Merlin
RELATED UNI-WIKI REFERENCES
|
Development SHIP BONUSES
Caldari Frigate bonuses (per skill level):
Ship Attributes
|
5 (4/2) 
5 
2
45 MW 
190 tf
290 m/sec
300 m³
Summary
The changes brought to the Merlin in Inferno (found here) have made it one of the best- if not the best- Tech 1 frigates in the game, especially for running Level I combat missions. Pilots may fit this ship to fulfill almost any need, whether it be a swift shield tanked tackler, a very tough shield tank or an above-average damage dealer.
Skills
Further information about additional or recommended skills to pilot Rifter for a specific or it's common role(s) can be written here.
Fitting
T2 Tackle
Light Ion Blaster II
Light Ion Blaster II
Light Ion Blaster II
Faint Epsilon Warp Scrambler I
Fleeting Propulsion Inhibitor I
Limited 1MN Microwarpdrive I
Medium Shield Extender II
Damage Control II
Micro Auxiliary Power Core I
Nanofiber Internal Structure II
Small Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I
Small Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I
Small Anti-Thermal Screen Reinforcer I
Void S x1000
- You can drop the web for an adaptive if you want more tank
- You can swap the Nano for a mag stab for more DPS
- Downgrade modules to meta 3/4 if you cannot fit T2
- Drop/downgrade the guns if fitting space is an issue
Solo
Light Ion Blaster II
Light Ion Blaster II
Light Ion Blaster II
1MN Afterburner II
Medium Ancillary Shield Booster
Faint Epsilon Warp Scrambler I
Fleeting Propulsion Inhibitor I
Pseudoelectron Containment Field I
Magnetic Field Stabilizer II
Magnetic Field Stabilizer II
Small Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I
Small Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I
Small Anti-Thermal Screen Reinforcer I
Shield Fleet
Light Ion Blaster II, Void S
Light Ion Blaster II, Void S
Light Ion Blaster II, Void S
Limited 1MN Microwarpdrive I
J5b Phased Prototype Warp Scrambler I
X5 Prototype Engine Enervator
Medium Shield Extender II
Damage Control II
Micro Auxiliary Power Core I
Magnetic Field Stabilizer II
Small Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I
Small Core Defense Field Extender I
Small Anti-Thermal Screen Reinforcer I
Void S x1
- Have faction Antimatter. Get a bunch of these together with some logi and go roaming with some friends.
Tactics
The Merlin is a powerful frigate in that it can be fit for either DPS or tackle, whilst maintaining a respectable tank for a T1 frigate (thanks to its shield resist bonus). A Merlin fit for DPS with Tech 2 Neutron Blasters firing Void can reach around 160 dps. Even with Ion Blasters and a fit more geared to tackling in a fleet, the Merlin can put out over 100 DPS with ease.
When flying a blaster Merlin, get in close. Your minuscule optimal ranges means you basically have to face hug your enemies. This can cause serious problems when fighting Kitey frigates or cruisers, especially since the Merlin isn't the fastest frigate out there. In these cases it's best to either run from the fight, or wait until an ally can web/scram down the enemy allowing you to catch up/warp to them.
Because Merlins are slow but tough, tackle Merlins usually serve as second tackle, applying a scram and web to hold a target still after faster frigates secure the initial point. Their significant DPS is a bonus in this role.
Notes
This vessel qualifies for the University Ship Replacement Program, PYOS, and BYOM.
Outer Ring Excavation Ships
