Can You Join the Crimson Fleet Without Being a Spy? The Truth About Starfield’s Pirate Faction
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The allure of the Crimson Fleet, Starfield’s notorious pirate faction, is undeniable. Players are often drawn to their rebellious nature, unique ships, and lucrative opportunities. However, the initial story hook pushes you toward joining them as a UC SysDef undercover agent. This leads many to ask: Can you join the Crimson Fleet without being a spy? The answer, thankfully, is a resounding yes. You are not bound to the UC SysDef narrative to embrace the pirate life. This article will break down how you can become a full-fledged member of the Crimson Fleet without playing double agent, and answer other pressing questions about this fascinating faction.
Navigating the Path to Pirate Freedom
The game’s initial quest line strongly encourages infiltration as a means of joining the Crimson Fleet. However, several alternative pathways allow you to sidestep the double agent role. Let’s look at the most popular methods:
The Lawless Route
The most direct way to join the Crimson Fleet outside the UC SysDef plot is to simply commit a crime. Engage in illegal activities such as stealing, smuggling, or attacking ships in monitored space. When you get apprehended by UC security forces, you will be given a choice. You can go to jail or you can do your time, or you can agree to infiltrate the Crimson Fleet. To avoid being a spy, you have to select to do the time, and avoid agreeing to infiltrate the Crimson Fleet. If you avoid the UC offer and serve your time, you are now free to engage with the Crimson Fleet like any normal pirate. You will be able to join up with them by simply interacting with them in the right way. You don’t have to join the UC Vanguard.
Leveraging the UC Vanguard
Another viable method involves engaging with the UC Vanguard faction questline. By completing the initial missions up to the ‘Grunt Work’ mission, you’ll be introduced to Commander Tuala. She will inform you that Commander Ikande requires your help. When you go to Ikande, he’ll present you with the choice, jail or infiltration. Again, to bypass the undercover route, you must reject Ikande’s offer and serve your time instead. This still leads to an engagement with the Crimson Fleet without the double agent role.
The No-Snitch Policy
It’s essential to remember that you do not have to join the Crimson Fleet as a SysDef double agent. Many players are under the misconception that it is a prerequisite. If you refuse Ikande’s offer, you will face the standard consequences of your crimes – arrest, fine payment, or jail time. Afterwards, you are not obligated to pursue the undercover quest line and are free to explore other interactions with the Crimson Fleet.
The Benefits of Joining the Crimson Fleet
Choosing to align with the Crimson Fleet brings distinct advantages:
Lucrative Opportunities
The Crimson Fleet provides ample opportunities for earning credits through piracy, smuggling, and other shady activities. Siding with the Crimson Fleet generally results in more financial gains compared to the UC SysDef path. The Crimson Fleet is also a good way to level up as it is focused on combat.
Access to The Key
The Key, the Crimson Fleet’s main stronghold located in the Kryx system, becomes your home base. This station is home to a variety of vendors selling unique items, including the Crimson Fleet’s best ship. It also has unique crafting stations that are not found anywhere else in the game. This offers a unique advantage for players seeking powerful ships and equipment.
A Different Perspective
The Crimson Fleet offers a different perspective on morality within Starfield. It provides a unique and compelling path, allowing you to play a morally ambiguous character. This option gives you a refreshing shift from traditional heroic routes.
Side with the Pirates for the Loot
There’s a strong case to be made for choosing the Crimson Fleet over UC SysDef. By siding with them, players get better loot and have access to a great trading hub in the game. If you are looking for the most advantageous playthrough, the Crimson Fleet is a good choice.
Crimson Fleet Ships
If you side with the Crimson Fleet, you can buy their best ship, the Crimson Wight, at The Key. This is one of the best ships in the game, and comes with upgraded variations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I join the Crimson Fleet after joining the UC Vanguard?
Yes, you can, but you do not have to join UC Vanguard. You can go through the Vanguard to reach the Crimson Fleet, but it is not mandatory.
2. What happens if I refuse to join the Crimson Fleet as an undercover agent for SysDef?
If you refuse, you will be arrested and face the usual consequences for your crime (fine or jail). Afterwards, you are free to pursue alternative paths to joining the Crimson Fleet.
3. Do I have to commit a crime to join the Crimson Fleet?
Yes, for the most direct way outside of the UC SysDef questline. However, you can get picked up on a minor crime and still find the path.
4. Will joining the Crimson Fleet affect my standing with other factions?
For the most part, no. You can join multiple factions and there are no large implications for doing so. There are some quests in the game that will conflict and make you choose between different groups, but that is a separate issue.
5. Can I complete both the UC SysDef and Crimson Fleet questlines?
Yes, although you must eventually choose one side or the other when the story forces the conflict. This is not the same as joining both at the same time.
6. What are the benefits of joining the Crimson Fleet over UC SysDef?
The Crimson Fleet offers more loot, better financial gains, unique items, better ship access, and access to The Key as a home base.
7. Can I still access bounty quests if I join the Crimson Fleet?
You will lose access to most bounty quests as they will conflict with your affiliation with pirates. The bounty missions tend to be aligned with “good guy” factions.
8. How do I permanently get rid of the Crimson Fleet influence?
This question appears to relate to a different game. It may be referencing Terraria.
9. Can I steal Crimson Fleet ships?
Yes, you can steal their ships after a fight or purchase them to stay on good terms.
10. What is the best ship available from the Crimson Fleet?
The Crimson Wight, and its upgraded variations, is considered the best ship offered by the Crimson Fleet.
11. What should I do with a Crimson Fleet Ghost Ship?
If you find a Crimson Fleet ghost ship, you can kill all the pirates on board, then kill the captain and first mate at the top of the ship to be able to take the ship for yourself.
12. What happens if I give Kryx’s Legacy to the Crimson Fleet?
The mission will play out similar to the SysDef version, but with reversed roles. You will fight to protect defensive batteries and then a battle around The Key to disable the UC Vigilance.
13. Is it possible to side with Mathis in Starfield?
Yes, and he will eventually become a loyal member of the Crimson Fleet.
14. Can I pay off bounties if I am wanted by the Crimson Fleet?
No. You cannot pay off the bounty of a faction if you are currently in their controlled space. You will have to go to a space controlled by another faction and pay there.
15. Can I join every faction in Starfield?
Yes, you can join all major factions in Starfield without penalty and generally your actions with one faction won’t affect how others view you, at least not immediately.
Conclusion
Joining the Crimson Fleet in Starfield without being a spy is not only possible but also a compelling choice for many players. By committing a crime and avoiding the UC SysDef’s offer, or by engaging with the UC Vanguard questline and rejecting Ikande’s offer, you can freely join the pirate faction. The Crimson Fleet opens up new possibilities, offering unique rewards, access to powerful ships, and a morally complex gameplay experience. This makes the Crimson Fleet a compelling and lucrative choice for adventurers seeking a different path in the vast expanse of Starfield.