Star Citizen Focus Organization

Category: Starter Ships

  • Anvil Pisces Ship Information – C8 & C8X Pisces

    Anvil Pisces Ship Information – C8 & C8X Pisces

    The Anvil Pisces

    The Pisces is a very compact and small ship which is also the “snub” of the Anvil Carrack. There are two variants of this ship the C8 Pisces and the C8X Pisces. This ship offers a swappable interior loadout which results in a high amount of versatility.

    Anvil Pisces C8X

    Anvil Pisces C8 (Snub of the Carrack)

    About The Pisces

    This small and nimble ship makes for a very good away craft. Small enough to fit in almost all hangars and yet spacious enough to be able to carry a pilot, 2 passengers and cargo.

    The two variants of this ship differ in that the C8 is designed to be the snub of the Carrack while the C8X has been enhanced to make it into a capable stand-alone vessel.

    The C8 comes with the Carrack while the C8X is available to purchase also as a starter pack (pending availability).

    Anvil Pisces C8X

    The C8X Pisces is the Exploration variant of the C8 Pisces. The C8X has 4 weapon hardpoints while the C8 only has 2 weapon hardpoints.

    Anvil Pisces C8X Quick Facts

    Original Sale DateNovember 2019
    Concept Sale Price$45
    Max Crew3
    Length12m
    RoleExploration
    Cargo Capacity4 SCU
    Official PageAnvil C8X Pisces

    Anvil Pisces C8

    The C8 Pisces is the standard version of the Anvil Pisces. It features 2 weapon hardpoints instead of the 4 weapon hardpoints of the C8X version.

    Anvil Pisces C8 Quick Facts

    Original Sale DateNovember 2019
    Concept Sale PriceN/A (Comes with the Carrack)
    Max Crew3
    Length12m
    RoleExploration
    Cargo Capacity4 SCU
    Official PageAnvil C8 Pisces

    Anvil Pisces Cargo Capacity

    Ships with less dedicated cargo space than the Anvil Pisces:

    • Origin 315P 2 SCU
    • Reliant SEN 2 SCU
    • Aurora MR 3 SCU

    Ships with the same cargo space than the Anvil Pisces:

    • Mustang Alpha 4 SCU
    • Reliant Kore 4 SCU

    Ships with more dedicated cargo space than the Anvil Pisces:

    • Aurora CL 6 SCU
    • Origin 135C 6 SCU
    • Avenger Titan 8 SCU

    Pisces C8 & C8X Questions & Answers

    These questions and answers are speculative and could vary from official sources. Always double check the information.

    Is The Pisces A Good Starter Ship?

    The Anvil Pisces makes for a great choice as a starter pack. While offering similar capabilities to the Aurora or Mustang it also offers seats for 2 additional crew. Its tiny silhouette also makes the ship very useful.

    Does The Pisces Have Scanners?

    The Anvil Pisces is capable of scanning using an upgradable radar and scanner. The standard radar and scanning suite, however, cannot scan for special types such as mining deposits. It is possible that in the future all scanners will be able to have some capability to detect various types of objects. This is to be determined.

    Can The Pisces Scan For Mineable Rocks Or Other Deposits?

    While the standard scanning and radar equipment will probably not be able to it should be possible to upgrade to other scanners that are suited for different scanning roles.  Additionally, it is possible that all scanners could eventually be able to detect most things albeit at nearer distance.

    Can The Pisces Equip A Jump Drive?

    Yes. The Pisces is designed to explore before the Carrack and therefore can jump. The Pisces comes standard with only a quantum drive (like other small ships) and therefore will need to add the Jump Drive Module attachment.

    Can The Pisces Be Refueled Form The Carrack?

    Yes. The Carrack (and other ships with dedicated hangars) can refuel ships in the hangar from their own supplies.

     

    Both Hydrogen and Quantum fuel can be refueled by the Pisces this way while in the Carrack hangar.

    Does The Pisces Have A Life Support System Inside?

    Yes.

    Is The C8X Pisces Starter Pack Worth It?

    The C8X Pisces starter pack is priced significantly higher than the Aurora MR or Mustang Alpha starter packs. However, the ship does offer decent specs as well as the option to seat two additional crew. Combined with the very compact size the C8X Pisces is a good starter ship option.

    How Tough Is The Pisces?

    The Pisces is designed to explore sometimes hostile areas and therefore is tough for its size. However, this doesn’t mean it can be considered a very tough ship.

    Can the Anvil Pisces Float On Water?

    It is not currently estimated that the Pisces will float due its construction.

