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Can I Actually Join the Crimson Fleet in Starfield? A Deep Dive

Yes, absolutely! You can indeed join the notorious Crimson Fleet in Starfield. This isn’t a hypothetical or a rumor—it’s a core gameplay feature that offers a distinct path through the game’s narrative and world. Joining the Crimson Fleet opens up a world of piracy, illicit dealings, and unique opportunities that are vastly different from playing as a law-abiding citizen. However, there’s more to it than simply deciding to be a space pirate. Let’s delve into the details of how to join, what to expect, and the ramifications of embracing the pirate life.

How to Join the Crimson Fleet

There are primarily two distinct avenues to initiate your affiliation with the Crimson Fleet, each offering a slightly different entry point:

The “Lawbreaker” Path

This path is perhaps the most organic and arguably the most fun way to stumble into the Crimson Fleet. If you engage in criminal activities within United Colonies (UC) space, such as stealing items, smuggling contraband, or attacking UC ships, you are likely to get caught. When apprehended, you will be taken into custody.

Here’s the crucial part: Instead of simply paying your fine or serving your time, you will be approached by Commander Ikande of UC SysDef. He will offer you a chance to infiltrate the Crimson Fleet as a double agent. However, and this is vital, you do not have to accept this offer to eventually join the Crimson Fleet.

If you refuse Ikande’s offer, you will be arrested and can serve your time or pay your fine like normal. Afterward, if you continue to commit crimes and get arrested again, you might be given the option to join the Crimson Fleet directly. This is a less common method but allows you to join as a normal pirate captain without any prior double agent commitments.

The “Double Agent” Path

This method is more structured. You can trigger it by deliberately getting caught breaking the law or by actively seeking out Commander Ikande at the UC Vigilance. If you accept his initial offer to infiltrate the Crimson Fleet, you’ll begin a mission chain that leads you directly to them.

Regardless of which path you take, the story will eventually converge on The Key, the Crimson Fleet’s sprawling base in the Kryx system. It is here where you’ll meet the faction leaders and begin your official journey as a member of the Crimson Fleet.

What to Expect When Joining

Joining the Crimson Fleet significantly changes your gameplay experience. Some key things to note:

Reputation and Relationships

Friendly to the Fleet: Once you’re a member, Crimson Fleet vessels will become friendly. They will no longer attack you on sight, allowing you to travel freely within their territories.
Lost Bounty Opportunities: One significant downside of aligning with pirates is the inability to pursue bounty quests for the “good guys” as those factions are not fond of the Crimson Fleet.
Companion Reactions: Your decision to join the Crimson Fleet will impact your relationships with some companions. Some might disapprove of your association with pirates, while others may be indifferent or even supportive. Be prepared for their reactions and dialog.
Access to The Key: Once a member you will have access to The Key, which is one of the best places to sell items in the game.

Questline and Rewards

Unique Quests: The Crimson Fleet questline is distinct from other faction questlines. It is filled with intrigue, heists, and moral dilemmas.
Financial Gains: You’ll have opportunities to earn a substantial amount of credits and gain access to exclusive loot. You are also rewarded handsomely at the end of the Crimson Fleet questline regardless of which faction you side with.
Ship Access: You’ll be able to get your hands on the Crimson Fleet Ghost, a small two-hab ship, which can be obtained early in the questline. Additionally, the Crimson Wight and its upgraded variations (Crimson Wight II & III), some of the best ships that the fleet has to offer, can be found at the Key.
Access to Crimson Fleet armor: When hunting through abandoned facilities you can find Crimson Fleet enemies and legendaries which can be farmed for legendary armor.

The Final Choice

The Crimson Fleet storyline culminates in a pivotal decision. You will be faced with a choice to side with either the Crimson Fleet or UC SysDef. This decision determines the fate of both factions. Choosing one will result in a major battle and the annihilation of the other side.

The Pros and Cons of Joining the Crimson Fleet

Like any major decision in Starfield, joining the Crimson Fleet comes with its own set of pros and cons:

Pros:

Unique Gameplay: Experience the game from the perspective of a pirate, offering a different feel than other factions.
Excellent Loot and Rewards: A chance to get rare items and large amounts of credits, especially upon completion of the questline.
Friendly Territories: Crimson Fleet space becomes safe to traverse.
Access to The Key: Gain access to an amazing trading post.
High Quality Ships: Obtain some of the most powerful ships available in the game.

Cons:

Lost Bounty Opportunities: Incompatible with many bounty quests.
Companion Disapproval: May face backlash from certain companions.
Moral Considerations: Involves making choices that might conflict with a “good” playthrough.
Limited Playthrough: Once you complete the Crimson Fleet questline, you will not have access to a large portion of content on the side you did not choose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I join the Crimson Fleet without joining the UC?

Yes, absolutely. You do not have to do anything for the UC in order to join the Crimson Fleet.

2. Can I join the Crimson Fleet without becoming a SysDef double agent?

Yes. You can refuse Commander Ikande’s offer and still join the Crimson Fleet directly through repeated offenses.

3. What is the best ship I can obtain from the Crimson Fleet?

The Crimson Wight and its upgraded variations (II and III) are considered the best ships the fleet has to offer.

4. How do I trigger the Crimson Fleet questline?

By either going to UC Vigilance and accepting Commander Ikande’s quest or by being arrested for a crime.

5. Can I join all factions in Starfield?

Yes, you can join all major factions in Starfield, even concurrently.

6. What happens if I finish the Crimson Fleet questline?

You must choose between the Crimson Fleet or UC SysDef, leading to a battle that eliminates the other faction.

7. Which fleet is the strongest in Starfield?

This is up to player choice. The Crimson Fleet has a strong fleet of ships that are extremely powerful but may not be the most numerous. The UC Navy is another powerful faction.

8. What ship does the Crimson Fleet give you?

The Crimson Fleet Ghost is the ship associated with joining the fleet.

9. How do I get Crimson Fleet armor?

You can find Crimson Fleet enemies in abandoned facilities. By killing legendaries you can farm legendary armor.

10. Should I side with the Crimson Fleet or UC SysDef?

This is subjective. The Crimson Fleet offers more immediate material rewards, while SysDef represents a lawful approach. Consider the long-term impact of your decision and role-playing goals.

11. What happens when you join the Crimson Fleet?

You lose access to most bounty quests and become friendly to Crimson Fleet ships.

12. When is the best time to join the Crimson Fleet?

It is best to join later in the game after you’ve gained experience with ship combat. Early in the game, Crimson Fleet ships offer good target practice.

13. Can I do both the UC and Crimson Fleet questlines?

Yes, you can do both until you have to make the choice to pick a side at the end.

14. What are the benefits of joining the Crimson Fleet?

Access to 250,000 Credits, The Key, and a favorable reputation within Crimson Fleet space are the main perks.

15. Can I steal a Crimson Fleet ship?

Yes, you can. With the Targeting Control Systems skill, you can board and steal Crimson Fleet ships.

Can I actually join the Crimson Fleet?