Why Can’t I Join the Crimson Fleet? Unraveling the Pirate Mystery in Starfield
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So, you’re itching to join the Crimson Fleet in Starfield and embrace the life of a space pirate, but you’re hitting a wall? The truth is, you can join the Crimson Fleet! The initial confusion often stems from the unique way the game introduces you to this faction. You don’t simply walk up to a recruiter and sign up. Instead, you’re usually thrust into their world through less-than-legal means, typically under the guise of a UC SysDef operative. However, the key is understanding the various pathways available and knowing how to navigate the initial hurdles. While the main storyline initially pushes you towards joining them as a UC SysDef spy, there are ways to align with them more directly and authentically.
Understanding the Crimson Fleet’s Entrance Requirements
The most common entry point involves being caught committing a crime in United Colonies (UC) space. This could be anything from smuggling contraband to outright theft. Once apprehended, instead of facing jail time, you’ll be presented with an “opportunity” by Commander Ikande of UC SysDef: infiltrate the Crimson Fleet as an undercover agent.
However, this isn’t the only way.
Alternative Entry Points
- UC Vanguard Initiation: Joining the UC Vanguard and progressing through their initial missions can indirectly lead you to the Crimson Fleet questline. Commander Tuala may eventually task you with assisting Commander Ikande, opening up the “Deep Cover” mission and the opportunity to infiltrate the pirates.
- Direct Infiltration (with a catch): While less formally structured, some players have reported triggering the Crimson Fleet questline by simply engaging in piratical activities and interacting with known pirate havens. This might involve attacking UC ships or engaging in trade at morally questionable locations. However, this path may be less reliable and require more player initiative.
Why You Might Think You Can’t Join
The misconception often arises because:
- No Obvious Recruitment: There’s no straightforward “Join the Crimson Fleet” button or NPC. The game doesn’t explicitly advertise open enrollment.
- Initial Spy Role: The forced introduction as a UC SysDef spy can make it feel like you’re forever bound to that role. But remember, you have a choice to betray your handlers and fully commit to the pirate life.
- Missing the Trigger: If you haven’t committed a crime or haven’t progressed far enough in the UC Vanguard storyline, the Crimson Fleet questline simply won’t activate.
Making the Choice: Spy or Pirate?
The crucial point to remember is that you eventually reach a pivotal moment where you must choose between remaining loyal to UC SysDef or fully embracing the Crimson Fleet. This choice determines your long-term relationship with both factions and impacts the game’s narrative.
Once you make a choice, the rewards, challenges, and storylines associated with each faction will be distinctly different. Siding with the Crimson Fleet offers access to unique resources, the pirate haven known as The Key, and opportunities to amass wealth through illicit activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Joining the Crimson Fleet
1. Can I join the Crimson Fleet without being a spy?
While the game heavily pushes you towards the UC SysDef spy route, you technically can join the Crimson Fleet without ever formally aligning with SysDef. This usually involves committing criminal acts in UC space until you are contacted by SysDef, then agreeing to the initial infiltration. Then, you commit to their cause. Some have reported triggering the Crimson Fleet questline through persistent engagement in pirate activities.
2. How do I join the Crimson Fleet after refusing SysDef?
If you initially refuse Commander Ikande’s offer to become a spy, you aren’t locked out of joining the Crimson Fleet forever. You can trigger the “Deep Cover” mission in another way by joining the UC Vanguard, finishing the first few missions for the Vanguard and then proceeding through Vanguard Initiation.
3. Can you join the UC and Crimson Fleet simultaneously?
Yes, in the beginning you are working for both sides as a spy. In Starfield, players can technically join all factions but eventually have to choose between the Crimson Fleet and United Colonies.
4. What are the consequences of joining the Crimson Fleet?
Joining the Crimson Fleet (and ultimately siding with them) has significant consequences. You’ll gain access to their resources, missions, and unique vendors at The Key. However, you’ll likely become an enemy of the United Colonies, meaning increased hostility in UC-controlled systems.
5. Is it better to side with SysDef or the Crimson Fleet?
The “better” choice depends entirely on your playstyle and moral compass. Siding with SysDef offers a more lawful and arguably “moral” path, while siding with the Crimson Fleet unlocks a wealth of pirate-themed content, rewards, and morally ambiguous gameplay opportunities. The Crimson Fleet offers better rewards, such as access to The Key pirate base and a reliable place to sell stolen goods.
6. Can I betray the Crimson Fleet after joining?
Yes. You can start as a UC SysDef spy and choose to fully commit to the Crimson Fleet. Conversely, you can initially play along with the Crimson Fleet and ultimately betray them to SysDef.
7. What happens if I destroy the Crimson Fleet?
If you side with UC SysDef and destroy the Crimson Fleet, you’ll receive rewards from the UC and effectively eliminate the pirate threat in the Kryx system. However, you’ll lose access to The Key, its vendors, and any future Crimson Fleet-related missions.
8. Where is the Crimson Fleet’s base, The Key?
The Key is a massive star station located in the Kryx system, orbiting the planet Suvorov. It serves as the Crimson Fleet’s primary base of operations and a hub for pirates, smugglers, and other unsavory characters.
9. What are the best ships in the Crimson Fleet?
The Crimson Wight, or its upgraded variations (denoted with the Roman numerals II or III), is an excellent ship found at The Key. But you can steal and acquire many other ships from them through completing missions and random space encounters.
10. Can I become a pirate in Starfield even if I’m not part of the Crimson Fleet?
Absolutely! Even without formally joining the Crimson Fleet, you can embrace a pirate playstyle by attacking ships, stealing cargo, and smuggling contraband. However, joining the Crimson Fleet provides access to unique resources and missions that enhance the pirate experience.
11. Does Andreja approve of joining the Crimson Fleet?
Andreja’s approval of your actions is nuanced. She may be less disapproving of you joining the Fleet, but she may object to the things you do while in the Fleet. Your companions’ reactions will depend on the specific actions you take and the choices you make within the faction.
12. How much money can I make with the Crimson Fleet?
You can amass a considerable fortune through the Crimson Fleet by completing missions, selling stolen goods and contraband, and claiming bounties. The final mission alone offers a substantial reward of around 250,000 credits.
13. What are the best skills for a Crimson Fleet character?
Essential skills for a Crimson Fleet character include:
- Piloting: For enhanced ship combat and maneuverability.
- Security: To unlock containers and access restricted areas.
- Stealth: To avoid detection while sneaking and stealing.
- Deception: To persuade and manipulate NPCs.
- Commerce: To buy and sell goods at better prices.
14. How do I sell contraband in Starfield?
The Crimson Fleet provides a safe haven for selling contraband. Visit The Key and locate vendors who specialize in buying illegal goods. Alternatively, you can find Trade Authority vendors in certain settlements or construct a Trade Authority kiosk at your outpost. Make sure you clear security!
15. Can I join all factions in Starfield without consequences?
You can join all factions, but eventually, certain questlines will force you to choose sides, leading to conflicts and potentially making you an enemy of other factions. However, in many cases, your actions for one faction won’t have any effect on how the others view you.
Starfield offers a complex and engaging experience with the Crimson Fleet, allowing players to explore the nuances of piracy and moral ambiguity. Remember, the path to becoming a spacefaring rogue isn’t always straightforward, but the rewards are often well worth the effort. Explore the various avenues available, make informed choices, and carve your own legend among the stars! And remember, games can be an incredibly powerful way to learn and develop complex skills. For more on the educational power of games, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.