    Who Is The Pisces For?

    The Pisces is for explorers who either need a snub / away craft for their larger exploration ship (such as a Carrack or 890 Jump). The Starter version of the Pisces, the C8X is also a capable ship in its own right, able to explore with a lot of agility due to it’s high speed and small size.

  • Avenger – Aegis Avenger Ship Information

    Avenger – Aegis Avenger Ship Information

    The Aegis Avenger

    The Avenger series from Aegis Dynamics is a versatile small ship for militia, policing and bounty hunting operations. It is one of the earliest introduced ships in Star Citizen. Currently the Avenger is available in three variants:

    Avenger Warlock Video

    About The Avenger

    Considered a better starter ship than the Aurora or Mustang, the Aegis Avenger is capable of combat and also offers some “modularity”.

    The Avenger offers a decent weapons loadout as well as enough interior space to make it very versatile depending on the variant.

    Originally introduced June 28th 2013. View the Introduction Here

    Aegis Avenger Stalker

    The Avenger Stalker was originally the base avenger model before the modules were announced. The Stalker is an entry level patrol or bounty hunting ship capable of combat and also comes equipped with prisoner cells at the expense of cargo.

    Aegis Avenger Stalker Quick Facts

    Original Sale DateJune 2013
    Concept Sale Price$60
    Max Crew1
    Length22.5m
    RolePolice / Bounty Hunting
    Cargo Capacity0 SCU
    Official PageAegis Avenger Stalker

    Aegis Avenger Titan

    The Avenger Titan makes for a nice starting ship upgrade from the Aurora MR or Mustang Alpha. This ship is small and maneuverable enough for combat while at the same time being able to carry some cargo.

    Aegis Avenger Titan Quick Facts

    Original Sale DateDecember 2015
    Concept Sale Price$50
    Max Crew1
    Length22.5m
    RoleLight Freight
    Cargo Capacity8 SCU
    Official PageAegis Avenger Titan

    Aegis Avenger Titan Cargo Capacity

    Ships with less dedicated cargo space than the Aegis Avenger Titan:

    • Origin 100i 2 SCU
    • Origin 300i 2 SCU
    • Mustang Alpha 4 SCU
    • Reliant Kore 4 SCU
    • Aurora CL 6 SCU
    • Origin 135c 6 SCU

     

    Ships with more dedicated cargo space than the Aegis Avenger Titan:

    • Drake Vulture 12 SCU
    • Aegis Vulcan 12 SCU
    • Drake Cutlass Red 16 SCU
    • Origin 600i Touring 16 SCU
    • Drake Cutlass Blue 25 SCU
    • RSI Apollo 28 SCU
    • Anvil Valkyrie 30 SCU
    • Origin 600i Explorer 40 SCU
    • Drake Cutlass Black 46 SCU
    • MISC Hull A 64 SCU
    • MISC Freelancer 66 SCU
    • Drake Corsair 72 SCU
    • Crusader Mercury Star Runner 96 SCU
    • MISC Freelancer MAX 122 SCU
    • Anvil Crucible 230 SCU
    • Crusader A2 Hercules 234 SCU
    • MISC HULL B 384 SCU
    • Anvil Carrack 456 SCU
    • Crusader M2 Hercules 468 SCU
    • Drake Caterpillar 564 SCU
    • Crusader C2 Hercules 624 SCU
    • Banu Merchantman 3584 SCU
    • MISC Hull C 4806 SCU

    Aegis Avenger Titan Renegade

    The Avenger Titan Renegade is a variant of the Avenger Titan with custom livery and more powerful weapons loadout.

    Aegis Avenger Titan Renegade Quick Facts

    Original Sale DateNovember 2016
    Concept Sale Price$75
    Max Crew1
    Length22.5m
    RoleLight Freight
    Cargo Capacity8 SCU
    Official PageAegis Avenger Titan Renegade

    Aegis Avenger Warlock

    The Warlock is the EMP variant for disabling ships without destroying them.

    Aegis Avenger Warlock Quick Facts

    Original Sale DateDecember 2015
    Concept Sale Price$85
    Max Crew1
    Length22.5m
    RoleCombat
    Cargo Capacity0 SCU
    Official PageAegis Avenger Warlock

    Avenger Questions & Answers

    Is the Avenger the best starter ship?

    The Avenger Titan variant offers very similar capabilities as the Aurora MR or Mustang Alpha but features more cargo space as well as a walk-in cargo area. This makes the Avenger an extremely popular starting option as well as a small very versatile ship.

    How versatile is the Avenger?

