What Are the Best Ships in Starfield?

Summary

While many of the ships for sale in Starfield may look cool, the best ships in the game are built from scratch in the ship builder.
Many of the ships for sale in Starfield are better approached in the mid-to-late game, as the cost is prohibitively expensive in earlier sections.
Select quests will provide players with free ships like the Razorleaf, which are great for new/early-game players.
Players will get the Starborn Guardian for free in New Game Plus, which will upgrade with each new cycle.
The Shattered Space DLC introduced a new range of Va’ruun ships, all of which are worth experimenting with.

As someone who has spent countless hours navigating the vast expanse of the Settled Systems, I can confidently say that the best ship in Starfield is undoubtedly the one you build yourself. Having been through numerous battles, survived treacherous asteroid fields, and even outsmarted a few space pirates, I’ve come to appreciate the unique capabilities that a custom-built ship offers.

A significant amount of time in the game Starfield is spent navigating a spacecraft, making it crucial for players to find an ideal spaceship. Fortunately, the game offers numerous types of ships, some of which are available for purchase at the starports within Starfield. While it’s not essential to spend credits on a good ship, many top-tier vessels must be bought.

Though, in many ways, the traits that make a great ship are somewhat subjective, there are certain aspects that remain universal across all playstyles. For example, it is nearly impossible to get through Starfield without entering combat with other ships. This means that any decent ship will have powerful weapons. This list will give players five examples of the absolute best ships that credits can buy.

According to reports, it’s impossible to predict with certainty which spaceships will be located at each spaceport. However, if a spaceship appears in the same spaceport consistently across different gaming sessions, that location will be noted in this guide and its corresponding video.

5. Abyss Trekker

Name	Class	Reactor PWR	Crew	Jump	Shield	PAR	MSL	BAL	Cost
Abyss Trekker	C	27	6	28LY	850	38	96	162	345,000

Purchase at the spaceport in Paradiso, on Porrima II in the Porrima system.

Initially, when we compiled our rankings of the finest spaceships in Starfield, this massive vessel held the number one spot. However, you’ll find that its current position has dropped quite substantially. The main factor behind this shift is the observation that ships you acquire are generally not as valuable as those you build yourself. This rule doesn’t apply until much later in Starfield, but even new players wouldn’t be able to afford the Abyss Trekker due to its high cost. Consequently, its position on the list is justified more by its unattainability for most players rather than a reflection of its quality.

Found at the spaceport in Paradiso, the Abyss Trekker is a C-class monster that has an extremely powerful hull, which, along with its high-power shield, makes it practically unstoppable. It’s massive price tag will be a deterrent for just about everyone in the early stages of Starfield, but any player looking to make mince meat of the Crimson Fleet, Ecliptic, Va’ruun, or as many Spacers as they can find, will need to look no further than the Abyss Trekker.

As a movie buff enamored with virtual spaceships, I must confess that Abyss Trekker’s standout charm lies in its sleek, visually appealing design. Many starships available for purchase in Starfield share this quality, but if you’re seeking a ship that truly outshines the rest, my advice is to save up those credits and continue browsing through the options.

4. Razorleaf

Name	Class	Reactor PWR	Crew	Jump	Shield	LAS	BAL	MSL	Cost
Razorleaf	A	26	2	21LY	468	6	26	37	Free

Razorleaf is given as a reward for completing the Mantis questline.

The “Razorleaf” ship is ideal for gamers during the initial and mid phases of the game. Being crafted around the in-game character, Mantis, it performs exceptionally well in early space battles. Although it may not carry you throughout the entire game, its being free should entice newcomers to acquire it. Furthermore, the Razorleaf offers players their initial chance to secure shielded cargo, which aids in concealing Contraband from detection.

If players fail to discover another free vessel soon following the Razorleaf, they might instead opt for the Star Eagle. Nevertheless, once you secure the Star Eagle, chances are you’ll have already begun constructing your own ship. This is why the Razorleaf makes the list – not only because it could be a stepping stone, but also because it’s just incredibly awesome.

3. Starborn Guardian

Name	Class	Reactor PWR	Crew	Jump	Shield	SOL	TOR	–	Cost
Starborn Guardian	A	22	5	30LY	846	26	76	–	Free

The Starborn Guardian is given freely at the start of Starfield‘s New Game Plus cycle. It is also possible to steal them when landed, but this does not always work. If you see a Guardian in the game world, try to walk up its wing to enter the ship, then sit in the pilot seat. Usually, you can’t even enter, but it has worked for us many times.

In certain aspects, the Starborn Guardian might appear more style over substance, but don’t let that fool you into underestimating its value. Even though your previous ships won’t tag along after your initial playthrough, the Guardian is a solid choice to start with in Starfield. The game’s NG+ feature, while offering a fresh experience initially, can become repetitive over time. Therefore, having a pre-prepared ship at your disposal can be incredibly convenient. As you progress through more cycles, the Guardian will only grow in power.

In a class A reactor and armed with just two weapons, the nimble Guardian excels in agility and speed, making it an exceptional dogfighter – particularly for those adept at aerial combat. Its sleek design, distinct weaponry, and integral role in Starfield’s lore add to its appeal, solidifying its position as one of the top three ships in the game.

2. Va’ruun Ships (Hymn)

Name	Class	Reactor PWR	Crew	Jump	Shield	PAR	BAL	MSL	Cost
Va’ruun Hymn	A	19	4	21LY	408	6	34	36	Hijack/Steal (Free)

Shattered Space brought with it a variety of new Va’ruun ships, which will replace the Crimson Fleet ships on this list. At the moment, the best Va’Ruun ship is the Hymn, but it is not easy to acquire. Because of this, we will include the new ships as a group with the Hymn.

In the realm of Shattered Space, the latest Va’ruun vessels have made quite an impact, each boasting its unique strength. Among players, there seems to be a general agreement that the Va’ruun Hymn stands out in its class, but acquiring one is no easy feat. The only documented method for obtaining a Hymn is by disabling and seizing it during battle, or stumbling upon one that has landed and making off with it stealthily.

In the universe of Shattered Space, the latest Va’ruun vessels outshine the Crimson Fleet ships, which were highly sought after when Starfield initially launched. These advanced craft can be bought in the two main cities within Shattered Space. We personally acquired our Va’ruun Revelation II at Dazra spaceport. Much like the Hymn, the Revelation is a swift combat vessel and makes an excellent foundation for customization.

1. Custom Built Ship

Introduce yourself to the Ship Builder as early as possible. You can take any ship in the game, enter Starfield‘s Ship Builder, and create a truly one-of-a-kind ship that far surpasses anything else in the game.

Initially, when we initially compiled this list, “Starfield” was a fresh release, and we hadn’t delved too deep into the intricacies of ship construction yet. However, after the launch of the Shattered Space DLC, it appears that the most impressive ships in “Starfield” are undeniably those you construct yourself. The game is brimming with star yards and Ship Services Technicians, each offering a continually expanding inventory of parts for players to use.

In the world of Starfield, the ship building system is more than just a feature; it’s arguably the most captivating aspect of the game altogether. As you progress through the game and master all the necessary skills, you’ll find that the ships you craft will become virtually invincible. If you’re seeking the ultimate starship in Starfield, look no further than the shipyards and technicians within the Settled Systems.

As I venture out, I recommend expanding my experiences by exploring places that aren’t necessarily well-known or highly regarded. The merchandise up for grabs at the Red Mile on Porrima III and the Crimson Fleet station on Kryx will equip me with the necessary resources for trading and transporting Contraband.

2024-12-13 13:17