What is the Best Ship for Money in Star Citizen?
If you’re looking to amass wealth quickly in the vast universe of Star Citizen, the question of the best ship for making money is paramount. While there’s no single “best” answer due to the variety of gameplay loops, the Argo Mole stands out as a top contender for efficient and lucrative resource gathering, particularly when focused on mining Quantanium. Its multi-crew capabilities, specialized mining lasers, and relatively large storage capacity make it incredibly efficient for experienced teams. However, the Mole is not the only option. Other ships shine in different areas, depending on your desired gameplay.
The Argo Mole: Mining Your Way to Riches
Efficiency in Quantanium Mining
The Argo Mole isn’t just any mining ship; it’s a dedicated resource-extraction powerhouse. Its design allows for up to three players to operate mining lasers simultaneously, drastically increasing the speed at which you can extract valuable resources like Quantanium. This cooperative gameplay loop, coupled with the Mole’s relatively high cargo capacity, ensures fewer trips and more efficient profit-making. Once refined, Quantanium, when sold, can offer substantial earnings, making the Mole a prime choice for wealth building.
Not Just For Quantanium
While the Mole excels with Quantanium, it can also handle other mineable resources, providing versatility and flexibility in the various asteroid fields and moons across the universe. The ability to adjust the mining laser’s power is useful for targeting a wide range of minerals, even those with lower profit margins. Its core design, however, is optimized for efficient team mining operations.
A Team Effort for Maximum Profit
Keep in mind, the Argo Mole shines brightest with a coordinated crew. Single-person operation is possible, but the lack of simultaneous mining lasers dramatically reduces its efficiency. The Mole is a ship designed for collaboration, turning team mining into a profitable and engaging experience. If you prefer to play solo, other ships may be more suitable.
Beyond the Mole: Other Profitable Options
While the Argo Mole is highly efficient for mining, several other ships offer lucrative options for earning money in Star Citizen:
Trading: The C2 Hercules Starlifter and MISC Starfarer
For players who enjoy the trade routes, the C2 Hercules Starlifter is a premier option for large-scale cargo hauling. Its impressive carrying capacity allows for transport of huge amounts of goods, maximizing profits from successful trade runs. Similarly, the MISC Starfarer although slower in speed, makes up for it in sheer volume and can carry even more than the Hercules, making it extremely useful for bulk trades.
Cargo Runs: The Drake Corsair and Mercury Star Runner
The Drake Corsair and the Mercury Star Runner strike a balance between cargo capacity and speed. The Corsair’s robust design allows for a decent cargo hold while maintaining some combat capabilities. The Star Runner is best used for fast, secure data and smaller cargo transport runs due to its maneuverability and speed. Both these ships are suited for trade and missions.
Bounty Hunting: Aegis Gladius and Anvil Hurricane
For those with a taste for action, bounty hunting can be highly profitable. The Aegis Gladius is a nimble fighter, adept at taking down single targets. The Anvil Hurricane, though more expensive, adds heavy firepower for handling tougher bounties. These ships excel in quickly and efficiently eliminating targets, leading to consistent payouts.
Exploration: Anvil Carrack and Anvil C8X Pisces
While not as direct as mining or trading, exploration can lead to the discovery of valuable resources or rare commodities. The Anvil Carrack is a multi-role ship, allowing for long-range exploration and even some refining/trading, but is very expensive. The Anvil C8X Pisces acts as a useful “snub” exploration ship which is a small auxiliary spacecraft usually carried by larger spacecraft, it is much more budget friendly while being efficient.
Choosing Your Path to Prosperity
The best ship for making money ultimately depends on your playstyle and preferences. Consider the following:
- Do you enjoy cooperative gameplay? The Argo Mole or large cargo ships are ideal for teams.
- Do you prefer solo play? Smaller ships like the Aegis Avenger Titan for missions, or the Aegis Gladius for bounties, are excellent options.
- Do you want to focus on trading? Large cargo ships like the C2 Hercules Starlifter or MISC Starfarer can provide a high yield.
- Do you like combat? Bounty hunting with ships like the Aegis Gladius and Anvil Hurricane can be quite profitable.
- Do you want to be an explorer? The Anvil Carrack or the Anvil C8X Pisces will allow you to find hidden riches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I earn all ships in-game without spending real money?
Yes, all ships in Star Citizen are obtainable through gameplay. There is no requirement to spend real money to own any ship, even the most expensive ones, although this can be a long process.
2. Where can I buy ships in-game?
Ships can be purchased at various locations in the game world, including Area 18 (ArcCorp), Lorville (Hurston), and Orison (Crusader). Each location offers different ship manufacturers.
3. Is it worth buying ships with real money?
Buying ships with real money is a way to support the game’s development, but it is not necessary to play. All ships will be available to buy in-game with earned credits.
4. What is the best beginner ship for earning money?
The Aegis Avenger Titan is an excellent all-around starter ship, capable of handling a variety of missions and small cargo transport, it is well suited for earning some starting currency.
5. What is the fastest ship in Star Citizen?
The Origin 350r is known for its incredible speed and is often used for competitive races and personal travel. It is also capable of performing light bounty hunting activities.
6. Do I permanently lose my ship if it’s destroyed?
No, ships have insurance policies that require regular fees to maintain. You can spawn a replacement without penalty if your ship is insured. If not insured, you will need to purchase a new one with in-game currency.
7. Can I keep stolen ships in Star Citizen?
No, you cannot collect ships by stealing them, they will disappear when you log out. This system is in place to discourage “piracy gameplay” that is purely about collecting ships.
8. Why is the Anvil Carrack considered a top ship?
The Anvil Carrack stands out for its incredible utility, being able to participate in almost any activity available in Star Citizen, along with having an amazing exploration range and durability.
9. What is the best ship for long-distance travel?
The Anvil Carrack is often considered the best option for long-distance travel and exploration due to its range and onboard facilities.
10. Which ship is better: Aurora MR or Mustang Alpha?
The Aurora MR is a better beginner ship due to its ability to carry mission boxes, as it is designed to hold more cargo than the Mustang Alpha.
11. How can I make money quickly in Star Citizen?
Mining and trading are known to be very effective for earning money, particularly with ships like the Argo Mole and C2 Hercules Starlifter. Bounty hunting can also be profitable with appropriate ships.
12. Is the armor I purchase permanent in Star Citizen?
While armor can sometimes be lost due to bugs, it generally persists between patches and updates. However, you will always need to buy the armor again if it is lost in a death.
13. What happens if I crash my ship?
If your ship is insured and you crash it, you will be able to spawn a replacement for free. If not, you will need to buy the ship again.
14. What’s available in Star Citizen right now?
Many gameplay loops are available currently. These include exploration, mining, trading, bounty hunting, and a variety of missions. The game is continually being updated with new content.
15. Will Star Citizen ever be released?
There is no set date for the final commercial release of Star Citizen and is still in development, however updates are frequently implemented as the game develops.
Ultimately, the “best” ship is the one that best suits your preferred method of play in the Star Citizen universe. Choose wisely, and happy earning!