    The Avenger variants are quite specialized in their roles and therefore each one is not particularly versatile. The Avenger Titan is a bit more of a jack of all trades ship but incapable of special equipment (like tractor beams). The Avenger therefore is not as much of a jack of all trades ships as the Cutlass Black.

    What Vehicles Fit In The Avenger Titan?

    The Avenger Titan fits small vehicles like the Greycat Buggy or the Drake Dragonfly.

  • Mustang Alpha VS Aurora MR – Which One Should I Buy?

    Mustang Alpha VS Aurora MR – Which One Should I Buy?

    Updated: 20 November 2023

    VS

    Need to know what starter package is better between the Aurora MR and the Mustang Alpha? Currently the most affordable options for combo packages (that come with both Star Citizen and Squadron 42) are the Aurora MR and the Mustang Alpha. While the ship packages are identically priced there are many differences between the ships themselves. This article will help you decide which ship suits your game style and objectives best.

    Engines & Speed

    Primary Engines The Aurora MR has one size Small main thruster while the Mustang Alpha can have two main thrusters of the same size. This makes the Mustang Alpha a theoretically faster and also more agile ship. Winner: Mustang Alpha

    Power Plant

    Power in Star Citizen provides energy to systems such as shields and weapons. There is no significant difference between the power ability of both ships as they both feature size 1 power plants. Winner: Draw

    Weapons

    Ship weapons are an important part of the game. The universe can be very perilous and having bigger guns helps. The Aurora MR comes with 4 size 1 fixed weapon mounts while the Mustang Alpha comes with 2x size 1 weapons but also with an unmanned turret which comes with 2x size 2 weapons for a total of 4 weapons (Two size 2 and two size 1).  Winner: Mustang Alpha. (Please note this information has changed during Star Citizen Alpha and could change again).

    Missiles

    The Aurora MR comes with a pylon mount size 2 for missiles while the Mustang Alpha has no missile mounts. This gives the Aurora MR the ability to carry 1x size 2 missile or 2x size 1 missiles. Winner: Aurora MR

    Shields

    Shields are also extremely important and both ships have size 1 shield generators. Winner: Draw

    Armor

    The Aurora MR is tanky and sacrifices speed and maneuverability for stronger armor. The stylish Mustang Alpha is built with “ultralight alloys” and therefore sacrifices armor for additional speed and maneuverability. Winner: Aurora MR

    Cargo

    Are you planning on being a space trader?  Both the Aurora MR and the Mustang Alpha hold small amounts of cargo.

    The Aurora MR can carry 3 Standard Cargo Units (SCU) of cargo while the Mustang Alpha can carry 4 SCU.

    The Mustang Alpha can carry mission boxes in the 4  SCU cargo compartment located on the belly of the ship which can be accessed via a button at the rear. This means the Mustang Alpha is better with cargo.

    Winner: Mustang Alpha

    Jump Drive

    Both the Mustang Alpha and the Aurora MR come equipped with Quantum drives as standard. Additionally it was mentioned that neither the Alpha nor the Aurora MR would come with Jump drives. Quantum drives can be turned into Jump drives but not all Quantum drives are jump capable. At some point on the RSI website the Aurora MR and Mustang Alpha specifications changed to show that both ships have a Small size jump drive installed. While this seems to be in flux what seems clear is that both ships will either come with or without a jump drive as standard but both will be able to upgrade their quantum drives if they don’t already have the Jump Drive installed. Winner: Draw

    Bed

    Ship beds in Star Citizen serve as log out locations allowing the player to log out in the ship instead of having to return to a space station or other habitable location. This means the Aurora MR has a significant advantage allowing players to log out in remote locations. Winner: Aurora MR

    Conclusion: What Starter Ship Is Better Aurora MR vs Mustang Alpha?

    If we tally the above we get:

    • Engines & Speed: Mustang Alpha
    • Power Plant: Draw
    • Weapons: Mustang Alpha
    • Missiles: Aurora MR
    • Armor: Aurora MR
    • Cargo: Mustang Alpha
    • Jump Drive: Draw
    • Bed: Aurora MR

    There’s very little difference between these two ships on paper. If you want a fast ship to dart around the verse then the Mustang Alpha is a better choice. If you want something slower but with the option for a bed  logout and a bit more capable of defending itself then the Aurora MR is your ship. Both the Aurora MR package and the Mustang Alpha package come with starting in game currency of 1000 UEC. (You can get an extra 5000 UEC by using a referral code).

