Bethesda’s space‑faring RPG Starfield gives players unprecedented freedom to explore the Settled Systems, but your experience hinges on the quality of your starship. Whether you’re smuggling contraband, hauling ore between outposts or dogfighting with pirates, the right vessel can make all the difference.
This long‑form guide ranks the Starfield best ships across combat, cargo, speed, customization and exploration categories. You’ll find detailed stats, where to acquire each ship, their strengths and weaknesses, and upgrade tips so you can tweak them into formidable space homes.
We’ve also added insights on custom builds, ship modules and essential upgrades. By the end, you’ll know exactly which craft deserve a place in your fleet.
Why your ship matters
Your starship in Starfield isn’t just a mode of transportation—it’s a mobile base. It houses your crew, protects you from hostile factions, stores your haul and acts as your home between planets. GamesRadar notes that ship stats range from damage (lasers, ballistics, missiles) to hull durability, shields, reactor power, cargo capacity, fuel, jump range, mobility, top speed and mass. Upgrading modules affects these stats: adding engines improves speed and agility, while extra cargo modules increase your haul but add mass. Finding the right balance for your playstyle is essential. Below we cover both pre‑made ships and custom builds, highlight what makes each vessel stand out, and explain how you can enhance them further through modifications.
How to acquire and upgrade ships
Before diving into the rankings, it’s useful to understand how ships are acquired and modified. The basics:
Buy, earn or steal – Ships can be purchased from vendors, earned through faction or side‑quest rewards, or captured from enemies. Expensive craft often require substantial credits, while free ships like the Razorleaf or Kepler R demand completion of side quests.
Ship classes – Ships are classified A, B or C. Class A ships can be piloted immediately but have limited power. Class B and C require Piloting skill investments; class C craft offer the most power and capacity but are more expensive and heavy.
Upgrade via technicians – GamesRadar explains that you cannot build a ship from scratch; instead, visit a ship technician at a spaceport to enter the ship builder. Technicians let you upgrade existing modules or attach new ones. Everything from engines and grav drives to cargo holds and weapon mounts. Modules must connect at specific attachment points, and your reactor’s power level and Starship Design skill determine which parts you can equip.
Balance power and mass – Adding modules increases mass, reducing mobility and jump range. Upgraded reactors provide more energy for weapons, shields and engines, and you can redistribute power on the fly between systems like weapons, shields and grav drive. Always watch hull and shield values when outfitting new components.
With those mechanics in mind, let’s explore the Starfield best ships across different categories
Best early‑game/free ships
These vessels are attainable early and offer strong performance without costing credits—perfect for new captains or players looking for budget options.
Razorleaf – secret Mantis reward
How to get it: The Razorleaf is unlocked by completing the “Mantis” side quest. A note titled “Secret Outpost!” triggers the quest and leads you to a secret base. Finishing it rewards legendary armor and this sleek class‑A ship.
Stats: According to the VideoGamer guide, the Razorleaf has 140 fuel, 46 hull, 420 kg cargo (160 kg shielded), crew capacity of 2, jump range of 30 light‑years and shield strength of 468. The shielded cargo bay makes it ideal for smuggling contraband. StarfieldDB adds that its reactor is level 18 and it has decent laser and ballistic weapons.
Why it stands out: The Razorleaf is widely recommended as the best early free ship because of its shielded cargo hold—an essential feature for smuggling stolen or illegal goods. Polygon highlights that the Razorleaf’s cargo capacity is lower than the starter ship Frontier’s 495, but its fuel reserves and hull protection are far superior. This makes it a stealthy, agile vessel for stealth or hit‑and‑run playstyles.
Upgrade tips: Upgrade the grav drive and add cargo modules to increase range and storage. Because its shield and hull are low, consider installing a stronger shield generator and additional turrets. StarfieldDB suggests installing extra shield generators and a better reactor to compensate for its modest power.
Star Eagle – faction reward with heavy firepower
How to get it: Earn the Star Eagle by completing the Freestar Rangers faction questline. You start this by helping the sheriff outside GalBank in Akila City and eventually proving yourself as a Ranger. The reward ship evokes an X‑Wing aesthetic and is perfect for players who want a starfighter.
Stats: VideoGamer lists the Star Eagle as class A with 140 fuel, 948 hull, 2,500 cargo, crew capacity 5, 16 LY jump range and 760 shield. StarfieldDB notes its reactor power of 29 and balanced laser, ballistic and missile weapons.
