Starfield’s Best Free Ship: A Deep Dive into the Cosmos of No-Cost Vessels
The best free ship in Starfield is a bit of a nuanced answer, as it depends on your play style and what you prioritize. However, consistently topping the charts is the Starborn Guardian, closely followed by the Razorleaf. The Starborn Guardian offers superior combat capabilities, while the Razorleaf provides a solid all-around experience, especially early on. Both are fantastic choices for players looking to expand their fleet without spending precious credits.
Unveiling the Stellar Options: Free Ships in Starfield
Starfield offers a surprising number of free ships, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Acquiring these vessels requires completing specific quests or fulfilling certain conditions within the game. Let’s explore some of the top contenders:
Starborn Guardian: The Combat King
The Starborn Guardian stands out as the most combat-capable free ship. It’s not acquired through traditional quests but is rather a reward for progressing through the main storyline and entering New Game Plus (NG+). Each subsequent NG+ run grants you an upgraded version of the Starborn Guardian, making it incredibly powerful in later stages of the game. The sleek design and potent weaponry make it a force to be reckoned with in any space battle.
Razorleaf: The All-Around Performer
The Razorleaf is a highly versatile ship obtained by completing the Mantis quest. This quest chain starts by discovering a “Secret Outpost!” data slate from random Spacers. The Razorleaf boasts decent stats across the board, including a good jump range, cargo capacity, and weapon systems. Its unique feature is the “Mantis” buff, which causes Spacers to occasionally flee in terror upon seeing your ship, making encounters significantly easier. This ship is great to start with as you build your fortune.
Star Eagle: A Frontier Legend
The Star Eagle is another excellent free ship, earned by completing the Freestar Collective Rangers questline. This questline is lengthy but rewarding, offering a compelling storyline and ultimately granting you this formidable Class A ship. The Star Eagle features a strong hull, decent firepower, and good cargo capacity, making it well-suited for combat and exploration in the Cheyenne System.
UC Prison Shuttle: A Crimson Fleet Infiltration Tool
The UC Prison Shuttle is a unique ship acquired during the Crimson Fleet questline. To obtain it, you must get arrested in United Colonies territory, which then triggers the questline. By infiltrating the Crimson Fleet, you’ll eventually gain access to this shuttle. While not the most powerful ship, it’s crucial for progressing through the questline and offers a unique role-playing opportunity. This path is fraught with danger and moral quandaries, but the rewards are worth it.
Kepler R: A Reward for Dedication
The Kepler R is a ship you can obtain by completing the Overdesigned side mission for Walter Stroud. Your choices during the mission determine if you get the Kepler S or the Kepler R. In most cases the Kepler R is the better ship for a free ship option because of its cargo space.
Wanderwell: A Family Legacy
The Wanderwell can be acquired as part of the Kid Stuff trait. This trait involves sending a percentage of your earnings to your parents and visiting them regularly. Eventually, your father will gift you the Wanderwell, a decent starter ship with modest capabilities. While not the most impressive ship, it’s a nice bonus for those choosing the Kid Stuff trait.
Making the Right Choice: Which Free Ship is Best for You?
Choosing the “best” free ship depends on your individual preferences and goals. If you prioritize combat and plan to engage in a lot of space battles, the Starborn Guardian is the clear winner, especially in NG+. For a well-rounded experience and a useful buff, the Razorleaf is an excellent choice, particularly in the early to mid-game. If you enjoy questing and a compelling storyline, the Star Eagle offers a rewarding experience and a solid ship.
Customizing and Upgrading Your Free Ship
One of the best aspects of Starfield is the ability to customize and upgrade your ships. Even free ships can be transformed into formidable vessels through strategic upgrades. Consider investing in better weapons, stronger shields, improved engines, and increased cargo capacity to enhance your ship’s performance. Visiting a ship technician at any major spaceport allows you to modify your ship to your liking. Remember to research the necessary perks in the Tech skill tree to unlock advanced ship modules.
