So, I know I ask a lot of questions but I don't see this game as very intuitive. Even the hints given are not always easy to understand.
But, the thing that seems to be holding me back are AI units. I seem to be seeing that you have to do bounties for those, which is all fine, but for that you need your weapons (laser and torpedoes) to be at a good level which is gonna need AI cores, same goes for shields. Do I shuffle those around from unit to unit (if possible, not tried it yet) depending what task I'm going for...I mean I can limit the cargo and engines if the bounty is close to home, just not sure how that affects anything else. Is the idea to get AIs in those two systems then go for more?
Also, I see smuggling missions but I don't have a cloak and looking through the Walkthrough it's not very helpful in locating one.
Any help/suggestions would be gratefully received
Ask all the questions you need for this game, if someone is yelling at you about it, they are probably taking the game way to seriously.
Cloaking is a module that you can install in your cargo unit. Unless you are hauling massive amounts of drugs and slaves around, you should be fine with 1 or 2 modules at the start.
You can purchase them from the Krell merchant at the Pirate Base.
Personally, I concentrate my cores on getting the engines to 100% and keeping it that way, it gives you more AP in combat.
My next priority is the launcher and shields (more torpedo slots and tougher ship), then cargo (to carry your loot) and the the gun, and after that it is whatever I feel like.
You can swap the launcher for the gun, since getting the gun to 100% will give you more range (up to 4 hexes of range), BUT it doesn't do as much damage as a torpedo can.
Put the mining laser, Argus, and Hyperdrive at the bottom of the list for AI cores, you don't need the hyperdrive until you are ready to leave the system and the Argus is only for a few missions with Nimhe.
The Krell trader at the pirate base can have better weapons and equipment than you can get from the station. Purchasing a MK II engine is my recommendation, since it will give you +1 Action Point in combat.
Also, if you only have the Level 1 weapons license, you can purchase and use Level 2 or 3 weapons from that Krell, if you encounter the space police, just bribe them (if you can afford it), it won't negatively impact your game. Once you have a level 2 or 3 weapon license you can stop bribing the space cops when you encounter them.