Top 12 Ships You Must Unlock in Starfield

Select Language:

Ships are essential in space exploration within Starfield. As you complete quests and earn credits, you can quickly build a fleet of some of the best ships in the game. Not all ships are the same—some are better suited for specific roles. Whether you want a fast, stealthy scout, a large cargo ship, or a heavily armed battle station, there are many top options to choose from.

When you unlock a new ship to carry your crew and supplies across the Settled Systems, keep your Piloting Skill in mind. To control advanced Class B and Class C ships, you’ll need to improve your piloting skills to the maximum. This makes controlling these powerful ships one of the most valuable perks in Starfield. While not all top ships are Class B or C, many are.

Rambler II

Early-Game Scout Ship

You can buy the Rambler II from the Ship Services Technician on New Atlantis for about 92,716 credits. It’s a solid upgrade from the basic Frontier ship, mainly because it can jump 30 light-years—that’s better than most other ships at the same level. Fewer stops mean fewer chances of enemy encounters or pirate attacks. Its simple weapon setup includes an Electron Beam and Missile Launcher, suitable for knocking out small targets or pirates, but not for tougher enemies.

Dragonfire

Versatile Cargo Ship

Available from the Ship Services Technician at the Eleos Retreat for about 287,111 credits, the Dragonfire was built for hauling cargo. It has a large cargo hold and space for a crew of seven, making it ideal for resource collection and transport. It’s well-armed with Neutron Turrets, Railguns, and a tough shield, deterring pirates. Other cargo ships, like Wagontrain and Wanderlust, don’t match its firepower. The Dragonfire’s armor and weapons protect your haul across dangerous sectors.

Razorleaf

Early-Game All-Rounder

You can get the Razorleaf for free by completing the The Mantis side mission, starting with a data slate called Secret Outpost. It’s fast and maneuverable, armed with weapons that can disable enemy ships. Its mobility and balanced stats make it excellent for both combat and exploration. It also has shielded cargo holds, offering stealthy smuggling options.

Shieldbreaker

Mid-Game Combat Ship

Available for about 260,122 credits at New Atlantis, the Shieldbreaker is a formidable combat vessel suitable for early to mid-game battles. It’s a B-class ship, requiring a Piloting skill level of 3. Its crew of five is good for tactics, and its spacious cargo bay is handy for storing resources. Though not the cheapest early on, it’s a reliable choice as you progress through your main and side quests.

Star Eagle

Mid-Game, All-Rounder

This ship is unlocked by completing the Freestar Rangers questline, including The Hammer Falls. It’s excellent at disabling enemy ships with special EM weapons, making ship capturing and selling easier for credits. Its cargo space isn’t huge but sufficient for most missions, and it comes with a brig for capturing enemies. The Star Eagle is a versatile ship for combat, exploration, and resource collection.

Stronghold

Mid-Game Cargo Carrier

The Stronghold, obtained from Akila City’s ship services for roughly 392,117 credits, is meant for hauling with durability. It features high hull strength, strong shields, and plenty of cargo space for resources and valuables. Its armor makes it less agile, but it can take a lot of damage during battles or while jumping away.

Silent Runner

Late-Game Cargo Hauler

You can acquire the Silent Runner from Inaya Rehman in Polvo after spending about 382,347 credits. It’s perfect for resource hauling thanks to its massive cargo space. Its durability and weapons allow it to defend itself against attackers, making it a top choice for late-game resource runs. High fuel capacity and a 29-light-year jump range help you transport materials quickly across the galaxy.

Orca III

Max-Combat Ship

Obtained by upgrading the standard Orca—bought in New Atlantis or Neon—for about 249,925 credits, the Orca III is a powerful combat ship. Despite its relatively fragile appearance, upgraded models pack serious offensive firepower, including ballistic and missile weapons. It’s a perfect fighter for dogfights and rapid assaults, especially with its well-rounded stats and manageable fuel costs.

Narwhal

High-End, All-Rounder

Buy it from Veronica Young at Neon’s Ryujin Tower for about 446,287 credits. The Narwhal offers a sleek, highly armed platform with excellent stats for exploration and combat. It can be upgraded further, but its stock configuration already makes it a formidable flagship. It’s an expensive but highly capable ship for serious players.

Abyss Trekker

Best for Space Combat

Available from the ship dealer on Paradiso (Porrima II), this ship costs about 365,525 credits. The Abyss Trekker is a dedicated combat vessel with an extensive weapons loadout, including missiles, railguns, and beams, making it very effective in battles. While its cargo space is limited, upgrading storage or removing weapons modules can make it more versatile.

In Starfield, your ship choice depends on your play style and needs—whether you prioritize speed, combat power, cargo capacity, or versatility. Building and upgrading your fleet is part of the adventure, so choose wisely based on your current goals in the game.

ChatGPT Perplexity Gemini AI Grok AI