Is the Razorleaf (Mantis) the Best Ship in Starfield? A Deep Dive

The short answer is: no, the Razorleaf, also known as the Mantis, is not the absolute best ship in Starfield, especially when considering all aspects like late-game capabilities, customization, and sheer combat power. However, it’s a fantastically strong contender, particularly for early to mid-game players, and is arguably the best FREE ship you can obtain. It provides a significant upgrade over the starting Frontier ship and sets you up for success in your galactic journey. It’s a combination of its unique features, ease of acquisition, and decent combat prowess that make it a fan favorite and a ship that you will likely keep around for quite some time.

The Mantis: What Makes it Special?

Acquisition and Early Game Impact

The primary reason for the Mantis’s popularity is how easily it’s acquired. You get the Razorleaf by completing the “Mantis” side mission, which begins when you find a note leading you to a secret outpost. The mission is accessible fairly early in the game, even around level 10 if you’re careful, despite the destination system being a level 30 one. This makes the Razorleaf accessible long before you can afford (or have the skills to fly) higher-tier ships, setting you up with a powerful ship without any credit expenditure. This is a huge benefit since ship upgrades are often expensive and can be a considerable barrier to improvement early in the game.

Enhanced Capabilities Over the Frontier

The Mantis is a notable step up from the Frontier, the initial ship you start with in Starfield. It boasts a number of key improvements, including:

• Higher hull health: The Razorleaf can withstand more damage before being destroyed, making it more survivable in combat.
• Superior weapons: It is equipped with better offensive capabilities than the Frontier, allowing you to dispatch enemies more effectively.
• Stronger reactor: The improved reactor allows for greater power allocation to the ship’s systems.
• Shielded cargo: This feature allows you to transport contraband past security scans, enabling you to engage in smuggling activities. This is one of its most important benefits in terms of its overall value and makes it an amazing utility ship.

Trade-Offs and Limitations

It’s crucial to note that the Razorleaf is not without its limitations. While it excels in early game capabilities, the shielding is weaker than that of some other ships, and it is a Class A ship, meaning there are limits to how much it can be upgraded compared to the bigger ships. This can be addressed by visiting ship technicians to upgrade its shield, but it’s an expense that needs to be considered. Also, while it can handle its own in combat, once you start taking on advanced enemies, you’ll need to start considering how to obtain higher tier ships.

Is the Mantis Right For You?

If you are a player looking for a solid early-game ship with a great balance of features, the Mantis is absolutely worth it. It is especially beneficial for those who want to take advantage of its shielded cargo for smuggling. However, if your focus is on the absolute best in combat and you are not so worried about smuggling, the Razorleaf is a great ship to use while working towards higher tier ships.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What class of ship is the Mantis (Razorleaf)?

The Mantis, also known as the Razorleaf, is a Class A ship. This means it uses an A-Class reactor and is generally smaller and less powerful than B or C-Class ships, but it’s still a good choice for early to mid game content.

2. Can you upgrade the Mantis?

Yes, you can upgrade the Razorleaf like any other ship in Starfield. You can add new weapons, shields, engines, and other ship parts to increase its capabilities. However, as a Class A ship, it has an upper limit to its upgrades.

3. What is the best free ship in Starfield besides the Mantis?

Besides the Mantis, other notable free ships include the Star Eagle, UC Prison Shuttle, Wanderwell, Kepler R, The Datura, and the Starborn Guardian. However, none of these is as easily accessible or offers as unique a benefit as the Razorleaf early in the game, making it the best all around free ship.

4. What are the best ship weapons in Starfield?

Some of the top ship weapons include the Vanguard Obliterator Auto-Projector, PBO-30 Auto Electron Beam, and the PB-30 Electron Beam. It’s best to experiment to see what works best for your play style.

5. What is the most powerful ship in Starfield?

The Silent Runner is often considered one of the most powerful ships, known for its strong shields and powerful grav drive. However, some would make an argument for the Narwhal. The best ship for you will come down to play style and what you value most in a ship.

6. What is the best Class C ship in Starfield?

The Narwhal is often considered the best Class C ship, praised for its excellent hull strength, shield capabilities, and impressive firepower. Others that are near the top include the Vanquisher and Abyss Trekker, among others, with each ship having its strengths.

7. Can you steal ships in Starfield?

Yes, you can steal enemy ships by using the Targeting Control Systems (Tech) skill to target their engines, disable them, and then board their ship. This is one of the best ways to obtain ships to use early in the game.

8. What is the best ship turret in Starfield?

The Obliterator 250MeV Alpha Turret is considered the best turret, offering high hull and shield damage. This is a late game item to seek out for ship building.

9. Are there any secret ships in Starfield?

Yes, there are secret ships. These include the Razorleaf, Star Eagle, the Kepler R, UC Prison Shuttle, and the Wanderwell, among others. Most of these are obtained by completing missions or side-quests.

10. Can you romance any characters in Starfield?

Yes, you can romance several companions including Sarah Morgan, Barrett, Sam Coe, and Andreja. Engaging with these characters and making decisions that align with their values can increase your affinity and unlock romantic possibilities.

11. Is it better to upgrade your ship or buy a new one?

For early to mid-game, upgrading your ship, especially the Razorleaf, is more cost-effective. However, for end-game content, you will want to start looking at the more expensive, higher tier ships that require more skill to pilot.

12. What is the best armor in Starfield?

The Bounty Hunter Spacesuit set is considered a good all-around armor choice due to its balanced stats and low mass. That said, the best armor will come down to personal preference and playstyle.

13. What happens to your old ship when you get a new one?

Your old ship disappears once you acquire a new ship, whether by purchase, theft, or reward. Make sure you remove any valuable items or cargo that you don’t want to lose before claiming a new ship.

14. How do you sell a stolen ship in Starfield?

First, you must register the stolen ship with a Ship Services Technician. Once registered, you can sell the ship at the same service technician. There is a registration cost.

15. Is the Narwhal better than the Dragonfire in Starfield?

The Narwhal is generally considered better due to its higher hull strength, stronger shield, higher crew capacity and a solid jump range. The Dragonfire is also a good ship, but may be more costly and not quite as well-rounded overall.