NPCs firing at me don't seem to deal any damage (tested it with some nomads).
However, I do get damage from radiation, bumping into things, etc.
I have a fresh Freelancer + Discovery installation without mods and no INI changes.
OS is Windows 10, 64bit. I'm running DSLauncher.EXE and Freelancer.EXE as Administrator.
People complained in the past about having their interactions ruined by NPCs who kept dealing damage to them during their chats or fights, and about 2 - 3 years ago the Nerfhammer was slammed into them and made them worthless. Hence why we now have worthless NPCs that cant even kill eachother outside capital systems and missions.
If you are looking for stronger NPCs find cap patrols in New Tokyo, New Berlin, New London, New York, Gallia, Omicron Alpha and Omicron Gamma and practically any "guard system". Omicron Major also only spawns more difficult nomad NPCs and a endless swarm of Nomad Dreadnoughts making it practically impossible for lone wolf players to survive there for extended times.
This Galaxy is vast; its wonders and beauty are almost unfathomable. But the galaxy also hides dark secrets, some of which have lain dormant since the beginning of time itself. There is a danger in secrets, both in seeking and in knowing. Some things are meant to be hidden from view. Some mysteries defy understanding, and sometimes even the things we think we know are untrue. Some secrets should remain untouched.