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Should I side with Crimson Fleet or UC?

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Starfield: Crimson Fleet vs. UC SysDef – Which Side Should You Choose?

So, you’ve found yourself caught between the United Colonies (UC) SysDef and the notorious Crimson Fleet in Starfield. This isn’t just a simple binary choice; it’s a decision that impacts your gameplay experience, relationships, and access to unique rewards. The short answer is: it depends on your playstyle and priorities. If you prioritize morality, lawful gameplay, and a substantial monetary reward upfront, side with UC SysDef. However, if you prefer profit over principle, value access to stolen goods vendors, and want to maintain a reputation among pirates, the Crimson Fleet is your best bet.

Understanding the Factions

Before diving into the pros and cons, let’s clearly define who these factions are:

  • UC SysDef: Think of them as the space police. They are the military arm of the United Colonies responsible for maintaining law and order throughout settled systems. Joining them means upholding justice, eradicating piracy, and generally playing the hero.

  • Crimson Fleet: These are space pirates. They operate outside the law, raiding ships, smuggling contraband, and generally causing chaos. Siding with them grants you access to a lucrative, albeit morally dubious, lifestyle.

Pros and Cons of Siding with UC SysDef

Pros:

  • Moral High Ground: You’re fighting for the good guys. Your Constellation companions will largely approve of your actions, reinforcing your sense of righteousness.
  • Significant Initial Reward: Completing the questline for SysDef nets you a hefty 250,000 Credits, a substantial sum that can kickstart your ship-building or resource acquisition efforts.
  • Access to the UC Vigilance: You gain unrestricted access to the UC Vigilance, a powerful warship that serves as SysDef headquarters. This gives you a safe haven and a resource hub.
  • Unique Weapon and Outfit: You have the option to kill Delgado and claim his unique outfit and Tempest rifle.
  • Eliminate the Pirate Threat: Helping SysDef cripples the Crimson Fleet, making the Settled Systems a safer place (at least in theory).

Cons:

  • Limited Access to Stolen Goods Vendors: Siding with SysDef essentially cuts you off from the Crimson Fleet’s network of vendors who specialize in buying contraband and stolen items.
  • Moral Conflict: If you plan on engaging in any criminal activity later in the game, your past allegiance with SysDef might feel hypocritical.
  • Loss of Potential Pirate Quests: By destroying the Crimson Fleet, you lose out on future quest opportunities and storylines associated with the pirate faction.

Pros and Cons of Siding with the Crimson Fleet

Pros:

  • Access to the Key: The Key, the Crimson Fleet’s main base, is one of the best places to sell contraband and stolen goods in the game. This makes it an invaluable asset for any player looking to engage in less-than-legal activities.
  • Friendly Pirates: Any Crimson Fleet ships you encounter in space will be friendly, which can be a major advantage, especially in dangerous systems.
  • Unique Pirate Quests: You unlock a whole new world of pirate-themed quests and storylines, offering a different perspective on the Starfield universe.
  • Maintain Your Reputation: Solidifying your position within the Crimson Fleet can open up other questlines, storylines, and opportunities later in your playthrough.
  • Better Late Game Reward: Access to the Key for selling contraband can be far more lucrative than the credits and house you receive from UC.

Cons:

  • Moral Conflict: This is the biggest drawback for some players. Siding with pirates means participating in illegal activities, which can negatively impact your relationships with Constellation companions.
  • Constellation Disapproval: Expect heavy disapproval from companions like Sarah Morgan, Sam Coe, Barrett, and Andreja. This might affect your affinity level with them and potentially lock you out of certain companion quests.
  • UC Hostility: The UC will become hostile towards you, making travel through UC-controlled space more dangerous.
  • May lock you out of other UC questlines: Siding against the UC may have lasting impacts in other areas of the game as well.

Kryx’s Legacy: The Deciding Factor

The Kryx’s Legacy is the central point of the Crimson Fleet/SysDef questline. Whoever you give it to determines which faction “wins”. Giving it to SysDef leads to an attack on the Crimson Fleet, while giving it to the Crimson Fleet leads to an attack on SysDef.

Making Your Choice

Ultimately, the decision of whether to side with the Crimson Fleet or UC SysDef depends on your preferred playstyle. Do you want to be a morally upright hero or a ruthless space pirate? Are you more concerned with immediate financial gain or long-term relationships with your companions?

