What is the best ship to buy in Star Citizen?

Best Ships in Star Citizen By Class

Want to know what the best Star Citizen ships are? Star Citizen is a universe of a game - literally - as such, the intricacies of the different ships are very complex and most of the time there simply is not a best ship - certainly not a meta ship that beats every other ship in every category.

We have analyzed the ships that have come out for concept sale based on general categories that we have deemed to be linked to primary professions. Here are our winners and runners up for each category...

Recent edits and changes to this page:

Update July 26 2022: Added new categories: Best Multi Crew Vehicle Transport and Best Capital Class Transport

Update April 28 2022: Added new category: Best Single Crew Refining

Best Snub Ships in Star Citizen

Snub ships are small and cannot independently travel between systems.

Best Snub Fighter in Star Citizen

Winner: Kruger P-72 Archimedes

Runner up: P-52 Merlin

Reason: The P-72 Archimedes is currently listed as having 4 size 1 weapons which is the most firepower of any snub to date.

Best Snub Cargo Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: C8X Pisces

Runner up: Argo MPUV Cargo

Reason: With the cargo and personnel capacity of the C8X Pisces and the very small size, this little ship makes for a great cargo-capable snub*. The MPUV Cargo does not have a quantum drive but is a dedicated cargo craft.

*Given the Pisces has a quantum and jump drive it is technically not considered a snub. However, due to the tiny size it is being listed under this category.

Best Snub Exploration Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: C8X Pisces

Runner up: Origin 85X

Reason: The Anvil C8X Pisces is a very capable snub* exploration ship which also includes a quantum drive (and can be fitted with a jump drive). The ability to carry 2 crew and with cargo space makes this currently the premier exploration snub currently announced in Star Citizen.

*While technically not a snub due to the quantum and jump drive, the Pisces is so small it is being listed under this category for this article.

Best Snub Racing Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: Kruger P72 Archimedes

Runner up: Kruger P52-Merlin

Reason: The P-72 Archimedes is currently labelled as having 2 TR3 engines with a mass of just 8,290 kg (18,276 lbs). This makes is currently listed as potentially the fastest snub.

Best Single Seater Starter Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: Tie Mustang Alpha & Aurora MR

Runner up: Origin 100i

Reason: The Mustang Alpha is sleeker and faster and gives an additional $5 when you upgrade but the Aurora MR is a tough ship with better all-round capabilities and a fan favorite. Read our Aurora MR vs Mustang Alpha comparison.

The 100i is a new competitor to the starters but appears to offer less in exchange for style.

Best Single Seater Light Fighter Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: Aegis Gladius

Runner up: Anvil Arrow

Reason: The Gladius is slightly more capable with slightly better armament and dual engines, however, the best of the two will be determined with the new flight model and this category will be updated. Read more about the newly released Anvil Arrow.

Best Single Seater Fighter Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: Aegis Sabre & Super Hornet

Runner up: Drake Buccaneer

Reason: The Aegis Sabre and Super Hornet are currently the top dogfighters money can buy as seen in Arena Commander leader boards. The Drake Buccaneer is a new tough addition that is also quickly making it's way up the rankings.

Best Single Seater Bomber Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: Aegis Eclipse

Runner up: None

Reason: The Eclipse is a powerful single seater dedicated bomber. There is no runner up yet in this category.

Best Single Seater Cargo Hauling Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: MISC Hull B

Runner up: Hull A

Reason: Reason: When it comes to shipping cargo around the verse the Hull series packs the best value albeit at the sacrifice of defense capability.

Best Single Crew Exploration Star Citizen Ship

Winner: Anvil Terrapin

Runner up: Origin 315p

Reason: Designed to be durable enough to penetrate enemy lines and with the scanners required to bring back essential military intel, the Anvil Terrapin is a single crew dedicated explorer.

Best Single Crew Mining Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: Misc Prospector

Runner up: None

At the time of writing the Misc Prospector is the only mining single crew ship available. It might be possible to fit some mining equipment on some of the other ships but the exact specifications are unknown (in development).

Best Single Crew Salvage Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: Drake Vulture

Runner up: None

At the time of writing the Drake Vulture is the only salvage single crew ship available.

Best Single Crew Refining Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: MISC Expanse

Runner up: None

At the time of writing the MISC Expanse is the only refining single crew ship available.

Best Single Crew Racing Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: Origin M50

Reason: The M50 has consistently been the racing ship of choice in Arena Commander for several years.

Best Single Crew Vehicle Transport Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: Nomad

Runner up: None

Reason: The Consolidated Outland Nomad is currently the best single crew vehicle carrier in the game.

