The starting ship (layout A) is way underestimated

[UltraMantis]

It's very rare. When the game loves you *THAT* much, it throws 5-shielded ships at you. It happened only once to me.

Why do you say 4 is supposed to be max? A missile happy ship would stil tear it up so it's not game breaking or anything. Burst MkIII + BurstMkII could also bring them down. Then theres the Ion or Breach Bombs that would help. And boarders could help soften it up as well. Runing away is sometimes a realy good idea too.

[TJJ]

The biggest problem with the Kestrel A is the crew. All useless humans.

I think that's why so many people complain about large numbers of negative encounters.
As soon as you get an Engi & Rockman on board a good number of those potentially negative encounters become entirely positive.

[User232365]

No bug. That is just how it is. Near the endgame, enemies, specifically rebels, start ignoring the rules in order to make it more challenging. In addition to 5 shields, if you have Max Level Sensors, you can see some enemies with More Than 8 bars in Weapons Control, letting them field crazy amounts of firepower at once, with apparently a reactor capable of powering such.

[Raxxman]

No bug. That is just how it is. Near the endgame, enemies, specifically rebels, start ignoring the rules in order to make it more challenging. In addition to 5 shields, if you have Max Level Sensors, you can see some enemies with More Than 8 bars in Weapons Control, letting them field crazy amounts of firepower at once, with apparently a reactor capable of powering such.

I got minced by a rebel AI assault drone at level 8

level 5 shields, 4 top tier weapons, 2 level attack drones.

couldn't board it, couldn't tank it, couldn't hurt it.

died.

[Fredchuckdave]

The Red-Tail is better in virtually every way, though the Kestrel is still solid enough. Love having a fully stationed crew maxed out by the end of sector 2, trusty 4 shots.

[EtherDragon]

The very first game I won was in the Kestrel A (Easy).

What's more, I only found ONE decent weapon upgrade, and had to ditch the Artimus to get it. (I upgrade the Artimus to Pegasus).

So, with just a Pegasus, and (stock) Burst Laser 2, I still managed to win the game.

I found a cloaking device at exactly the right tim. I had the scrap on hand, and enough extra to give it power right away (Somewhere around Secter 4). Then I steadily upgraded it until last sector.

I like it, I have yet to unlock any achievements with the Kestrel - I think I'll play a Kestrel tonight!

[Aerowind]

I've never seen anyone say that the Kestrel was weak. It's a balanced, well rounded ship that can easily take you through to victory. However, it's boring. There's absolutely nothing unique about it. And in a game like FTL where losing can be just as fun as winning, that makes it meh.

[icepick]

It will be boring to some. But to me it's quite interesting. You can mold it into ANYthing very early on. It's really awesome.

[Vind]

Still Engi A ship with drone subsystem preinstalled is easier for new player but requires to procure new weapon ASAP.

[icepick]

Easier is REALLY subjective/arguable. But I do agree that it's the other easiest ship.