The pathfinding AI really loves running into planets...

The thing is... we have not changed the pathfinding AI for the simple fact that this is hardcoded. Without the source code nothing can be changed there.

The only difference is that ships generally are a bit faster in Crossfire.

Its a bit like when AI-ing close to a Sun. The AI will take evasive action to avoid, but immediately tries to return to the set Waypoint direction, only to have to evade again .... and again .....and again. Nice thing is though: you don't get destroyed and sent back to your last save point.

Private Wombat (Explorer Extraordinaire)

It's ritual suicide. Navies and commanders make it game to see if they can make it to the lifeboats before the ship explodes...

He probably means the F2 autopilot.

Which normally shouldn't be relied on much. Sure, it can get my Bassie's shiny red-starred metal ass through asteroid fields, but when I try to buzz an alien station in Inner Core...

And don't get me started on docking battleships with trade lanes or stations. Thank Omnissiah for fast docking.

TL; DR: F2 is okay in asteroid fields, but for navigating around larger objects you have to plot your course by yourself, with waypoints or just by using F2 on clear selection. Not much can be done about it.

If a course is not plotted F2 just acts as "engaging cruise mode" for me. Avoids nothing: Suns, planets, asteroids, whatever .....

yes you must select a destination and hit F2. If it's just a straight shot with no obstacle, your ship has no reason to move around other than a straight line.

Now if you're going from Omicron Alpha->Gamma for example then F2 will be useful navigating the nebulae/asteroid fields to the various jump holes and applies to other navigational hazards. The Navicomputer does not compensate for stars in your path. F2 navigation does not engage docking procedures

Almost useful with capital ships and large vessels however do not attempt to engage cruise engines in systems like Omega-41 in these ships. Unless you're trippin on acid or something and wanna do something trippy af lol

like i said

its just how freelancer works

nothing i can change at this point

New patrol paths?

yes but not in the way of planets

The ships sometimes have a mind of their own, seen too many instances of that over the years

Or too many Cpt. Stupid piloting ships.