Best Single Crew Touring Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: Origin 300i

Runner up: Mustang Beta

Reason: The 300i is a small yet luxurious ship with some cargo room as well as a decent defensive package for it's class. The Mustang Beta is designed to be a single-seater long distance explorer.

Best Single Crew Tug Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: ARGO SRV

Runner up: None

Reason: The ARGO SRV is currently the only Tug / Ship Recovery ship in star Citizen.

Best Single Crew Ship - Winner

Winner: Aegis Avenger Titan

Reason: The Avenger Titan is the cargo variant of the Avenger series and this makes it a quick, powerful and spacious jack-of-all-trades ship. Read more about the Avenger.

Best 2 Crew Starter Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: Cutlass Black

Runner up: Freelancer Dur
Reason: Available at the time of writing, for 2 player crews, the game package options (that come with Star Citizen) are: MISC Reliant Kore, Drake Cutlass Black, Anvil Hornet F7C, MISC Freelancer and RSI Constellation Andromeda. Of these the best value 2 player crew ship would be the Cutlass Black due to its low operational costs and great flexibility. Read more in our Freelancer vs Cutlass article.

Best 2 Crew Fighter Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: Aegis Dynamics Vanguard Warden

Runner up: Anvil F7C-M Super Hornet

Reason: The Vanguard Warden was voted top ship and as a long range fighter the possibilities are endless. The Super Hornet is a powerful fighting ship however, it is a short range / carrier based ship. The Anvil Hurricane should also be considered.

Best 2 Crew Bombing Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: Aegis Vanguard Harbinger

Runner up: Anvil Gladiator Bomber

Reason: The Vanguard Harbinger is an efficient 2 crew bomber offering slightly more than the Gladiator which takes second.

Best 2 Crew Cargo Hauling Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: MISC Hull C

Runner up: MISC Freelancer MAX

Reason: The Hull C is a powerful cargo hauler albeit without much defense. The Freelancer max won’t haul as much cargo but you have a better chance of of survival should things get scary.

Best 2 Crew Exploration Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: Anvil Terrapin

Runner up: Reliant SEN

Reason: The Terrapin is a tough explorer that goes deep into the universe, or enemy territory if you prefer.

Best 2 Crew Mining Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: None

Reason there are currently no dedicated mining ships for an optimally efficient crew of 2.

Best 2 Crew Touring Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: Reliant Kore

Runner up: Origin 85X

The Reliant Kore, while not a dedicated touring ship is currently the best 2 crew ship for touring. It has a beautiful cockpit view for both pilot and copilot and also features some cargo space. The Origin 85X is more luxurious and a true touring ship. However, the lack of cargo space relegates this ship to 2nd in this category. For small area reconnaissance the 85X is probably better.

Best 2 Crew Medical Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: RSI Apollo

Runner up: Cutlass Red

The RSI Apollo is a new addition to the medical profession and offers more medical facilities than the Cutlass Red. The Cutlass Red is more like an ambulance while the Apollo is a small medical clinic.

Best 2 Crew Ship In Star Citizen - Winner

Winner: Cutlass Black

The Cutlass Black is a tried and tested favorite for too many reasons to list here. Pirate or not it is hard to resist the Cutlass Black's appeal as it is perhaps the most versatile ship that Star Citizen might offer.

Best Multi Crew Starter

Winner: Constellation Andromeda

Runner up: Freelancer

Reason: The constellation Andromeda can bring a decent sized crew almost anywhere in the verse and return home safely. A multirole ship that is incredibly versatile and has a decent cargo hold.

Best Multi Crew Combat Ship in Star Citizen

Tie: Aegis Redeemer Gunship & Aegis Retaliator

Reason: The redeemer is a tough combat ship capable of doubling as a drop ship while the Retaliator is a powerful bomber.

Best Multi Crew Bombing Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: Crusader A2 Hercules

Runner up: Aegis Retaliator Bomber

Reason: As of Alpha 3.15 the A2 Hercules introduces ground bombing. While the roles are now slightly different, the A2 can also carry vehicles.

Best Multi Crew Cargo Hauling Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: Misc Hull E

Runner up: Banu Merchantman

Reason: For strictly cargo haulage the Misc Hull E (and D) carry the most but the Banu Merchantman is a sneaky trader that can double as a trading outpost.

Best Multi Crew Mining Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: RSI Orion

Runner up: ARGO Mole

Reason: The Orion is a giant mining platform of a ship. The ARGO Mole (introduced in 2019) is a 4 crew mining vessel.

Best Multi Crew Exploration Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: Carrack

Runner up: MISC Odyssey

Reason: The Carrack is by design an impressive dedicated exploration ship that can hold its own while exploring hostile or dangerous space. The MISC Odyssey, while bigger and more multirole, is better suited at exploring relatively safe space.