Strengths and weaknesses: The Star Eagle is a terrific all‑rounder early ship. It boasts high hull durability and cargo while offering an electromagnet weapon to disable enemy ships without destroying them. However, its jump range is short; you’ll need to upgrade the grav drive or install additional fuel tanks for long‑distance trips.
Upgrade tips: Install a larger grav drive and extra cargo modules to offset the limited jump range. Equip better lasers and ballistics; the Balanced design means you can add turrets or swap out default weapons for kinetic cannons. With five crew slots, you can bring companions like Sarah Morgan or Sam Coe to boost combat performance.
Wanderwell – family gift (class A)
How to get it: If you selected the Kid Stuff trait during character creation, your parents are alive in the game. After visiting them periodically and sending credits home, your father will surprise you with the Wanderwell ship.
Stats: Polygon reports that the Wanderwell has 880 cargo space, two weapon mounts and an impressive 27 LY jump range. It lacks shielded cargo but comes free.
Why it’s useful: As a minivan‑style vessel, the Wanderwell isn’t exciting but offers decent cargo and range. Its free cost makes it a solid upgrade over the starter Frontier. Consider storing it as a backup or using it as a cargo hauler until you unlock something better.
Upgrade suggestions: Add a third weapon mount, upgrade the reactor to increase power for additional engines and weapons, and slot in extra cargo holds. Since the hull and shields are modest, upgrade these components if you plan to take on tougher pirates.
Kepler R – the best free end‑game ship
How to get it: This large class‑C ship is obtained by completing the “Overdesigned” side quest given by Walter Stroud after the mission “Starborn.” Polygon explains that you must affirm all of the R&D staffers’ ideas during the quest to secure the high‑budget design.
Stats: If you succeed, you earn a Kepler R with six crew slots, 28 LY jump range, 805 shield power and 3,500 cargo capacity. Legacy Gaming’s guide notes that the base Kepler R can sustain six crew, hold 3,550 cargo, jump 30 LY and has a beefy 805 shield.
Why it stands out: For a free ship, the Kepler R is monstrous. Its hull and shields rival expensive class‑C craft, it has a cavernous cargo hold and good weapons. The only downside is its appearance (it resembles a shipping container), but aesthetics matter little when you’re hauling half the galaxy’s minerals.
Upgrade tips: You’ll need Rank 4 Piloting to fly class‑C vessels, so invest in that skill before attempting the quest. Add more engines for greater mobility, reinforce the hull with stronger plates and install turrets if you want to turn it into a battlecruiser.
Best combat ships – dogfighting and battles
If you relish space combat, consider craft that deliver high damage and survivability. These vessels excel at dogfights and taking down pirate fleets.
Abyss Trekker – top combat choice
How to get it: Buy the Abyss Trekker from the Ship Services Technician in Paradiso for about 347,230 credits.
Stats: VideoGamer lists it with 950 fuel, 1,031 hull, 340 cargo, six crew slots, 28 LY jump range and 850 shield. Polygon highlights that the ship’s 100 missile damage and 170 ballistic damage make it a fearsome fighter.
Strengths: As a class‑C combat ship, the Abyss Trekker is built for dogfights. Its high missile and ballistic firepower let you quickly deplete enemy shields and hull. The 950 fuel capacity supports long pursuits, and its strong shield and hull ensure you can take hits.
Weaknesses: The cargo hold is tiny at 340, so this vessel isn’t suited for hauling resources. You’ll also need Piloting Rank 4 and deep pockets to buy and maintain it.
Upgrade tips: Upgrade the laser weapons or add particle beam cannons for additional damage types. Install another engine to improve maneuverability and consider mounting turret weapons that auto‑aim at foes. With six crew slots, hire crew members like bombardiers or engineers to boost your DPS and repair speed.
Shieldbreaker – balanced fighter (class B)
How to get it: The Shieldbreaker is sold by the Ship Services Technician in New Atlantis for about 265,443 credits. Game8 confirms that the ship is available at level 1 but requires Piloting Rank 3 because it uses a class‑B reactor.
Stats: According to Game8’s stat overview, the Shieldbreaker has 550 fuel, 940 hull, 2,280 cargo capacity, crew capacity 5, 25 LY jump range and 610 shield. It mounts lasers (24 damage), ballistics (30) and missiles (58).
Strengths: This ship lives up to its name: its weapons excel at breaking enemy shields. It also offers generous cargo capacity for a combat‑oriented craft. Polygon notes that its five crew slots and laser system that automatically targets enemy ships make it versatile for both hauling and fighting.
