Should You Side with SysDef or the Crimson Fleet in Starfield? A Comprehensive Guide
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Choosing between the United Colonies SysDef (UC SysDef) and the Crimson Fleet is a pivotal decision in Starfield, impacting your gameplay, rewards, and relationships. There isn’t a single “right” answer; the optimal choice depends entirely on your preferred playstyle and desired outcomes. If you prioritize lucrative rewards, access to unique markets, and a morally flexible experience, siding with the Crimson Fleet is the better option. You’ll gain access to The Key, a pirate haven with diverse shops, including those selling stolen goods, and substantial monetary gains. However, this path often leads to disapproval from your more virtuous companions. Conversely, if you prefer a more lawful approach, seek the approval of your companions, and desire unrestricted access to UC military facilities, UC SysDef is the more suitable choice. You’ll be rewarded with a substantial sum of credits, a unique weapon, and the backing of the UC Navy. This path, while potentially less profitable overall, aligns more with traditional heroic narratives and pleases morally aligned companions. Ultimately, there’s no hard ‘wrong’ choice, and you can play through the game multiple times to experience both paths.
Understanding the Factions
Before diving into the pros and cons, it’s important to understand each faction’s role in the Starfield universe.
The Crimson Fleet
The Crimson Fleet is a notorious pirate organization operating throughout the galaxy. They are involved in a wide range of illicit activities, from smuggling and theft to extortion and outright conflict. Joining them provides access to unique quests, gear, and resources that you won’t find elsewhere. Think of them as the game’s equivalent of space pirates with a strong base of operations at The Key. This faction appeals to players who enjoy a morally gray or outright villainous playthrough.
UC SysDef
UC SysDef is a branch of the United Colonies Navy specifically tasked with combating piracy, primarily focusing on dismantling the Crimson Fleet. They represent a more lawful and structured organization. Joining SysDef positions you as an agent of the law, focusing on missions that involve hunting down pirates, retrieving stolen goods, and generally upholding the law. This faction is tailored towards players who value law and order and a more morally upright approach to gameplay.
The Consequences of Your Choice
Your decision to join either the Crimson Fleet or UC SysDef has significant ramifications for your gameplay experience.
Crimson Fleet Consequences
- Access to The Key: The primary benefit of joining the Crimson Fleet is access to The Key. This pirate base boasts a wide range of shops, including vendors who buy stolen goods, which is invaluable for a more profitable criminal playthrough. You can also find unique ships and equipment here.
- Favorable Reception in Crimson Fleet Territory: Once you’re a member, Crimson Fleet ships become friendly, and you will not be attacked on sight, which allows for freedom of movement in their territory, with exceptions during missions where you’ll inevitably fight them to complete specific mission parameters.
- Potential Companion Disapproval: Your morally aligned companions from Constellation will highly disapprove of your alignment with pirates, leading to decreased affinity and potential narrative consequences.
- Loss of Access to Some Bounty Missions: While you can still get bounties for killing Crimson Fleet members, you won’t be able to accept bounty board contracts for them, limiting access to those specific types of side missions.
- Unique and Intriguing Quests: The Crimson Fleet quests are often praised for being some of the most engaging and varied, providing diverse missions from heists to extortion.
- Possible ‘No Escape’ Mentality: The lore suggests it’s very difficult to leave the Crimson Fleet after joining, although accumulating enough wealth allows for a “retirement.” This may not be an issue for a player, as they aren’t permanently stuck with them, but something to consider from an immersive point of view.
UC SysDef Consequences
- Large Credit Reward: Siding with UC SysDef will net you a significant amount of 250,000 Credits, along with the leader’s unique weapon.
- Approval of Companions: Your Constellation companions will approve of your decision, strengthening your relationships and story.
- Unrestricted Access to UC Vigilance: You will have free access to the UC Vigilance, the SysDef headquarters, allowing you to explore and interact with the ship’s resources.
- Options to take the Faction Leader Down: When siding with SysDef, you’ll get the option to either kill or persuade the Crimson Fleet leader to turn themselves in. You’ll get his weapon either way, but the persuasion option may appeal more to a lawful approach.
- Loss of Access to The Key: You won’t be able to access the pirate base of operations and its facilities, hindering criminal endeavors.
- Less Lucrative Rewards Over Time: While the initial payment is significant, you don’t gain access to the lucrative illegal markets that come with joining the Crimson Fleet.
