Contracts

Contracts
Contracts are random generated missions you can get via the "LFP". They won't have any influence on the main mission or earn you reputation with any faction. However they are a nice way to earn money and loot (freelancer contracts only). Note: Sometimes the best weapons are easier to find in loot than in station markets.

Freelancer contracts also have another big advantage: You are able to hire mercenaries for each contract. Up to 4 mercenaries with a level 1-30 can be contracted. To be honest: They won't do the job for you. However, they are a nice distraction for enemy fighters, which would otherwise concentrate on you. Your shields say thanks!

You need to accept at least one freelancer contract, before you can hire mercenaries. The option to hire mercenaries is also at the LFP-Panel (we need a picture here). Now choose your contract and fill in the remaining fields. The tool-tip gives a hint how much money you have to pay for each(!) pilot. And yes: You have to pay in advance! (This world is so distrusting...).

The level that is mentioned beside each contract, should mean you will face fighters of this level at the combat area.

Freelancer Contract Types
Basically there are three contract types: Kill, Survive and Defend

 Kill : Your main objective is to kill a single target. Once this is done, the contract is fulfilled. Sometimes the remaining enemies will vanish by themselves, sometimes they will stay. You can leave the battlefield or kill them, it's up to you. In general this contract type is best for earning XP very fast: Jump in, kill the target, jump out.

 Survive : Stay alive and kill all enemies. In general this contract type is best for loot: You can't loose as long as you manage to stay alive and because of plenty of enemy fighters - which won't vanish - there is plenty of loot. Some contracts even send allies alongside you, making these contracts much easier.

 Defend : Something has to be protected. In general the object to defend is invulnerable, thus it's more or less a "Survive" contract type. However, contracts have a timer and until this one runs out, new enemies will spawn endlessly. So far these contracts start with the timer set to 4 minutes, whereas the first enemies spawn at around 3:30 minutes. This contract type can offer even more loot than a "Survive" one. But it depends on your skill to shoot them down. Once time's up, they vanish. Some contracts send allies alongside you as well, but if so, they are fewer in numbers than in "Survive" ones.