At first, combat can be is extremely difficult. You start with a tiny scout ship without much firepower; you're better off running from battles to taking enemies head-on. You'll need a bigger ship, upgraded weapons and shields, or powerful missiles to become a decent threat. As you grow in wealth and stature, you'll gradually gather a mighty fleet of starships, and choosing the right vessel for a given job is crucial. For example, if you're planning a trade mission, you'll want a heavy hauler with a big cargo container. However, clunky, unwieldy ships aren't very maneuverable so they're not good for combat. A powerful fighter is good for taking out baddies, but it won't have much room for hauling goods.