A lack of NPCs?

[infinityxyz]

I'm noticing today that there are very few NPC ships running around.

Normally I like to prey on NPC freighters, but sitting for 30 minutes in my normal spots, yielded few, if any. What's up?

[SeaFalcon]

The more people there are on the server, the fewer NPCs will spawn.

Try in calmer times.

[Ursus]

Aye, NPC spawn rate is determined by server load, if there's a lot of players online and shooting then there wont be much NPC spawn

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Discovery 24/7 Negotiating Tactics:

[bloogaL]

NPC spawn rates depend on the server population. They are reduced as the server population rises to reduce lag.

EDIT: It would appear that I've been ninja'd. Twice in fact.