analogue' key (not bound by default) to something that is easily accessible as it will allow you to hoverfight much easier, and that is half of the airgame as you will be able to do reverse manouvers and turn around to your enemies far quicker.

[Alectfenrir]

Well Wrel, looks you just uploaded this at the perfect time. I just recently started using ESFs now and soon after, this video came out! :D