Weaknesses: It lacks shielded cargo, so smuggling is off the table. Its jump range is moderate compared to other class‑B ships, requiring additional fuel or grav drive upgrades for long trips.
Upgrade tips: Install a stronger reactor or grav drive to push jump range beyond 30 LY. Swap the ballistic cannons for particle beam weapons if you want more hull‑penetrating damage. Add a second shield generator or reinforce hull plating for better survivability.
Stronghold – the tank
How to get it: Purchase from the Akila City spaceport. The price is high (around 275,000–300,000 credits), but the vessel is a mid‑game heavy lifter.
Stats: VideoGamer lists the Stronghold as class C with 2,200 fuel, 1,047 hull, 2,360 cargo capacity, crew capacity six, 30 LY jump range and an impressive 1,600 shield. TheGamer calls it a “space tank” because of its heavy shields and thick armor.
Strengths: With the highest shield rating of any ship on our list, the Stronghold is a fortress in space. Its large fuel tank and jump range make it reliable for long journeys, while its cargo capacity offers plenty of space for loot.
Weaknesses: The Stronghold is expensive and heavy; its mass reduces mobility and speed. You’ll need to invest in engines and thrusters to avoid feeling sluggish.
Upgrade tips: Add additional engines or thrusters to improve maneuverability. Replace some cargo modules with shielded cargo if you need to smuggle. Consider installing long‑range ballistic cannons or turrets to make the most of its high reactor power and crew capacity.
Best cargo ships – haulers for traders and miners
When you’re running multiple outposts or trading across the galaxy, cargo capacity is king. These ships provide huge holds for resources and contraband.
Silent Runner – ultimate hauler
How to get it: Buy from the HopeTech HQ in Hopetown (Valo system) for around 390,150 credits. DualShockers details the process: travel to Hopetown on Polvo, enter the main building and talk to Anya to purchase it.
Stats: The Silent Runner is a class‑C ship with 34 energy points, crew capacity 5, 29 LY jump range and 6,060 cargo capacity. It has 1,164 hull, 300 fuel and strong shields. VideoGamer confirms similar numbers, noting that the Silent Runner focuses on cargo with a 6,060‑unit hold, 300 fuel and 29 LY range.
Strengths: This is the largest pre‑built cargo ship in the game. If you want to play space trucker, nothing beats the Silent Runner’s cargo hold. Polygon adds that it has enough hull (1,164) and shield strength to survive pirate attacks. DualShockers notes that you need maxed Piloting to fly it.
Weaknesses: The Silent Runner is slow and not built for combat. Without major weapon upgrades it struggles in dogfights; you’ll often rely on outrunning enemies.
Upgrade tips: Add turret weapons and additional shield generators to help deter pirates. Use the huge cargo hold as a mobile base by installing crafting and research habs. A second grav drive can extend its jump range to 30 LY or more.
Vanquisher – cargo & missiles combo
How to get it: Purchase from the Stroud‑Eklund showroom in Neon for about 335,655 credits.
Stats: Polygon states that the Vanquisher is a class‑C ship with 4,120 cargo, 1,100 fuel, 908 hull and 730 shield. Its missiles inflict 149 damage, making it a formidable hauler that can fight back.
Strengths: A good compromise between cargo and combat. With over 4 K cargo space and decent missiles, the Vanquisher can haul resources while handling occasional dogfights. Its 1,100 fuel supply means fewer stops.
Weaknesses: Its laser and ballistic weapons are underwhelming. The ship is also quite large, which may restrict landing on smaller outposts or terrain.
Upgrade tips: Swap the default lasers for better particle beams, install extra shield generators and replace some cargo modules with shielded cargo if you need to smuggle. Add thrusters to improve mobility.
Star Eagle (again) – flexible cargo and combat
We mentioned the Star Eagle above as a faction reward. Its 2,500 cargo capacity and strong hull make it an excellent mid‑game hauler that can still dogfight. With upgrades to its grav drive and cargo modules, it can rival the Vanquisher while remaining free.
Best exploration and speed ships
Exploration in Starfield requires long jump ranges, abundant fuel and decent mobility. These ships let you blaze across star systems and discover new worlds quickly.
Narwhal – expensive all‑rounder
How to get it: Buy the Narwhal from Taiyo Astroneering at Ryujin Industries HQ in Neon. StarfieldDB notes that you must take the elevator to Taiyo and speak to salesperson Veronica Young. The price is high—about 450,000 credits—so invest in the Commerce skill to lower it.
