Most players utilize some kind of keybind, many times of their own making. I'd highly recommend using a tool like STOKeybinds or programming your own into a text editor. Some players create specific tray activation orders for different situations, while some prefer a lot of manual activations, so it's entirely up to you and your piloting style.
For those newer to this, my easiest recommendation is to create a "Spacebar" keybind where you place your "always on" powers - things like Emergency Power Abilities and Weapon Fire Modes on this bar. This helps you focus on flying and your enemy's actions and not on micro-managing your abilities. I created a video with a sample bind file located here.
Generally, you want to reserve debuff-clearing abilities like Science Team and Engineering Team for situations that call for them.
Before getting into the details about stealth mechanics and placates, there are some simple settings that should be done for every player. These are located in the Options menu under "controls" and should be set as follows:
Only Attack if Target Selected - Off. This will allow you to attack enemy players automatically when they enter your firing arc, even if you do not have anything targeted.
Never Auto Target Objects - On. This will prevent you from targeting Photonic Fleet ships, deployed turrets, platforms, and things like the Sensor Interference Platform.
Never Auto Target Pets - On. This prevents you from targeting hangar pets and summoned ships from beacons.
Select Attacker If Attacked - Off. This will stop you from automatically targeting pets constantly when they are present in an arena.
Keep Moving During Contact Dialogs - On. You shouldn't have these come up during PvP, but just in case you do, you never want to suddenly come to a full stop in combat.
With these settings, you can now deal much more damage to player ships while ignoring other less valuable targets. You can still target specific pets and objects by clicking on them manually, and there may be times you want to do this.
While there is currently no readily available guide for this, learning what icons affect your ship and how to cleanse them is an important skill. I personally have my own buff bar set to double size to make this easier, which is located in the HUD Options section under "Buff Display Scale (Self)."
I would recommend spending some time learning the icons of various abilities and what negative effects you might expect, and many of these icons will be outlined in an Orange color to denote a negative effect on you. Additionally, you will notice these same icon colors on your teammates' buff bars so a very skilled player will clear the effects of debuffs on teammates when it is opportune to do so.
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