How to Acquire Crimson Fleet Ships in Starfield: Stealing and More
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The allure of the Crimson Fleet, with their menacing ships and pirate swagger, is strong in Starfield. Many players find themselves wanting to commandeer one of these iconic vessels. So, the question arises: where can you steal Crimson Fleet ships? The short answer is: Almost anywhere you encounter them in space, but there are specific scenarios and methods that will increase your opportunities. However, directly stealing isn’t always the only option, as there are also opportunities to acquire them through other means.
Stealing Crimson Fleet Ships: The Basics
To steal a ship in Starfield, regardless of faction, the fundamental principle remains the same: you must disable its engines. Once an enemy ship’s engines are offline, it will drift harmlessly, allowing you to dock with it. After docking, you need to eliminate the crew within the ship. Once the interior is secure, you can claim the ship as your own by interacting with the pilot’s seat.
When focusing on Crimson Fleet ships specifically, you’ll primarily find them in areas where the Crimson Fleet is most active. This is usually in their territories and during missions where you directly oppose them. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
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During Encounters in Space: This is the most common way to find Crimson Fleet ships. You’ll randomly encounter them in various systems, especially those close to their controlled space. These encounters can be triggered while traveling or while completing various missions.
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During Crimson Fleet Missions: If you choose to infiltrate the Crimson Fleet, you will have numerous opportunities during missions to attack and capture enemy Crimson Fleet vessels. These missions, however, often have multiple targets, not all are stealable, so choosing the right one for capture matters.
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Specific Quest Locations: Certain locations or missions will have a higher likelihood of Crimson Fleet ships spawning. Completing the “Rook Meets King” mission will open many more opportunities for encountering them.
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Targeting Systems: If you choose the Bounty Hunter background, you will begin the game with Targeting Control Systems, a critical skill. This allows you to target specific ship systems, making disabling engines easier. This can also be gained later in the game. Stealing system components during the tutorial is another way to prepare for future ship thefts.
Purchasing Crimson Fleet Ships: An Alternative
If stealing isn’t your preferred method, or you simply want a ship in a better condition, you can also purchase Crimson Fleet ships. This option becomes available after completing the “Rook Meets King” mission and after getting a full tour of the Key, the Crimson Fleet’s main base, with Naeva.
The only NPC who will sell Crimson Fleet ships is Jasmine Durand at the Key. You’ll find her shop to the left of the entrance of the Reckoner’s Core after completing the tour. She offers a “wide selection” of ships, including the coveted Crimson Wight.
Which Crimson Fleet Ship is Best?
According to the information available, the Crimson Wight, especially its upgraded variations (II or III), is considered the best Crimson Fleet ship. You can find these ships at The Key in the Kryx system. These vessels offer good firepower and are worth acquiring either by theft or purchase.
The Crimson Fleet Ghost: A Small Starter Option
The Crimson Fleet Ghost is a small, two-hab ship operated by the Crimson Fleet. This is an early ship you might encounter or even get as a reward and serves as an excellent initial option if you want a Crimson Fleet vessel.
Essential Tips for Stealing Ships
- Upgrade your Piloting Skill: Having a higher Piloting skill allows you to pilot more advanced classes of ships, ensuring that you can actually fly the ship you just acquired.
- Disable Engines Quickly: Using targeting systems to focus on engines can streamline the capture process. Weapons with high energy damage are especially effective for this.
- Board Carefully: Be prepared for a fight when boarding. Ensure your weapons are loaded and that you have adequate healing items.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some additional FAQs about acquiring Crimson Fleet Ships in Starfield:
1. Can you steal any ship you want in Starfield?
Yes, in principle, you can steal any ship once you disable its engines and eliminate the crew. However, some ships might have restrictions (such as those tied to specific missions or non-stealable vessels). You can use console commands to remove such restrictions on ships found during missions, but this is done outside of normal gameplay.
2. Is it better to side with SysDef or Crimson Fleet to steal ships?
While both factions have benefits, siding with the Crimson Fleet offers more opportunities to acquire Crimson Fleet ships. As a member of the Fleet, you have more encounters in space with them. Siding with the Fleet also opens up access to the Key and its ship vendor.
3. Can you join the Crimson Fleet without going undercover?
Yes, it’s possible to join the Crimson Fleet without being a SysDef double agent. You can get caught for a crime, refuse to become an agent, and still get recruited into the Fleet after paying your fine or doing time in jail.
4. What happens if you steal a UC ship?
You can’t easily steal the “UC Raptor” ships encountered during missions. However, the game allows you to do so through console commands, essentially “unlocking” the restriction, and you can then take control of the ship.
5. Does Andreja approve of joining the Crimson Fleet?
Andreja doesn’t mind you joining the Crimson Fleet, but she may disapprove of some of your specific actions while part of the faction. This can impact your overall relationship with her.
6. What is the best free ship in Starfield, and does it compare to Crimson Fleet vessels?
The Starborn Guardian is often considered the best free ship. While it is powerful and efficient, it has a unique style and lacks the Crimson Fleet’s aesthetic. If you prefer the pirate style, the Crimson Wight or Crimson Phantom may be better suited.
7. How many missions are in the Crimson Fleet questline?
There are eight main missions in the Crimson Fleet questline, which provide numerous opportunities to encounter, steal, and even earn Crimson Fleet ships.
8. Where can you sell stolen ships?
You can sell ships at any ship services technician or at your outpost shipbuilder kiosk. Selling stolen or contraband ships requires extra steps, but it is doable.
9. What happens if you have a bounty with the Crimson Fleet?
Joining the Crimson Fleet does not remove all bounty quests. You can still receive bounties to take down Crimson Fleet ships, even if you are part of the faction, they just will not be immediately hostile towards you.
10. What are some good Class C ships to steal?
Besides Crimson Fleet variants, Class C ships like the Stronghold, Vanquisher, Narwhal, Abyss Trecker, and Silent Runner are strong choices for stealing in Starfield.
11. What happens to your old ship when you steal a new one?
Your old ship disappears when you steal a new one. There is no fanfare, your old vessel simply flies away. So make sure your valuable cargo is moved from your old ship beforehand.
12. Is the Crimson Fleet Phantom a good ship?
The Crimson Fleet Phantom is considered a basic fire-support ship. It’s not very good in a one-on-one dogfight but is more dangerous when supported by other ships. The upgraded versions of the ship will improve its viability.
13. What is the downside of siding with the Crimson Fleet?
The main downside of siding with the Crimson Fleet is that your Constellation companions will disapprove. However, it will not affect the main quest line, this only affects the relationships with your crew.
14. Can you steal a Starborn ship?
You cannot steal a Starborn ship or their armor. These unique vessels are not stealable in Starfield.
15. How do I easily disable ship engines?
Upgrading the Targeting Control Systems skill makes it significantly easier to target and disable enemy engines. Using weapons with high energy damage will also allow you to focus fire on engines during encounters to make stealing a viable method of ship acquisition.
By understanding the mechanics of ship theft and the various opportunities to obtain Crimson Fleet vessels, you’ll be well on your way to building your own fleet of pirate ships in Starfield. Whether you choose to steal them from the depths of space or buy them from a shady vendor on The Key, the option is yours. Good luck, and may your adventures be filled with plunder!