This guide will also target ships that are somewhat reasonably priced for what they bring to the table, with a few new releases among some classics that provide the essential Star Citizen experience. Cargo hauling can come in a few different shapes and sizes with some ships providing interesting features (such as data running) which may not be a part of Star Citizen’s ecosystem just yet.
Drake Corsair
The Drake Corsair is one of the newest ships in Star Citizen with its release back on the 18th November. Although the Drake is specialized as an exploration ship, it’s versatility also makes it a great option for those wanting to partake in the cargo hauling gameplay loop.
With a unique design, the Corsair has quickly become one of the communities favorite ships for multi-crew exploration. Although it may not have the largest storage with only 72 SCU, it’s maneuverability and weapon arsenal make it a great option for more risky missions where enemy players may be trying to bring the ship down and steal the precious loot.
For those looking to maximize profits, the Corsair may not be the best option, but if players are looking for a “jack-of-all-trades” giving them more versatility in Star Citizen, the Corsair can easily facilitate their needs.
Mercury Star Runner
If players are a fan of Star Wars - and are looking for the Millennium Falcon equivalent in Star Citizen - the Mercury Star Runner is the ship to do it. With secret passageways throughout the whole ship and hidden stash spots, the MSR can sneak illegal cargo past any scan from security ships, preventing you from ending up in prison.
The MSR also features Data Storage Computers allowing players to partake in a new gameplay loop that doesn’t yet feature in the game. However, once this is in Star Citizen it will become an integral part of this ship, only adding value and giving players more options for income streams. With a cargo space of 114 SCU it can easily carry more than the Corsair, but again will not let players maximize profits in hauling cargo.
This ships unique features alongside its ability to be a home away from home puts it in a unique place among the roster of cargo ships. Players can also use the rear ramp to store land vehicles such as the HoverQuad internally, again increasing its versatility.
MISC Starfarer
As one of the earlier ships in Star Citizens development, this gigantic titan of a ship can carry a unique cargo in the form of fuel and has a mobile refinery to allow for fully independent travel among the Stanton System. As the Starfarer features fuel collection, refining, storage and distribution all on board, the player will never have to land at a city or space station to restore other player’s fuel or their own.
When the next Star System, Pyro, is introduced the Starfarer will likely see a lot more usage. This is due to its more “frontier” feel where players fo not have to obey the laws of the Stanton System. This alone will make it harder for players to safely refuel at different locations, meaning they will rely more on the Starfarer for refueling and restocking supplies. As the launch of 4.0 gets closer, the Starfarer will likely become a more common sighting.
Currently, the Starfarer can carry up to 291 SCU of cargo putting it at the top end of the other ships in this class. However, players will find much more use for the Starfarer in refueling and refining fuel, rather than picking up cargo from locations around the system.
If players are interested in the gameplay loops available here, the Starfarer can bring a new and fresh feel to the game, however, if players are still looking to maximize cargo space and profit there is another ship they need to look toward.
Crusader C2 Hercules Starlifter
The Starlifter C2 was introduced back in 2021 (fairly late in Star Citizen’s development) and is easily the best option for players looking to maximize cargo space and profits with this side of Star Citizen. With 696 SCU of Cargo the C2 easily outclasses any other ship in this class (currently available in the game as of 3.18). With space in the lower for additional large vehicles such as the Nova, Ballista or the Spartan, the C2 brings a good amount of versatility for larger crews looking to take on the galaxy. With both a forward and rear ramp these vehicles can easily be loaded on and off without much hassle.
Amazingly, this massive behemoth of a ship can be crewed by a single individual, making it a great option for players taking on the system alone. At $400, this is one of the more expensive ships in the game, however, the potential profits players can make in-game has become a huge factor for those using this ship.
For those looking for a slightly cheaper option, the Caterpillar from Drake can give players easy access to these large profits as well. It’s modularity also put the Caterpillar in a unique position giving it lots of customizable components for players to change. However, for those who can afford it, the C2 is definitely a better option as it is also faster giving players the ability to deliver their cargo much faster.
Star Citizen is now available on PC.
More: Star Citizen Breaks Multiple Crowdfunding Records
