Help getting started in X3

[wildman]

I recently got X3 from steam, however after loading it up for the first time I realised it is one of these games where you can;t just jump into it easily and by the looks of it also has a pretty steep learning curve.

Does anyone know where I can go to read up new player guides etc. Also do you need a joystick to play this game. So far all the space games I have played (spaceforce rogue, freelancer, tachyon) I have always done using keyboard/mouse combo.

When I started x3 i couldn't even work out how to move forward !! I really want to be able to get into this game as the graphics look pretty awesome

 

[MrWhippy]

i only every played it with keyboard/mouse.

try here for guides suitable for begginers

be warned, the learning curve is steep, but it is enjoyable enough once you get going.
once you've got your first universal trader working for you, your on your way to your own trading empire.

you might want to patch and mod up to get the most out of the game, but until you get the swing of it, you can play without the mods.