Stats: StarfieldDB lists the Narwhal as a class‑C ship with 2,118 hull, 995 shield, 30 LY jump range, reactor power 36 and 1,760 cargo capacity. It supports seven crew and has strong ballistic (131) and missile (90) weapon strengths. Polygon adds that it carries 560 fuelpolygon.com.
Strengths: The Narwhal is arguably the best all‑round ship in Starfield. It offers high hull, shield and weapon stats, balanced cargo and a 30 LY range, allowing long-distance exploration. If you can only own one ship, this is the one. Its seven crew slots make it ideal for carrying multiple companions.
Weaknesses: Extremely expensive; few players can afford it early. It lacks shielded cargo and is heavy, affecting speed. Acquiring it may require investing in the Commerce skill and saving for a long time.
Upgrade tips: Install a second grav drive for faster charging, upgrade the shield generator to surpass 1,200 points and add particle beam weapons for extra damage types. Swap some cargo modules for hab modules to house crafting stations, making it a mobile base.
Vanquisher – high jump range & missiles
Covered in the cargo section, the Vanquisher’s 1,100 fuel and 4,120 cargo make it a long‑range explorer. With upgrades to its grav drive and engines, it can become a robust exploration ship.
Starborn Guardian – New Game Plus bonus
How to get it: After finishing the main story and starting New Game Plus, players receive the Starborn Guardian for free.
Stats: Polygon describes it as a class‑A ship with a 30 LY jump range, unique Solar Flare Beam and Gravity Torpedo weapons, 950 cargo capacity and 649 hull. Each New Game Plus cycle upgrades the ship further.
Strengths: The Starborn Guardian is one of the fastest pre‑built ships and features exotic weapons you cannot build. It’s free and grows stronger with each universe cycle, making it perfect for repeated playthroughs.
Weaknesses: The hull and cargo are modest compared to class‑C ships. You cannot modify or build this ship in the ship builder; its design is fixed.
Upgrade tips: Upgrades happen automatically each cycle, so focus on leveling your Piloting skill and prepping for New Game Plus. Use this ship for story missions, then switch to a cargo vessel when resource hauling.
Custom-built speedsters
If pre‑made ships aren’t fast enough, try constructing a custom speedster. Start with a lightweight class‑A frame like the Wanderwell or Frontier and strip unnecessary modules. Add multiple engines and the best grav drive you can afford (e.g., R-3000 Alpha Grav Drive). Keep mass under 2,000 to maximize mobility. Remember to maintain at least one reactor, grav drive, shield and cockpit module; without them the ship won’t pass the flight check. Balance power by installing a high‑power reactor to feed the engines while leaving enough energy for shields. Consider leaving out cargo modules and focusing on speed if you only use this ship for scanning planets and jumping between star systems.
Customization and upgrade guide
The ship builder can be intimidating, but mastering it lets you transform any ship into a personal masterpiece. Here are essential tips drawn from GamesRadar, GameSpot and other sources:
Accessing the ship builder
Talk to a ship technician at any major spaceport (e.g., New Atlantis, Cydonia, Akila City, Neon). Select “I’d like to view and modify my ships” to open the ship menu. You can then choose to upgrade modules directly (which only lets you swap out components from the same manufacturer) or enter the free‑form ship builder to add and move modules.
Essential modules and their roles
Cockpits – Provide crew stations and cargo access. Some cockpits support more crew slots and cargo than others. Upgrade to a cockpit with more crew stations if you plan to hire companions.
Engines – Increase top speed and mobility. Installing multiple engines requires enough reactor power to feed themgamesradar.com. Use high‑thrust engines for heavier class‑C ships.
Grav Drives – Determine jump range and charge speed. Higher tier drives allow longer jumps. Keep at least one installed, and upgrade to improve exploration and escape.
Reactor – Supplies energy to all systems. Better reactors unlock more powerful modules and allow more weapon systems.
Shield Generators – Absorb damage before hull points deplete. Always upgrade to match your ship’s class; heavy ships need strong shields. GameSpot warns that you can only have one shield generator installed at a time, so choose wisely.
Weapons – Up to three weapon group types (laser, ballistic, missile). You cannot have more than three weapon models on one ship. Combine different types to handle shields and hull; lasers chew through shields, ballistics damage hulls and missiles deal high burst damage.
Habs and cargo holds – Provide additional crew space, crafting stations and cargo capacity. Choose habitation modules like Science Labs or Workshops if you want to craft or research on the go.
Avoid common ship building errors
GameSpot lists several pitfalls novices encounter in the ship builder:
Unattached modules – All modules must connect via white circles. Modules turning red indicate invalid placement.