Best Multi Crew Repair Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: Anvil Crucible

Runner up: Aegis Vulcan

Reason: The Crucible is a large multi crew dedicated repair ship. The Aegis Vulcan is smaller yet more versatile and designed to introduce players to the repair, refuel and rearm profession.

Best Multi Crew Salvage Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: Aegis Reclaimer

Runner up: Cutlass Black

Reason: The Reclaimer stands tall as a large massive salvage spaceship. The Cutlass Black comes with a tractor beam and can be operated as a rudimentary multi crew salvage ship.

Best Multi Crew Touring Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: Origin 890 Jump

Runner up: Origin 600i RSI Constellation Phoenix

Reason: The 890 Jump represents the most exclusive and luxurious ship in the galaxy. Boasting an exotic range of defensive capabilities, a luxuriously stylish snub fighter (X85) and all the comforts of a luxury yacht this ship can be considered the superyacht of space.

The Runner up has been changed from the RSI Constellation Phoenix to the newly released 600i. The 600i Touring variant offers stunning luxury and capabilities. Read more about the 600i.

Best Multi Crew Support Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: Hercules Starlifter

Runner up: None

Reason: The Starlifter variants offer a variety of large scale support operations.

Best Multi Crew Vehicle Transport Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: Anvil Liberator

Runner up: C2 Hercules

Reason: The Anvil Liberator is an open-air dedicated vehicle carrier.

Best Multi Crew Dropship in Star Citizen

Winner: Anvil Valkyrie

Runner up: Cutlass Steel

Reason: The Valkyrie seems more survivable and offers better crew accommodation.

Best Multi Crew Gunship in Star Citizen

Winner: Aegis Redeemer

Runner up: Constellation Andromeda

Reason: The redeemer is a deadly multicrew gunship as seen in the Jumptown 2.0 carnage.

Best Capital Class Ship in Star Citizen

Winner: Aegis Javelin - Class Destroyer

Runner up: Aegis Idris (P & M)

Reason: The Javelin is the largest and greatest ship that can be bought by players at this time. Also it is the most expensive digital ship ever sold.

Best Capital Class Base Builder

Winner: CNOU Pioneer

Runner up: None

Reason: The Consolidated Outland Pioneer is a dedicated outpost construction and transportation facility. There are no other planned ships for this role at this time.

Best Capital Class Medical

Winner: MISC Endeavor

Runner up: None

Reason: The Endeavor Hope Class is a dedicated medical space hospital capable of providing the most advanced medical treatment.

Best Capital Class Exploration

Winner: MISC Endeavor

Runner up: None

Reason: The Endeavor is a highly versatile capital end-game ship and the exploration configuration with things like the Telescope and detaching exploration module make it a space exploration base of operations.

Best Capital Class Transport

Winner: Drake Kraken

Runner up: None

Reason: Want to transport a fleet across the galaxy? Look no further.

Best Starter Money Making Ship

Winner: Avenger Titan

Runner up: None

Reason: The Avenger Titan offers great versatility compared with other starting ship options. It can perform a wide range of missions in Alpha from combat to cargo. A reliable money maker for beginners.

Best Combat Money Making Ship

Winner: Vanguard Warden

Runner up: None

Reason: The Vanguard Warden is a powerful long distance combat ship with room for cargo mission boxes.

Best Medium Cargo Money Making Ship

Winner: Freelancer Max

Runner up: None

Reason: The Freelancer Max is a currently the medium ship that is capable of generating significant profits via hauling.

Big Money Making

Winner: Drake Caterpillar

Runner up: None

Reason: Able to swiftly transition from space to surface while still carrying a lot of cargo, the Cat is able to haul very profitable loads relatively quickly anywhere in Stanton system in Star Citizen Alpha 3.X. Capable of earning hundreds of thousands of aUEC per run.

Most Popular Ships In Star Citizen

What is the most popular ship in Star Citizen?

RSI has officially revealed some of the player stats from January to October 2019. This category is based on that information. Read the official release here - Playable Now - The Stats

Most Flown Ships in Star Citizen

Winner: RSI Aurora

Runner up: Drake Cutlass Black

Reason: According to the stats released from January to October of 2019 these are the most flown ships.

Ships With Most Kills

Winner: Anvil Arrow

Runner up: Drake Cutlass Black

Reason: According to the stats released by RSI these are the ships with the most kills.

Jumptown 2.0 Stats

Winner: Aegis Redeemer

Runner up: Aegis Gladius

What is the best cargo ship in Star Citizen?

What is the fastest ship in Star Citizen?