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

Deciding whether to side with UC SysDef or the Crimson Fleet is one of the most impactful choices you’ll make in Starfield. Both paths offer unique experiences, rewards, and consequences, ultimately shaping your character’s trajectory within the settled systems. The short answer? It depends entirely on your playstyle and what you prioritize. However, if you’re seeking tangible benefits, especially in terms of economic advantages and access to resources, the Crimson Fleet generally offers a superior reward structure. Siding with them gives you access to The Key, a pirate base that serves as an invaluable hub for trading contraband and accessing unique ship upgrades. On the other hand, siding with SysDef grants a substantial sum of credits, the approval of companions, and access to UC Vigilance.

Ultimately, neither choice is definitively “better”, it’s about which narrative and reward system aligns best with your personal desires as a player. Let’s delve into a comprehensive breakdown to help you make the most informed decision.

Understanding the Two Factions

UC SysDef: Law and Order

UC SysDef (United Colonies Security Division) represents the law and order within the settled systems. Joining them means aligning yourself with the authorities, upholding the rules, and combating criminal activity, specifically targeting the Crimson Fleet. The UC SysDef path typically involves undercover work, moral dilemmas, and a narrative focused on maintaining stability. Your actions as a SysDef operative may impact the wider galaxy, potentially leading to consequences with various factions.

Crimson Fleet: Freedom Through Piracy

The Crimson Fleet is a collective of pirates, outlaws, and renegades who operate outside the bounds of law and order. Choosing this path allows you to embrace a life of piracy, focusing on personal gain, contraband trading, and rebellion against the established authorities. This path often emphasizes freedom, personal agency, and financial opportunism, with a darker undercurrent. Siding with the Crimson Fleet means gaining access to unique resources, powerful ships, and a life outside the rules.

The Rewards: Weighing the Pros and Cons

SysDef Rewards

• 250,000 Credits: A significant sum of credits that can be used to improve your gear, ships, or outposts.
• Companion Approval: Your actions will be lauded by your companions, potentially leading to increased relationship gains and loyalty.
• Access to UC Vigilance: Unrestricted access to the UC Vigilance ship, allowing you a permanent base of operations.
• Delgado’s Outfit and Tempest Rifle: Looting Delgado allows you to claim his unique outfit and a powerful weapon, Tempest rifle.

Crimson Fleet Rewards

• Access to The Key: This is the primary draw of the Crimson Fleet path. The Key serves as a hub for trading contraband, repairing ships, and finding unique goods.
• Reliable Contraband Vendor Access: You can sell stolen goods at excellent prices without fear of being scanned.
• Unique Ships and Equipment: The Crimson Fleet offers several unique ships, including the best Crimson Fleet ship, the Crimson Wight.
• “The Unfair Advantage”: The powerful Unfair Advantage weapon can be obtained by siding with the Crimson Fleet.

Gameplay Considerations

Economic Advantage

The Crimson Fleet route is arguably superior for economic gains. The Key’s ability to allow you to sell contraband without scanning, and at a good price, is invaluable for players who enjoy exploration, resource gathering, and potentially “acquiring” items through morally grey means. The ability to unload stolen goods freely is a huge advantage compared to seeking out special vendors across different settlements.

Ship Customization

The Crimson Fleet offers access to ships that are exclusive to their faction, including the powerful Crimson Wight, a vessel which is consistently considered the best the faction has to offer. If upgrading and customizing ships is a priority for you, the Crimson Fleet may be the more appealing option.

Moral Choice

If upholding law and order aligns with your character’s values, SysDef offers a more morally righteous narrative path. You will be acting against the darker side of the settled systems, earning the respect of the authorities, and making a difference on a broader level. On the other hand, siding with the Crimson Fleet embraces a “chaotic neutral” approach, emphasizing freedom, personal gain, and rejecting the status quo.

Faction Reputation and Relationships

While you can join all factions in Starfield, your actions within each faction will affect your reputation with that faction specifically. Siding with the Crimson Fleet does mean you will eventually lose access to some bounty quests, while SysDef will maintain a clean record. It is also worth noting that, despite joining multiple factions, completing the SysDef or Crimson Fleet questlines might lead to certain dialogue changes in other faction-related interactions.

