The Best Starfield Ships To Buy, Steal, Or Earn

TL;DR

  • Complete ‘The Mantis’ quest early for the free Razorleaf with intimidation capabilities
  • Finish Freestar Rangers storyline to earn the versatile Star Eagle with massive cargo space
  • Master Piloting skill ranks to unlock Class B and C ship operation
  • Invest in Ship Design skill for custom vessel creation and upgrades
  • Plan credit accumulation for expensive ship purchases from vendors


GameSpot may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and from purchases through links.

Bethesda’s expansive RPG Starfield thrusts players into constant interstellar travel, though the initial vessel lacks impressive capabilities. Fortunately, numerous superior alternatives exist for navigating the cosmos, ranging from heavily armed combat craft to massive freighters capable of transporting enormous loads. Your preferred gameplay approach will determine which spacecraft suits you best, with premium options requiring substantial financial investment.

This compilation showcases vessels obtainable through specific mission chains or available for purchase at ship merchants scattered across inhabited star systems. Several of these high-performance ships command premium prices, necessitating significant credit reserves if you aim to acquire the galaxy’s finest spacecraft. The selection excludes pirate vessels obtained through theft, not due to quality concerns but because reliable acquisition locations for stolen ships remain limited.

Beyond purchasing or commandeering ships, you can construct custom designs from scratch. Achieving maximum Ship Design proficiency represents the optimal path toward creating vessels with peak performance metrics across all categories. Crucially, operating advanced-class ships demands corresponding Piloting skill levels—specifically Rank 3 for Class B and Rank 4 for Class C vessels.

All vessel statistics and pricing data originate from New Game+ sessions and may show slight inflation compared to initial playthrough figures. Nevertheless, these remain among Starfield’s most exceptional spacecraft options.

Important advisory: the concluding section includes narrative spoilers from the game’s later stages. To preserve story surprises, conclude your reading after reviewing the Crimson Fleet Wraith spacecraft details.

Location: Denebola I-b

The Razorleaf represents a formidable spacecraft accessible without cost during Starfield’s initial stages. Securing this vessel requires finishing the side mission “The Mantis,” initiated by locating a datapad randomly dropped by Spacer enemies—spacefaring pirates operating independently from the dominant Crimson Fleet faction. While discovery locations vary, this item consistently appears on Spacer personnel during the game’s opening chapters. The associated quest delivers engaging content; prepare for extensive combat encounters against numerous Spacer opponents. This ship features competent weaponry but accommodates just two crew members and 460 cargo units. Its distinctive characteristic involves terrifying hostile vessels upon detection, causing them to retreat immediately. Additionally, it includes 160 shielded cargo capacity for discreet contraband transportation.

Razorleaf - Class A

The Star Eagle spacecraft becomes available upon completing the Freestar Rangers faction narrative arc. Serving as the official vessel for Rangers operations, it offers substantial benefits. It includes an electromagnetic weapon system that simplifies ship disabling for boarding maneuvers. The craft boasts an enormous 2,500-unit cargo bay and supports five crew members. Its primary limitation involves a 18-light-year grav jump range, positioning it at the lower spectrum among premium ships. Upgrade possibilities exist but demand maximum Ship Design skill investment.

Location: Akila City Ship Tech

Star Eagle - Class A

For players targeting high-end spacecraft, systematic credit accumulation becomes essential. Focus on completing bounty missions, trading profitable commodities, and exploring high-value planetary sites. For those pursuing custom ship construction, prioritize Ship Design skill development early, as this enables superior stat optimization compared to pre-built options. Remember that weapon systems and defensive capabilities should align with your preferred combat style—whether that involves direct engagements or tactical disabling maneuvers.

Common acquisition mistakes include underestimating credit requirements for premium ships and neglecting Piloting skill advancement. Plan your skill point allocation strategically, ensuring you meet class requirements before investing in expensive vessels. Advanced players should consult our complete gameplay guide for advanced credit farming techniques and optimal skill progression paths.

When evaluating ship options, consider both immediate needs and long-term upgrade potential. The class selection principles from other games apply here—specialized vessels typically outperform general-purpose designs for specific roles.

Action Checklist

  • Complete ‘The Mantis’ quest for free Razorleaf acquisition
  • Advance Piloting skill to Rank 3 for Class B ship operation
  • Finish Freestar Rangers storyline to unlock Star Eagle
  • Accumulate 150,000+ credits for premium ship purchases
  • Maximize Ship Design skill for custom vessel construction

No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » The Best Starfield Ships To Buy, Steal, Or Earn Essential guide to acquiring Starfield's best ships through quests, purchases, and strategic upgrades