What race do you play?

[Kayohgee]

So I just bought the game today with the expansion packs, and I'm not sure what race I want to focus on yet. I've done most of the missions as Swarm (even though they have poorly built ships and the speed boost really doesn't seem to help much) and I just unlocked the Empire. Just wondering, what does everyone else play? What would you recommend?

And before someone says "It all depends on what tactics you want to use", I really haven't quite figured exactly what tactics work for me. I'm just curious if there's one race that most people would agree is the best.

[Zen Tractor]

I'm a fan of the rebels. They have absolutely nothing special about them, but I find their ships generally have quite nice slot ratios and layouts. They do, however, effectively only have 2 differnt fighters, and neither is particularly suitable for ultrafast fighters

[Rec0n412]

I actually like the federation, they are just more aesthetically pleasing to me.

That, and I have never lost while playing as the federation...

[MAspiderface]

I play as swarm, I love the ship designs and the stats are nice. However, I do play imperial.

[Vaskre]

Small to medium level engagements, Tribes. Large battles, Empire.

[Rash_Ktah]

Swarm, baby.

Nothing says "I'll slay you!" as nicely as a deadly warbird-like spaceship that's packed full with deadly energy weapons and rockets.

[TrippleD]

Federation at the moment.

[Kipp27]

Empire: Weapons Platform is the single best frigate hull in the game. They have the frigate shield-booster hard-point. Also their shield stats are probably the best of any race.

Rebels: Their Achilles fighter has the highest power output of any fighter at 4.80, combine that with 2 hard and 2 standard and you got the best fighter in the game. You can set up an Achilles with two missile racks and ~3.14 speed or one missile rack and 4+ speed. Additionally, their cruisers seem to have a smaller profile than most other races which helps them avoid damage.

Haven't found much use for the Tribe. Can anyone explain their benefits? -50% shield/armor seems like suicide.

[Teutomic]

As far as I know Tribe has stronger hulls

and I use the Rebels as they look the best

[Greasybaz]

Don't be deterred by the -50% shield/armour. The Tribe's ships are actually utter tanks. They get + 100% health and the best repair module in the game. With the two combined there really isn't any need for any armour or shields at all, which leaves room for... more repair modules. With twice the hit points of the other races even their frigates are tough.

They also have a nice range of rapid fire weapons that will mince your ships if you get too close.

If you think the tribe are weak check out a challenge map called "Tribe Without Repair Updated". It's pretty easy to find if you search by difficulty.