    Aurora Commercial

    New Mustang Commercial

    Other game packages above the Starter Ships start from about $60* for the Anvil C8X Pisces and come with Star Citizen but not Squadron 42 (unless during promotions and special “sales” events).

    Some other options include:

    Anvil C8X Pisces Starter Pack $60
    Origin 100i Package $65*
    Avenger Tiitan Package $75*
    Cutlass Black: $125*
    Hornet F7C: $125*
    Freelancer: $125*
    Constellation Andromeda: $275*

    *prices do not include VAT and are taken at the time of writing this article.

    Please note that purchasing a game package with a ship more expensive than the Starter packages does not make a better gaming experience. The game is intended to be played by starting from the “starter” ships and working your way up (a la GTA).

    Bonus Content : Cockpit View

    The Mustang Alpha is one of the ships with the best cockpit view. The Aurora MR, on the other hand, has some strutts in the cockpit that nerf the view somewhat. Click on the image below to enlarge. Winner: Mustang Alpha

    Questions & Answers About The Aurora MR & Mustang Alpha

    Which Starter Package Is Better – Aurora MR or Mustang Alpha?

    For new players about to start on the Star Citizen Alpha journey, the Aurora MR game Package is currently a better option than the Mustang Alpha. This is because the Aurora MR can do delivery box missions, has a bed for logging out, and can carry more than one person.

     

    Are The Aurora MR and Mustang Alpha Good At Making Money (aUEC)?

    Both ships are capable of earning money in Star Citizen in various ways. These short range ships are enough to get you started on your journey among the stars.

    Further reading: Making money easily for beginners

    Can the Aurora MR and Mustang Alpha Make Money Via Cargo Running?

    The Aurora MR features a cargo capacity of 3 SCU while the Mustang Alpha features a cargo capacity of 4 SCU. Via illicit cargo runs (currently the most profitable) sometimes it is possible to generate several thousand aUEC via optimal cargo runs.

    This means that the Mustang Alpha is capable of earning 33% more per cargo run than the Aurora MR.

    Even so this still means that the earning curve is quite steep with the Aurora MR and a third less steep with the Mustang Alpha. Players looking to start with Cargo Running should consider ships with significantly more cargo capacity such as the Avenger Titan or Cutlass Black. Especially if the goal is to quickly progress in economic potential.

    Is It Viable To Buy Other Ships In Game With The Aurora Mr or Mustang Alpha?

    At this time, with player balances being wiped every 3 months or less, it is not possible to earn bigger ships by purchasing them in game unless players spend many hours per week grinding. This makes these ships difficult to start with if the goal is to earn other ships in game quickly. This seems to be the intended progression so players buying the cheapest starter packs need to be aware that it is the steepest starting option in terms of progression.

     

    Renting Ships In Star Citizen Alpha

    Certain ships in Star Citizen can be rented for 1, 3, 7 and 30 days. Rented ships cannot be customized. See the Alpha PTU 3.8.1c patch notes.

    Is It Possible To Upgrade The Aurora MR or Mustang Alpha To Other Ships In Game? (Star Citizen Alpha)

    At this time it is not possible to upgrade a ship in game to another ship. Eventually players will be able to trade in their ships and purchase other ships but during early alpha this is not currently in the game yet. This means that players starting with the Mustang Alpha or Aurora MR need to currently purchase new ships outright in game which means that during Star Citizen Alpha players starting with these two ships need to buy new ships in game instead of trading in their current ship. The cost for doing this is quite prohibitive and therefore the answer to this question is no for all but the most dedicated (in terms of grind) of players.

    Again, during Star Citizen Alpha it is far cheaper to rent ships. Rented ships can be customized and the customizations persist throughout the duration of the rental.

    Who Should Buy The Aurora MR or Mustang Alpha Stater Packs?

    These packs are ideal for players wishing to:

    • Spend the least to start playtesting the Star Citizen Alpha
    • Plan to play few hours every 3 month patch season
    • Can rely on their org / friends to use more expensive ships
    • Prefer to play with the basic starter ships as a form of “hard mode”
    • Happy to wait for development until late Beta or final release and don’t plan to play frequently during Star Citizen Alpha

     

    More serious players who plan to spend many hours during Star Citizen Alpha should look to start with more expensive ships such as the Avenger Titan or Cutlass Black – ships capable of earning more money and having a higher chance of mission completion.

     

     

    Bonus Content

    If you haven’t created an account yet please visit our information about the Refferal Code first for information about getting 5000 free UEC in game currency when you purchase Star Citizen. Also you can read more information from us about getting started and creating a star citizen account here.