  • For the Lawful Good Player: Choose UC SysDef.
  • For the Chaotic Neutral/Evil Player: Choose the Crimson Fleet.
  • For the Roleplayer: Consider your character’s backstory and motivations.

Remember, Starfield is a game about choice. There’s no right or wrong answer. Choose the path that aligns with your vision for your Starfield adventure.

Exploring Game-Based Learning

Speaking of choices and adventures, have you considered the educational potential within games like Starfield? The concepts of decision-making, consequence, and strategic thinking are all core components of game-based learning. Organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) are at the forefront of researching and promoting the use of games in education. Explore how gaming can enhance learning in a fun and engaging way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I join the Crimson Fleet without SysDef?

Yes! You don’t have to be a SysDef double agent. You can get arrested for a crime and choose to join the Fleet directly, skipping the UC’s offer entirely. This allows you to fully embrace the pirate life without any pretense.

2. What happens if I side with SysDef?

If you side with SysDef, you’ll lead an assault on the Crimson Fleet’s base, The Key. You’ll have the option to capture or kill Delgado, and you’ll receive a significant credit reward and access to the UC Vigilance. All pirates will be hostile towards you.

3. What happens if I bring Kryx’s legacy to Crimson Fleet?

If you give Kryx’s Legacy to the Crimson Fleet, you’ll defend The Key from a UC SysDef attack. You’ll fight alongside your pirate allies to repel the UC forces, culminating in a large-scale space battle against the UC Vigilance.

4. Can I steal Kryx Legacy for myself?

Unfortunately, no. The game doesn’t allow you to betray both factions and keep the Legacy for yourself. You are forced to choose one side or the other.

5. Are the Crimson Fleet quests good?

The Crimson Fleet questline is generally well-received, offering a unique perspective and gameplay experience compared to other faction quests. The quests are engaging and allow you to explore the moral complexities of piracy in the Starfield universe.

6. What are the rewards for siding with the Crimson Fleet?

The main reward for siding with the Crimson Fleet is access to The Key, where you can sell stolen goods and contraband without fear of being scanned. You also gain the friendship of the Crimson Fleet, making them non-hostile in space encounters.

7. What is the best ship in the Crimson Fleet?

The Crimson Wight (and its upgraded versions, Crimson Wight II and III) is considered the best ship obtainable through the Crimson Fleet. It’s a powerful vessel that can be found at The Key.

8. Can you join all the factions in Starfield?

Yes, it’s possible to join all the major factions in Starfield, including the Crimson Fleet, UC Vanguard, Freestar Rangers, and Ryujin Industries. However, their questlines can eventually conflict, forcing you to make a choice.

9. What is the downside of siding with Crimson Fleet?

The biggest downside is the disapproval of your Constellation companions and the moral implications of supporting piracy. Also, UC space will be hostile.

10. How many credits do you get for completing the Crimson Fleet questline?

The credit reward can vary slightly, but it’s generally around 250,000 credits, similar to the reward for siding with UC SysDef. However, the long-term benefits of having access to The Key for selling stolen goods can far outweigh the initial credit reward.

11. Can I sell Contraband to the Trade Authority if I side with UC SysDef?

Yes, you can still sell Contraband to the Trade Authority even if you side with UC SysDef. The Trade Authority is a neutral entity that operates independently of both factions. Find the shielded bays!

12. Does joining the Crimson Fleet affect the main story?

No, siding with either the Crimson Fleet or UC SysDef doesn’t significantly affect the main story of Starfield. It primarily impacts your relationships with companions and your access to faction-specific content.

13. Is the UC Vanguard the military?

The UC Vanguard is a department of the United Colonies and an official branch of the UC Navy. The Vanguard is a civilian navy that was founded in 2315 in response to the Freestar Collective’s use of civilian ships during the Colony War.

14. Should I side with the Crimson Fleet for my first playthrough?

This depends on your personal preference. Some players recommend siding with the Crimson Fleet on their first playthrough to experience the unique pirate gameplay and story, while others prefer the more traditional hero route of siding with UC SysDef.

15. Can I change my mind after choosing a side?

Once you commit to siding with either the Crimson Fleet or UC SysDef and complete the questline, you cannot change your decision in that playthrough. You would need to start a new game to experience the other side of the conflict.

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