[Top 5] Star Citizen Best All Around Ships

Updated:

15 Nov 2019

With over 100 unique ship designs in Star Citizen, it may be hard to make your pick, this guide will help you decide which is best for you.

While Star Citizen features fully realized planets, explorable moons, vast space stations, and an arsenal full of armor and weaponry, there’s one aspect that is the true star of the show, spaceships. Every space ship in Star Citizen is handcrafted with meticulous detail featuring a fully explorable interior and exterior. There are ships of all sizes; ships can range from the 11-meter Origin M50 to the 210-meter Origin 890 Jump with more than 60 individual rooms. There are 100 ships currently available to fly, and 150 in total currently planned for release at some point.

Each ship is built by one of several manufacturers in the game universe. There is the luxurious Origin Jumpworks, utilitarian Drake Interplanetary, and the military conglomerates Anvil Aerospace and Aegis Dynamics, along with several others. Every ship and manufacturer is unique with its own design language and pros and cons, but a small group of ships tend to be great for whatever gameplay you might be interested in. These are the top 5 best all-around ships of Star Citizen Alpha 3.7.

There are many ships of different sizes and shapes in Star Citizen, all explorable inside and out. Source: u/YT-0

When it comes to rating a ship in Star Citizen there are many things to consider. The most important thing, considering this game is still an alpha, is whether the ship has any major bugs that may hamper your gameplay. But besides that, you will also be interested in weaponry, shields, suggested crew, speed, cargo capacity, price, and components. So let’s take a quick look at what each of these things entails.

Ship weapons are split into 3 groups: ballistic weapons which primarily damage the ship hull, energy weapons which primarily damage shields, and distortion weapons which primarily damage shields and components in the ship. Weapons are also sized from size 1 to size 6 in the current game, and can be attached to gimbals in order to help you aim. Most ships also have missiles, and some ships have turrets. Turrets are either manned, and require another player, or remotely controlled by the pilot or an additional player.

Shields are your first line of defense against enemy fire. There are shields that contain more health overall but recharge more slowly, and shields that do not contain as much health but recharge quickly. Shields are sized small, medium, large, and capital.

Components refer to important ship systems such as life support, gravity generators, shield generators, and power supplies. These components, like shields, are sized from 1 to 5 in their various more specific categories and can be used in tandem to greater effect.

Suggested Crew is important because Star Citizen features a bed logoff feature. If you decide to take a ship out with 2 beds but 3 people on a long voyage over multiple play sessions, only 2 people will be able to log back in on that ship, while the 3rd will log in at the last seen space station. Suggested crew refers to the number of available beds, if there are any. So while it is an important metric, it does not mean you can’t use a ship with significantly more or less crew than suggested.

Cargo capacity is rated in Standard Cargo Units, or SCU, and is used to measure how much cargo can be officially loaded onto a ship. This refers to the amount of cargo a space station, outpost, or city can automatically load onto your ship, but does not include the additional boxes that you carry onto your ship by hand.

The price of every ship is different based on the capabilities and components included, as well as the specific manufacturer of the ship. You can pay with real money for some ships, but the majority of ships are either purchased or rented in-game at a few different locations using aUEC. Ships can also be shared and borrowed, or even stolen, by other players.

5. Drake Interplanetary Caterpillar (Best Cargo Hauler)

With accommodating beds and facilities, the Caterpillar is great for long-range freight hauling....or pirating.

The Caterpillar from Drake Interplanetary is as long as the name may suggest. At over 100 meters long, the Cat, as it’s commonly referred to, is the best currently available ship to haul cargo in. However, the length is not the only reason to choose this ship to carry goods around the solar system. Here are the reasons you may want to add this ship to your hangar:

What is awesome about the Caterpillar:

As the most maneuverable large cargo transport, the caterpillar can hold its own in combat if the situation calls for it
Though not an advertised feature, the cargo hold is able to fit small land vehicles if you can muscle them in there, making this a compact vehicle transport as well.
With so much cargo space, a user can make 20%+ profit from one cargo run (42,000 aUEC from 200,000 spent)

Caterpillar Details:

576 Standard Cargo Units (SCU)
130 m/s SCM speed
890 m/s max speed
(Suggested) Minimum crew of 2, maximum crew of 4
S1(x4) laser
2(x2) size 4 manned turrets
S3(x2) power plant
S3(x2) cooler
S3(x2) shield generator

How to get the Caterpillar:

Use your quantum drive to make the journey to Levski at Delamar. This location has a purchasing shop for ships where the Caterpillar is available. The ship price is 4,686,600 aUEC.
Wait for the annual anniversary ship sale in late November, which will require real currency. This is also a method of supporting the development of the game and will cost $295.
Upgrade to this ship from another ship via the online store.