How to Join Each Faction

Joining SysDef

You are typically introduced to SysDef through a criminal activity encounter. After committing a crime, you may be confronted by Commander Kibwe Ikande, who will give you the opportunity to go undercover and infiltrate the Crimson Fleet.

Joining the Crimson Fleet

There are two ways to join the Crimson Fleet:

• Get caught committing crimes like stealing or possessing contraband. You will be approached by Commander Ikande of SysDef. You can either agree to infiltrate the fleet or reject the offer. Rejecting the offer leads to jail time, and after your release, the Crimson Fleet will approach you directly with a recruitment offer.
• Join the UC Vanguard and take the ‘Deep Cover’ mission from Commander Tuala.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I join both SysDef and the Crimson Fleet?

While you can start both storylines, you will eventually have to choose a side to complete either faction’s story arc. It is impossible to be an active member of both factions simultaneously.

2. What happens if I refuse to infiltrate the Crimson Fleet for SysDef?

If you are arrested for a crime and refuse Ikande’s offer, you’ll serve time or pay a fine. However, the Crimson Fleet will then contact you directly to join them.

3. Can I still join other factions if I side with the Crimson Fleet?

Yes, you can join all the other major factions regardless of your choice between SysDef or the Crimson Fleet. Faction membership doesn’t affect other faction availability.

4. Does joining the Crimson Fleet give me a bounty?

Joining the Crimson Fleet does not make you wanted by other factions, although your actions may still trigger bounty issues in certain situations. You can even still get bounties to kill Crimson Fleet ships (they just won’t initially be hostile to you).

5. What is the best ship for the Crimson Fleet?

The Crimson Wight, especially its upgraded versions (II and III) is the best ship you can obtain through the Crimson Fleet.

6. Can you leave the Crimson Fleet once you join?

Officially, it is said that leaving the Crimson Fleet is not an option, and only death will provide an escape. However, pirate captains who become very wealthy can sometimes negotiate a “retirement”.

7. Will siding with Crimson Fleet affect my companions?

Yes, siding with the Crimson Fleet may cause disapproval from certain companions, particularly those with a strong moral compass. It’s important to consider how your choices will impact your relationships.

8. What is the difference between SysDef and UC Vanguard?

SysDef is an enlisted branch focusing on security, while UC Vanguard is a civilian volunteer group. SysDef is a law enforcement arm; UC Vanguard is focused on the defense of the colonies.

9. When should I start the SysDef/Crimson Fleet questline?

Some players recommend completing the main story first to minimize potential bugs or large bounty issues. However, you can start the questline at any time you like.

10. Is the SysDef free house better than a customizable outpost?

No. While the SysDef house is free, it is far less flexible and customizable than a personal outpost. The Crimson Fleet access to The Key, and trading opportunities, is considered the more valuable reward.

11. Can I still complete the main story if I join the Crimson Fleet?

Yes, joining the Crimson Fleet doesn’t prevent you from completing the main story in Starfield. You can join and complete all factions as you wish before going to the Unity.

12. Does siding with SysDef make me lose out on other opportunities?

Siding with SysDef limits certain economic opportunities relating to contraband, but it does not block you off from accessing other content. You will gain access to other unique content by following the SysDef route.

13. Does my Crimson Fleet choice affect the game ending?

Yes, the choice to side with either SysDef or Crimson Fleet affects the epilogue and which faction’s ending plays out in the final moments of your playthrough.

14. What is “The Unfair Advantage” and how do I get it?

“The Unfair Advantage” is a powerful weapon obtained by siding with the Crimson Fleet during the quest “Eye of the Storm.” This requires you to defeat Commander Ikande and loot his body.

15. Can I Romance any characters if I side with the Crimson Fleet?

Yes, the possibility of romance is unaffected by the side you chose. You can romance Sarah Morgan, Barrett, Sam Coe, and Andreja regardless of your faction affiliations.