Earning Credits for Further Ship Acquisition
While free ships are a great start, eventually, you’ll want to acquire more powerful and specialized vessels. Earning credits in Starfield is crucial for expanding your fleet. Some effective methods include completing quests, selling resources, engaging in trade, and bounty hunting. The Commerce skill in the Social skill tree can significantly boost your profits from trading. Also, be on the lookout for lucrative contracts at mission boards in cities and space stations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get the Starborn Guardian without starting a New Game Plus?
No, the Starborn Guardian is exclusively obtained by entering New Game Plus (NG+). Each time you enter NG+, the ship’s stats improve. This is a key incentive for completing the main story multiple times.
2. Is the Razorleaf a good ship for beginners?
Yes, the Razorleaf is an excellent ship for beginners. It’s relatively easy to acquire early in the game, offers decent stats, and has the unique “Mantis” buff, which can scare off enemies. It’s a solid choice for both combat and exploration.
3. How do I start the Mantis quest to get the Razorleaf?
The Mantis quest starts by finding a “Secret Outpost!” data slate. These can be found randomly when defeating Spacers in various locations throughout the galaxy. Once you find the slate, the quest will automatically begin.
4. What are the best upgrades for the Razorleaf?
Prioritize upgrading the weapons, engines, and shield. Improving the cargo capacity is also a good idea, especially if you plan to use the Razorleaf for trading or resource gathering.
5. Can I sell the free ships I acquire?
Yes, you can sell any ship you own, including the free ones. However, it’s generally a good idea to keep at least one free ship as a backup or for specific purposes.
6. How do I get arrested in UC territory to obtain the UC Prison Shuttle?
The easiest way to get arrested is to commit a crime in UC territory, such as attacking a civilian or stealing from a store. You’ll then be given the option to pay a fine or go to jail, which triggers the Crimson Fleet questline.
7. Is the Star Eagle better than the Razorleaf?
The Star Eagle is generally considered a slightly better ship than the Razorleaf due to its stronger hull and higher firepower. However, acquiring the Star Eagle requires completing a longer and more challenging questline.
8. How many ships can I own in Starfield?
You can own up to ten ships simultaneously in Starfield. When you reach the limit, you’ll need to sell a ship before acquiring another one.
9. Can I customize the Starborn Guardian?
Unfortunately, the Starborn Guardian has limited customization options compared to other ships. You can upgrade some components, but you cannot change its overall design or add new modules.
10. What is the purpose of the Kid Stuff trait?
The Kid Stuff trait adds your parents as recurring characters in the game. You’ll send them a percentage of your earnings, visit them, and eventually receive the Wanderwell ship as a gift.
11. Where can I find ship technicians to upgrade my ships?
Ship technicians can be found at major spaceports in cities like New Atlantis, Akila City, and Neon. They offer a variety of services, including ship modification, repair, and selling new ships.
12. How do I increase my ship’s jump range?
To increase your ship’s jump range, you need to upgrade its grav drive. Investing in a higher-quality grav drive and researching relevant perks in the Tech skill tree will allow you to travel to more distant star systems.
13. Can I steal ships in Starfield?
Yes, you can steal ships in Starfield. However, it requires the Piloting skill to unlock the ability to pilot higher-class ships. Additionally, you’ll need to disable the ship’s engines and board it to take control.
14. Are there any other secret ships in Starfield?
Besides the ones mentioned, there might be other less prominent or hidden ships in Starfield. Exploring the game world, completing side quests, and interacting with different factions may uncover additional unique ships.
15. How can understanding games help us learn?
Understanding the intricate mechanics and engaging narratives within games like Starfield can significantly enhance learning and problem-solving skills. By analyzing game design, players develop critical thinking and strategic planning abilities. For more information on the educational potential of games, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Understanding the fundamentals of game design and its effects can impact several fields.
Exploring the cosmos of Starfield with a free ship is a fantastic way to begin your interstellar adventure. Whether you choose the combat prowess of the Starborn Guardian or the versatility of the Razorleaf, these vessels provide a solid foundation for your journey through the stars. Remember to upgrade your ship, earn credits, and explore the vast universe to discover even more opportunities and challenges. Good luck, and may your travels be filled with adventure!