4. CNOU Mustang Alpha (Best Starter Ship)

The space plane look of the Mustang is not only pleasing to look at, but also helps the ship maneuver in atmosphere.

There are 2 basic starting packages in Star Citizen. The Mustang Alpha is my choice for the best starting ship for two main reasons. First, the Mustang is more stylish, more agile, and ultimately more fun to fly. The Mustang also allows you to take advantage of Star Citizen’s loaner system. Certain ships will come with a loaner ship if the ship you purchase is not currently available in-game or, as in the Mustang’s case, the alternative ship is degraded in gameplay due to a glitch. This way, when you buy the Mustang starter package, you will receive the alternative ship, the RSI Aurora, as well. Unfortunately, both ships deal with some alpha-level bugs that make cargo hauling unrealistic, because alphas tend to be like that, so you will need to rely on combat to earn your money. The mustang also lacks a bed, which means you will have to respawn at space stations or cities whenever you decide to load back into the game. Though there are some distinct advantages to the Mustang.

What is awesome about the Mustang Alpha:

Compared to the utilitarian “brick” shape of the Aurora series, the Mustang is a sleek, attractive looking “space plane”, if you will. Not only is it pretty, but this shape also makes it easier to fly in atmosphere.
The Mustang is equipped with heavier weaponry than the Aurora, making it better suited for combat missions which are important for the current state of starter ships.
The Mustang is also naturally much faster and more nimble than the Aurora, even in space, again adding to its superior combat capabilities.

Mustang Alpha Details:

6 Standard Cargo Units (SCU)
255 m/s SCM speed
1,160 m/s max speed
Minimum crew of 1, maximum crew of 1
S1(x2) laser
S2 remote turret
S1 power plant
S1(x2) cooler
S1(x2) shield generator

How to get the Mustang Alpha:

Use your quantum drive to make the journey to Lorville at Hurston. This location has a purchasing shop for ships where the Mustang Alpha is available. The ship price is 251,400 aUEC.
Use your quantum drive to make the journey to Area 18 at ArcCorp or Lorville at Hurston. Both locations have a shop for ship rentals, the rental price per day starts at 5,028 aUEC.
This ship is available for purchase on the game’s website for $45 and includes the full game.

For a first ship, the Mustang is absolutely the best choice on this list for the sole reason that you can buy the full game along with a ship for a more standard price of $45, and decide to upgrade at a later date if you choose. The mustang is also worth $5 more than the Aurora in upgrade value, and since you also get to sample the Aurora when you get it, it’s a win-win. And while there is plenty of progress to be made before any ship is functioning in-game as intended, all flyable ships will provide a different experience in-game.

3. AEGIS Avenger Titan (Best 2nd Ship)

The Avenger Titan is a sleek, capable, and affordable ship with cargo space to get your deliveries to their destination fast.

The stylish Aegis Avenger ship series are diverse and easily obtainable, but one, in particular, is a common second ship for players progressing through the ranks. The Avenger Titan is a nimble, spacious, combat-ready single-seater that’s well balanced for new players looking to upgrade from the starter ships, and it looks great to boot!

What is awesome about the Avenger Titan:

Cargo running is currently the most lucrative career option in Star Citizen, and the Titan has the most cargo and highest cruise speed of any Avenger variant in the game (there are 3), which means you’ll make plenty of money fast.
You can completely ignore the cargo capabilities of this ship, and still use it as a dedicated dogfighter.
It’s a beautiful penguin looking ship.

Avenger Titan Details:

8 Standard Cargo Units (SCU)
260 m/s SCM speed
1,115 m/s max speed
(Suggested) Minimum crew of 1, maximum crew of 1
S4 ballistic repeater
S3(x2) laser cannon
S2(x4) missiles
S1 power plant
S1(x2) cooler
S1(x2) shield generator

How to get the Avenger Titan:

Use your quantum drive to make the journey to Lorville at Hurston or Levski at Delamar. Both locations have a purchasing shop for ships where the Avenger Titan. The ship price is 785,600 aUEC.
Use your quantum drive to make the journey to Area 18 at ArcCorp or Lorville at Hurston. Both locations have a shop for ship rentals, the rental price per day starts at 15,712 aUEC
This ship is available for purchase on the game’s website for $50 in addition to the game.
Upgrade to this ship from another ship via the online store.

