Where to Buy Big Ships in Star Citizen: A Comprehensive Guide
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The pursuit of larger vessels is a cornerstone of the Star Citizen experience. Whether you’re dreaming of hauling cargo across the ‘verse, leading a fleet into battle, or simply want a mobile base of operations, understanding where to acquire these behemoths is crucial. So, where can you buy big ships in Star Citizen? The primary locations for purchasing larger ships, generally considered anything above a medium-sized vessel, are Area 18 on ArcCorp, Orison on Crusader, New Babbage on microTech, and Lorville on Hurston. These landing zones offer a wider selection of ship manufacturers and models, and they are the most reliable places to find that dream ship.
Landing Zones and Showrooms
The majority of big ship sales occur at the major landing zones. Each offers a unique atmosphere and manufacturers with their own distinct design philosophies.
Area 18, ArcCorp
Area 18, a sprawling metropolis on the planet ArcCorp, is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and connection to the manufacturing industry. Here you’ll find Astro Armada, a showroom featuring ships from a variety of manufacturers. Area 18 is particularly known for housing ships from Origin Jumpworks, known for their sleek, luxurious designs. Expect to find ships like the Origin 600i Explorer and the Origin 890 Jump frequently available here.
Orison, Crusader
Perched high above the gas giant Crusader, Orison is a cloud city famous for its shipyards and breathtaking views. The Crusader showroom located here naturally showcases the manufacturer’s own ships, including the massive Crusader Hercules series (C2, M2, A2). You may also find other large ships from various manufacturers, dependent on what is in stock.
New Babbage, microTech
New Babbage, a futuristic city nestled on the frozen planet microTech, is a hub for technology and innovation. The New Babbage Interstellar Spaceship (NBIS) showroom offers a diverse selection, and you’re likely to find ships from manufacturers like Anvil Aerospace and Aegis Dynamics. New Babbage can be a good place to find heavily armored vessels like the Aegis Idris (when available) and ships designed for combat roles.
Lorville, Hurston
Lorville, a gritty industrial city on the planet Hurston, reflects the rugged practicality of the Hurston Dynamics corporation. The showroom here features ships from various manufacturers, but tends to lean towards more utilitarian and industrial designs. You might find ships like the Drake Caterpillar or the MISC Hull series (depending on availability) at Lorville.
Considerations When Buying Big Ships
Before you splash out your hard-earned aUEC, there are several factors to consider:
Price
Big ships come with a hefty price tag. Be sure to check your aUEC balance and ensure you can afford not only the ship itself but also the associated insurance costs, fuel, and repairs. Larger ships also require more crew, increasing your operational expenses.
Role
What do you intend to do with your new vessel? Are you looking for a cargo hauler, a combat platform, or a multi-role ship? Different ships excel in different areas. Research the capabilities of each ship before committing to a purchase.
Crew Requirements
Many large ships require multiple crew members to operate effectively. Consider whether you have friends who are willing to join you or if you’re comfortable hiring NPCs (Non-Player Characters) as crew. Bear in mind that NPC crewmates may have their own quirks and limitations.
Location Specificity
Ship availability can vary from location to location and sometimes depends on in-game stock. If you’re looking for a specific model, it’s worth checking multiple locations before settling on a purchase. You can use third-party websites like Erkul.games to check the exact location and price of each ship.
Beyond Showrooms: Other Acquisition Methods
While showrooms are the primary method, alternative routes to obtaining large ships exist:
Ship Rental
Before committing to a permanent purchase, consider renting a ship to test it out. Ship rental terminals are available at most major landing zones and space stations. This allows you to experience the ship’s handling, capabilities, and resource consumption firsthand.
Player-to-Player Trading (In the Future)
Star Citizen aims to implement a robust player-to-player trading system, which could potentially include the sale of ships. This feature is not fully implemented yet but is something to keep an eye on in future updates.
