Latest designs not appearing in 'Retrofit to' option

[Aelfric]

I was a little confused about how the game handles retrofitting, so I did the following test.

I started a new game with ship design automation turned off. I created two new escort designs, the first one being smaller in size (called 'Saber') and the later being bigger ('Gladius'). Both were added using 'Add new' button.

I right-clicked on the starting escort ship (which was a different design) and then select 'Retrofit to'. Strangely, I only had the option to retrofit to 'Saber'. Moreoever, on the ship designs list, with 'Only show latest designs' box ticked, only 'Saber' appeared, although it was created before 'Gladius'. Only when I unticked the box, both appeared. Both were not marked as obsolete and could be constructed by my star port.

Game version is 1.02.

I suspect this is a bug so I hope it will get fixed by the next patch. Thanks for the brilliant support, by the way!

[Okim]

These is now way you can make two different designs based on the same class. Any new one will obsolete all previously made even if you have made that few moments ago. Only one active design per class.

This does not cover starbases however (but not mining stations!).

[Aelfric]

Is there any plan to change that? I always have sub-sub-roles for my ships. For instance, I normally use more economical, all-rounder frigates in large number to form the bulk of my fleets early on for both protection and planet invasion, but I also have a smaller fleet of assault frigates, which are better armoured and armed with torpedos, to harass enemy's bases.

Besides, in the test I did, the latest design, 'Gladius', did not appear. The design I made before it, 'Saber', appeared. Immediately after its creation, Gladius was considered 'not recent'. Therefore, I think it was a bug.

[Webbco]

Aelfric, I'm in total agreement. Having fleets for different specific roles is almost essential in this game.

For example, shields are pointless when attacking space creatures as they bypass any shield system, so armour is imperative in the design here.

When attacking pirates, I want to use hard-hitting and compact ships that can take out the small pirate fleets quickly and efficiently, so stronger shields and better engines are important.

When I want to scout out areas of interest (and being pretty sure there's a threat lurking around somewhere) I want long-range sensors and good thrusters so I can make a quick getaway.

I think all ship designs that are manually created should ALWAYS be a buildable option on the right-click menu, unless marked as obsolete.

[BigWolfChris]

ORIGINAL: Webbco

I think all ship designs that are manually created should ALWAYS be a buildable option on the right-click menu, unless marked as obsolete.

This I completely agree with

[Aelfric]

ORIGINAL: Webbco I think all ship designs that are manually created should ALWAYS be a buildable option on the right-click menu, unless marked as obsolete.

Great minds think alike! [:D] I'm sure the solution you mentioned above will work like a charm. You should add this to Master Wishlist. EDIT: Well I posted your solution there already.

Ship customisation is the most attractive aspect of an X4 games like this one, but Distant World has not had that implemented properly yet. Nonetheless, I do have the confidence that the developer will take notice of this and improve it sooner or later.

[Webbco]

Designing ships manually and sending these into battle can bring some serious satisfaction!

The design system in DW has major potential (I enjoy it. Sort of...) and seeing this potential alongside the top notch support from Erik, Elliot and team I believe we will see this element improved. [;)]

[elliotg]

There are some changes in the next patch that will address these issues.

We'll be allowing retrofitting to any non-obsolete design of the same type. So when you right-click, the Retrofit option will have all your designs of the same type listed.

However if you turn on automated Ship Design, your designs for each role will be obsoleted. So it's all or nothing for ship design I'm afraid. But we'll also add some power tools for upgrading your designs en masse though, to help with manual for ship design.

[Aelfric]

Elliot, that's brilliant. Exactly what we need! [:)]

And Happy Easter!

[Cheet4h]

It would be nice if the design list wouldn't cover just recent designs, but all non-obsolete designs.

[Aelfric]

ORIGINAL: Cheet4h

It would be nice if the design list wouldn't cover just recent designs, but all non-obsolete designs.

Agreed. But from what I understand from Elliot's post above, all non-obsolete designs will be tagged as active/'recent' so they will appear on the design list and buildable from 'Retrofit to' option accessed by right-clicking. So your suggestion is already included in the next patch. [:)]

[JonathanStrange]

The patch is out and there is a note that refers to this thread. So what's your impression about the patch's fix for this issue? I'm too new to comment...

[Marcuso]

Must...have...patch...soon...   All that will be missing is a mass retrofit option (which they plan to add). This will make the game even better than it already is. Very excited! [:)]