2. MISC Freelancer Max (Best Mid-Size Hauler)

Don’t worry, you might be a bright orange target with your cargo filled MAX, but you’ve got plenty of defenses to protect you.

If you are looking for a single-person, medium-sized, reliable, and defensible cargo hauler, then the MISC Freelancer MAX is all you need. The MAX is the obvious mid-size ship for any serious hauler that’s progressing in their career. At the perfect single-player size of 38 meters, the Freelancer MAX has a lot going for it for those looking to make good money in a reasonably priced ship.

What is awesome about the Freelancer MAX:

Even with a suggested minimum crew size of 2, the Freelancer MAX is absolutely a soloable ship, allowing you to keep more of that sweet sweet cash for yourself.
If you do decide to bring along a friend, this ship features a manned size 2 turret in the cargo hold.
The cargo hold is wide enough for most of the available ground vehicles, making it one of the smallest reliable vehicle transportation in the game.

Freelancer MAX Details:

122 Standard Cargo Units (SCU)
205 m/s SCM speed
1,005 m/s max speed
(Suggested) Minimum crew of 2, maximum crew of 4
2(x2) size 3 laser cannon
1(x2) size 2 manned turret
S2(x8) missile
S3(x2) power plant
S3(x2) cooler
S3(x2) shield

How to get the Freelancer MAX:

Use your quantum drive to make the journey to Lorville at Hurston. This location has a purchasing shop for ships where the Freelancer MAX is available. The ship price is 1,967,600 aUEC.
This ship is available for purchase on the game’s website for $150, this is also a method of supporting the development of the game.
Upgrade to this ship from another ship via the online store.

1. Drake Interplanetary Cutlass Black (Best Solo Ship)

The classic do-it-all Drake Cutlass is a big favorite in the Star Citizen community.

If you are looking for a single-person, mid-sized, reliable, and defensible jack-of-all-trades, look no further than the Drake Cutlass Black. Though commonly associated with piracy according to in-game fiction, this is the defacto do-it-all ship amongst veterans of Star Citizen. Whether you’d like to haul cargo, explore, battle, or take out your 4-wheeler, this is the most accessible and balanced ship available in the game.

What is awesome about the Cutlass Black:

At only 29 meters long, the Cutlass black still has enough space to carry a ground vehicle or 46 SCU of cargo.
The Cutlass’ weaponry makes it a formidable foe and will make pirates think twice before trying to crash your party.
This ship may seem heavy duty, but it’s no slouch. You’ll have no problem outrunning bigger ships and getting in and out of atmosphere quickly, which can normally be a drag.

Cutlass Black Details:

46 Standard Cargo Units (SCU)
220 m/s SCM speed
1,115 m/s max speed
(Suggested) Minimum crew of 2, maximum crew of 2
S3(x4) laser repeater
S3(x2) manned turret
S2(x24) missile
S2 power plant
S2(x2) cooler
S2 shield generator

How to get the Cutlass Black:

Use your quantum drive to make the journey to Levski at Delamar. This location has a purchasing shop for ships where the Cutlass is available. The ship price is 1,385,300 aUEC.
Use your quantum drive to make the journey to Area 18 at ArcCorp or Lorville at Hurston. Both locations have a shop for ship rentals, the rental price per day starts at 27,706 aUEC.
Wait for the annual anniversary ship sale in late November, which will require real currency. This is also a method of supporting the development of the game and will cost $100.
Upgrade to this ship from another ship via the online store.

The heaviest military ships will not even make their debut until the release of the single-player game, Squadron 42.

There are many ships in Star Citizen that one can explore until they find their perfect fit. Whether that be the 20-meter deep space exploring vessel, the 300-meter asteroid cracking mining behemoth, or the 200-meter military capital ship monster. All will be pilotable, controllable, and explorable by players. These 5 ships, the best all-around ships for the early game player, will be the crucial stepping stones to achieving that perfect fit.