Downloading PS2 now... Which server/faction should I join?

So I'm from the Australian east coast and I pretty much know what each faction stands for.

Though unsure which server to join and how the factions are doing on that particular server.

How ever from what I've heard of the factions.

NC is hardcore mode.
TR seems generic and mainstream.
Vanu sounds like fun with pew pew lasers.

You can tell which I'm leaning towards. But any insight from players would be nice.

Have an evening on each faction and see how it goes and US servers are better for ozzies I believe.

Yeah, imagine the latency value. Unplayable at best.

There is an Australian server, Briggs.

Also, in the server selection list, there is a column with the ping value.

NC isn't really a hardcore mode, that would have to do with the types of outffits on the chosen sever. NC is more known as the shotgun faction AKA broken mode. They do have the best MBT, IMO.
TR can be mixed, right now they have the best empire specific vehicle mounted weapons, Vulcan and marauder. Their specific rocket launcher, the Striker has been nerfed to the ground and is now almost worthless.
VS, have a good balance over all and with the insanely over the top Zoe max currently.

IME, NC is the most frustrating to play, and not necessarily the most rewarding.

I didn't realize there was a ozzy server... my mistake.

Which is why I refer to them as Hardcore mode faction.

How about fliers? I'm typically a pilot type. Which faction has the best air superiority?

Thanks for that tip! Wasn't sure if there was an Aussie server. I've been quite used to playing on US servers online.

pick least populated. that's what i would've done if i could go back in time.

If you like flying, VS Scythe or TR Mossy.
NC has the largest ESF, which is so much easier to hit, uses a shotgun for it's empire specific AI weapon.
If I had to choose based on thecurrent state of the game and starting fresh. I would try VS first, then maybe TR then NC.
Also, NC doesn't really have a viable empire specific vehicle mounted AI weapon; it is a shotgun with very short range little damage and smallest magazine. Max shotguns are great against infantry but suck at anything that has longer range (NC max weapons are best at <12m) longest reload times too and small magazines and cost an extra 500 certs for each arm just to make them decent.

NC is frustrating to learn as. They have some of the best weapons in the game (those who say they only have shotguns are bads), but the low ROF means you need better than average accuracy.

Edit: reavers, with the boost, are the fastest ESFs in the game at the moment. A competent NC air crew is pretty devastating.

Honestly, try each out for a couple hours. If you commit to this game, you'll be hearing a lot of each factions music, character voices, gun shots, etc.

Despite what the forums may say, the three factions are mostly balanced currently. Even then, as with every MMO, balance shifts. For a while the forums said it was NC, Then TR, and now VS is starting their turn. Flavor, on the other hand, stays the same.

For example, the NC female voice makes my ears bleed and their music sounds like "13 year old rebellious punk's greatest hits" in my opinion. If it weren't for that, I would probably have an NC character. I'd love to toy with their kits more.

Just give each a couple of hours, that way, you won't get to a high Rank and feel like you can't switch out a faction that just annoys you because of the times you've spent. There are already enough people on the forums who whine about that.

Good hunting!

Play on Briggs, the dedicated Aussie server. About the factions I suggest you go with the low faction just because of the extra certs you will get/

NC doesn't just have shot guns... but damn, you have to admit, we still have way too many!

yep theres an aussie server

you get 3 characters per account so if i was you i would make a character on each faction just to see which one you like

Since you're new I'd suggest TR, they have the most fun weapons and gear in the game, and their ESF is so damn good for dog fights.
Honestly even if server transfers come out and i was able to move my VS from the hell hole called Ceres i think my new TR would still be my main character, i'm just having so much more fun with TR equipment i just don't wanna ever go back to VS even thought i really miss my old purple girafe camo and sexy teal splater camo sunderer.
The only donwside for playing TR is the lore, they're just simply pricks in the lore who kept mistreating everyone and that's why people rebeled which makes victories feel less satisfying when i play TR.

Come to Vanu. The better faction.

Live free in the NC!
also if you then decide to pass onto the pink or n**i side nobody would care or be mad at you, we‘re rebels and we don‘t give any f**k!

our tank is the biggest
OUR GUNS ARE LOUD
WE DON‘T DISTINGUISH FRIEND FROM FOE

There is some truth to this... unfortunately.

Well actually. NC is a skill vs reward faction


As your skill increases your reward increases. Their weapons are generally harder to use but if you can use them you'll be awesome

Thats the way i see it anyway

I suggest you start with TR if you want to fly. They dont have the best ESF but its a lot more forgiving if you miss