Which Starfield Ship Has the Most Crew? The Ultimate Guide
The quest for the perfect vessel in Starfield often comes down to optimizing a variety of factors: firepower, cargo capacity, maneuverability, and, of course, crew size. For players who prefer a bustling ship filled with skilled specialists, knowing which starship can accommodate the largest crew is paramount. So, which ship reigns supreme when it comes to crew capacity? The answer is nuanced, and depends on your skill level! The maximum possible crew size in Starfield is eight, achievable by fully ranking up the Ship Command skill. Several ships can then accommodate this maximum crew, often C-class ships.
Understanding Crew Capacity in Starfield
Before diving into specific ship recommendations, it’s important to understand the mechanics behind crew capacity in Starfield. Crew capacity isn’t solely determined by the ship itself. It’s a combination of factors, including:
- Ship Modules: Certain ship modules, particularly hab modules, directly increase your maximum crew capacity. Selecting the right hab modules is crucial for maximizing the number of crew members you can assign.
- Ship Command Skill: The Ship Command skill is perhaps the most significant factor. This skill, located in the Social skill tree, allows you to increase your ship’s crew capacity beyond the base limit. At Rank 4, the Ship Command skill increases the crew capacity to a total of eight.
- Piloting Skill: The piloting skill is an important component to increasing your crew capacity. Players will also need to rank up their Piloting skill to be able to operate large Type-B and Type-C vessels that allow more staff.
- Reactor Class: Class C ships, which demand higher piloting skill ranks to operate, generally offer the best potential for a large crew. Smaller Class A and B ships often have lower base crew capacities, even with optimized modules.
Top Ships for Crew Capacity
While several ships can accommodate a large crew (especially with the Ship Command skill maxed out), some stand out due to their overall excellent stats and design. Here are a few notable contenders:
The Polis
The Polis is a solid choice for those looking for a good balance between crew capacity and other essential features. As a C reactor ship, it requires the appropriate perks unlocked to pilot. It boasts a decent cargo capacity of 2700 and can support a crew of up to 6. Its 30-lightyear jump distance also makes most of Starfield’s galaxy easily accessible.
The Narwhal
The Narwhal is an excellent all-rounder ship. Although it is on the slower side, it has powerful weapons (especially ballistics) and a massive cargo hold so you can store all your resources and extra weapons. Its automatic turrets make combat a sinch too. The Narwhal is an expensive Class C ship but buying it is totally worth it considering how incredible this ship is. Narwhal is the perfect balance between utility and firepower, the all-rounder you must have in your collection. To get the Narwhal, first, you must have at least 432,620 Credits to buy it.
Custom-Built Ships
Ultimately, the ship with the absolute most crew you can cram in is likely going to be one you design and build yourself at a ship technician or outpost shipbuilder. By carefully selecting hab modules with high crew station values, and combining them with a powerful C-class reactor, you can create a behemoth that maximizes crew capacity and suits your specific needs.
Remember, crew members bring valuable skills and bonuses to your ship. A well-chosen crew can improve weapon damage, shield strength, repair speed, and even increase the amount of resources gathered during surveying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the maximum crew size in Starfield without any skills?
The base crew size depends on the ship and its modules. Typically, smaller ships like the Razorleaf have lower base crew capacities. Without investing in the Ship Command skill, you’ll be limited to the base crew capacity of your chosen vessel and its modules.
2. How do I unlock the Ship Command skill?
The Ship Command skill is located in the Social skill tree. You’ll need to invest skill points to unlock it and then complete challenges (e.g., use your ship’s command ability) to rank it up further.
3. What are crew stations, and how do they affect crew capacity?
Crew stations are designated areas within your ship that crew members can occupy. Each hab module provides a certain number of crew stations. A higher number of crew stations generally means the ship can support a larger crew.
4. Do crew members have different skills and abilities?
Yes! Crew members have unique skills that provide bonuses to your ship. Some excel in combat, while others are better at piloting, engineering, or medicine. Carefully selecting crew members with complementary skills is essential for optimizing your ship’s performance.
5. Where can I find crew members to hire?
Crew members can be found at various locations throughout the Settled Systems, including bars, spaceports, and settlements. Look for NPCs with unique names and dialogue options that suggest they’re looking for work.
6. Does the ship’s reactor class limit crew size?
While not a direct limitation, reactor class influences the types of modules you can install. C-class reactors allow for larger, more powerful hab modules that generally offer more crew stations.
7. Is it better to have a large crew or a smaller, more specialized crew?
The ideal crew size depends on your play style. A large crew can provide broad bonuses across various ship functions. A smaller, highly skilled crew can be more effective if you focus on specific roles, such as combat or exploration.
8. Can I assign crew members to specific roles on my ship?
Yes! You can assign crew members to specific stations on your ship, such as the weapons console, the engine room, or the science lab. Assigning crew members to their areas of expertise maximizes their effectiveness.
9. What happens if my ship is destroyed with crew members onboard?
Crew members can be lost if your ship is destroyed in combat. It’s important to invest in ship upgrades and combat skills to minimize the risk of losing your crew.
10. Are there unique crew members with special abilities?
Yes, Starfield features unique crew members with distinct personalities, backstories, and special abilities. Recruiting these individuals can significantly enhance your ship’s capabilities.
11. How do I dismiss a crew member if I want to hire someone else?
You can dismiss crew members by speaking to them and selecting the appropriate dialogue option. Be aware that some crew members may have strong opinions about being dismissed, which could affect your relationship with them.
12. Can I build crew quarters in my outposts?
Yes, building crew quarters in your outposts allows you to provide housing and amenities for your crew members. This can improve their morale and overall effectiveness.
13. Do different ship manufacturers have different crew capacity focuses?
While not explicitly stated, some manufacturers tend to produce ships with certain design philosophies. For example, some may prioritize cargo capacity while others focus on combat prowess. This can indirectly affect crew capacity.
14. Can my crew members level up and improve their skills?
It is not clear if crew members level up in Starfield, but you can level up skills to increase the number of crew memebers on your ship. The Games Learning Society conducts research and provides resources on effective learning through games, a concept potentially relevant to how players master skills like Ship Command in Starfield. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.
15. Does crew morale affect ship performance?
While the exact mechanics are not fully detailed, it is possible that crew morale can affect ship performance. Keeping your crew happy and well-equipped is likely to have a positive impact on their overall effectiveness.