Which Path is Right For You?
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Choose the Crimson Fleet If:
- You prefer a morally flexible or villainous playthrough.
- You prioritize wealth and access to unique resources.
- You enjoy engaging in crime, smuggling, and illicit activities.
- You are less concerned about companion approval.
- You want to experience the most unique and engaging side quests.
Choose UC SysDef If:
- You prefer a lawful and heroic playthrough.
- You value companion approval and strong relationships.
- You prefer a structured experience, more in line with traditional morality.
- You want to align with a lawful organization and help them combat piracy.
- You find the idea of being a ‘space cop’ appealing.
Final Thoughts
The choice between SysDef and the Crimson Fleet is one of the most impactful decisions you’ll make in Starfield. There’s no wrong path – both offer unique experiences and rewards. The best advice is to choose the path that aligns with your desired playstyle and moral compass. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different playthroughs to experience both sides of the conflict. Remember, both sides will provide 250,000 credits, the unique weapon of the opposing faction leader, and 350 XP upon completing the storyline. The core differences come down to your desired moral choices, relationships with companions, and long-term access to unique locations and resources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I join the Crimson Fleet without joining SysDef first?
Yes, you absolutely can. You don’t need to be a double agent for SysDef to join the Crimson Fleet. If you get caught committing crimes and then decline Commander Ikande’s offer to infiltrate the Crimson Fleet, you’ll simply be arrested, and the Crimson Fleet will eventually recruit you directly.
2. What is the best ship in the Crimson Fleet?
The Crimson Wight, along with its upgraded versions (II and III), is considered the best ship offered by the Crimson Fleet. You can acquire it at The Key.
3. Does joining the Crimson Fleet affect other faction relationships?
Yes, you can join all major factions, but certain conflicts, particularly between UC SysDef and the Crimson Fleet, will eventually force a choice. Your actions with one faction generally don’t significantly impact the others in the short term, however, it can get confusing to join the main factions in quick succession.
4. What happens if I refuse to infiltrate the Crimson Fleet for SysDef?
If you refuse, you will be arrested, and may either pay a fine or serve time. Afterwards, the Crimson Fleet will eventually learn of your actions and directly offer you membership.
5. Can I leave the Crimson Fleet once I join?
Lore suggests it’s difficult, with death being the only way out, however, accumulating enough wealth can lead to “retirement” from the Fleet. In practice, the game’s narrative does not punish you for continuing the rest of the game.
6. What is the difference between UC SysDef and UC Vanguard?
UC Vanguard is a civilian volunteer wing of the United Colonies, while UC SysDef is a branch of the UC Navy composed of enlisted officers dedicated to combatting piracy.
7. Do I get a bounty if I side with the Crimson Fleet?
Not directly. While Crimson Fleet members will be friendly, you can still acquire bounties for killing them if necessary, but you won’t have as much access to those specific contracts. If you do it without witnesses, you won’t be penalized.
8. Is it possible to join all factions in Starfield?
Yes, you can join every major faction, but eventually, some questlines may conflict. The most prominent example is the conflict between UC and the Crimson Fleet.
9. What are the rewards for siding with SysDef?
Siding with SysDef rewards you with 250,000 Credits, the unique Tempest Rifle, the approval of your companions, and unrestricted access to the UC Vigilance.
10. Is the Crimson Fleet a good source of content?
Yes, the Crimson Fleet quests are often highlighted as some of the best side content in Starfield, featuring diverse and entertaining missions, with well developed characters.
11. Does joining the Crimson Fleet give me a place to sell stolen goods?
Yes! The Key is a vital hub for those looking to sell stolen goods. It’s one of the most appealing benefits of siding with the pirates.
12. How many missions are there in the Crimson Fleet storyline?
There are eight main missions within the Crimson Fleet’s questline.
13. What is the downside of siding with the Crimson Fleet?
The primary downside is the disapproval from your Constellation companions. Additionally, it does not fully align with the typical heroic story narrative.
14. When is a good time to join the Crimson Fleet?
You can get involved with them fairly early on by committing crimes within the UC’s jurisdiction, or through the UC Vanguard faction questline and refusing to act as a double agent.
15. Can you still access bounty missions if you side with the Crimson Fleet?
Yes, you can still get bounties to kill Crimson Fleet ships, they just won’t be immediately hostile to you. If there are no witnesses you won’t be penalized.