In-Game Events and Challenges
Sometimes, Star Citizen offers special in-game events or challenges that reward players with ships. Keep an eye on official announcements and community channels for opportunities to earn a big ship through gameplay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What qualifies as a “big ship” in Star Citizen?
Generally, ships classified as Capital ships are the biggest ships in the game. These typically require multiple crew members and have significantly more firepower and cargo capacity than smaller vessels. Examples include the Aegis Idris, the Kruger P-72 Archimedes, and the Anvil Carrack. Ships such as the Crusader Hercules Starlifter series, the Aegis Reclaimer, and the MISC Hull C are also considered big ships.
2. Can I purchase ships with real money instead of in-game currency?
Yes, you can purchase ships with real money on the RSI (Roberts Space Industries) website. However, these ships are often referred to as pledges and are meant to support the development of the game. It’s essential to remember that these pledges do not grant any in-game advantage. Anything available with real money will be available in the game.
3. How do I transport a big ship if I buy it at a distant location?
Once purchased, the ship is stored at the location where you bought it. You can then use ASOP (Advanced Ship Ordering Platform) terminals at any landing zone or space station to request the ship to be delivered to your current location. Be aware that there may be a small delay before the ship is available.
4. What are the insurance costs for big ships?
Insurance costs are based on the value of the ship and the type of coverage you choose. Larger ships generally have higher insurance premiums. Always ensure your ship is insured to avoid permanent loss if it’s destroyed. You can buy multiple types of insurances, however, if you do not have insurance, you will need to buy your ship again.
5. How do I find out which ships are available at each location?
You can manually visit each location and check the showrooms, or you can use third-party websites like Erkul.games, which compile ship data and availability information.
6. Are there any discounts on big ships?
Sometimes, RSI offers limited-time discounts on ships, particularly during special events. Keep an eye on the RSI website and community forums for announcements.
7. What happens if my big ship gets destroyed?
If your ship is insured, you can claim a replacement at any insurance claim terminal. The replacement process takes time, and the waiting period depends on the ship’s size and the type of insurance you have.
8. Can I upgrade a smaller ship to a big ship?
Yes, you can upgrade ships using CCUs (Cross-Chassis Upgrades) on the RSI website. This allows you to upgrade a smaller ship to a larger one by paying the difference in price.
9. How much cargo can a big ship typically carry?
Cargo capacity varies widely depending on the specific ship. Some large ships, like the Crusader Hercules Starlifter series, are designed for massive cargo hauling, while others prioritize combat capabilities or other functions. You can use Erkul.games or RSI website to find the exact cargo capacity of each ship.
10. What kind of weapons can big ships equip?
The types of weapons a big ship can equip depend on its hardpoints and design. Some are specialized for heavy firepower, while others focus on defensive systems. RSI’s ship matrix is a great resource for finding out each ship’s weapon loadout.
11. How do I hire NPC crew members for my big ship?
NPC crew members can be hired at various locations, including bars and job boards at landing zones. The quality and skills of NPCs vary, so choose carefully.
12. Can I store smaller ships inside a big ship?
Some big ships, like the Anvil Carrack, have hangar bays or docking collars that can accommodate smaller ships. This allows you to transport multiple ships in a single vessel.
13. What is the minimum crew size for a big ship to be effective?
The minimum crew size depends on the specific ship and your intended activities. While some big ships can be operated solo, they are often much more effective with a crew of two or more.
14. How do I manage the power and heat on a big ship?
Big ships have complex power and heat management systems. It’s important to understand how these systems work to avoid overheating or power failures. Ships have screens where you can manage the ship’s power and temperature. You can find this information on Erkul.games or RSI’s website.
15. Are there any player organizations that specialize in flying big ships?
Yes, many player organizations focus on operating large ships for various purposes, such as cargo hauling, exploration, or combat. Joining an organization can provide you with valuable experience and support.
By keeping these tips and locations in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to find and purchase the big ship of your dreams in Star Citizen. Good luck, and see you in the ‘verse!