Ship length – Ships longer than 28 meters cannot land on some planets. Stay within this limit or you’ll be restricted.
Misaligned landing gears or docking ports – Ensure you have at least three landing gears and one docking port, and that they touch the ground evenly; otherwise flight checks will fail.
Exceeding weapon limit – You can mount only three different weapon models. Installing four missile launchers counts as one model, but adding a laser or ballistic set counts toward the limit.
Power & engine ratio – Too many engines can overdraw your reactor. Balance engine thrusters with available power.
Recommended upgrades for top ships
Razorleaf – Add white dwarf or Ares engines for better mobility, upgrade the grav drive and install a stronger shield generator. Use the hidden cargo space for contraband.
Star Eagle – Replace the EM weapon with ballistic cannons or particle beams. Add shielded cargo if you plan to smuggle. Upgrading the grav drive to 20+ LY will offset its short range.
Aegis – This class‑B destroyer has modest cargo (200) and balanced weapons. Add cargo modules, a better shield generator and heavy lasers. It’s a good mid‑game combat ship once upgraded.
Shieldbreaker – Swap out the default lasers for more powerful beam weapons and upgrade the grav drive to push range beyond 30 LY. Add shielded cargo modules if you want to smuggle without detection.
Silent Runner – Install multiple turrets to defend against pirates, upgrade the grav drive, and consider replacing some cargo modules with shielded cargo or habs to turn it into a mobile base. Use the large hull to mount multiple crafting stations.
Narwhal – Add a second grav drive, upgrade shield and hull plating and install particle beam weapons. With seven crew slots, you can turn it into a small carrier by adding companion crew members.
Custom speedster build – Use a lightweight class‑A hull, install two high‑thrust engines, a top‑tier grav drive and keep mass under 2,000. Remove unnecessary cargo modules and focus on speed and mobility.
FAQ – Answers to common ship questions
What’s the best combat ship in Starfield?
For pure dogfighting, the Abyss Trekker is hard to beat. Its missile and ballistic stats (100 and 170 respectively) mean it can shred enemy shields and hulls. It also has 950 fuel and an 850 shield, giving it both endurance and durability. If you prefer a tankier vessel, the Stronghold offers the highest shield value (1,600) and substantial hull, making it ideal for players who want to soak up damage while returning fire.
How do I get better ships in Starfield?
There are three main ways:
Complete quests – Many of the best free ships, such as the Razorleaf (via the Mantis quest), the Star Eagle (Freestar Rangers) and the Kepler R (Overdesigned mission), are rewards for side or faction quests.
Buy from vendors – High‑end ships like the Abyss Trekker, Shieldbreaker, Narwhal and Silent Runner are sold by ship technicians or showrooms in major cities. Save credits or invest in the Commerce skill to reduce prices.
Steal or capture – You can board enemy vessels, kill the crew and claim the ship. This method works best once you have a decent ship and weapons to overpower the crew. Be aware that stolen ships may come with contraband; install a scan jammer or shielded cargo to avoid detection.
Can you build your own ship in Starfield?
Yes, but with caveats. You cannot craft a ship entirely from scratch; instead, you modify an existing ship through the ship builder. Technicians let you add, remove or reposition modules at designated attachment points. By combining reactors, habs, cargo holds, weapons and engines from various manufacturers, you can create unique ships tailored to your playstyle. Remember to keep an eye on your reactor power and mass, ensure you have required components like cockpit, grav drive, shield and landing gear, and abide by the three‑weapon model limit.
Which ship has the biggest cargo capacity?
The Silent Runner currently boasts the largest cargo hold among pre‑built ships at 6,060 units. If you need even more, build a custom hauler: start with the Silent Runner, swap out some habs for additional cargo modules and lighten unnecessary weapons. Upgrading your Starship Design skill also unlocks larger cargo holds, but remember that increased mass reduces mobility and jump range.
What are shielded cargo holds and how do I get them?
Shielded cargo holds hide illegal goods from contraband scanners. They’re critical for smugglers. The Razorleaf has 160 units of shielded cargo by default. You can also purchase shielded cargo modules from ship vendors (particularly those associated with the Red Mile or Ryujin Industries) and attach them in the ship builder. Note that shielded cargo requires power and mass, so plan your reactor and engine upgrades accordingly.
Are New Game Plus ships worth it?
Absolutely. The Starborn Guardian is awarded when you enter New Game Plus and features unique weapons and improved performance. Each subsequent playthrough upgrades the ship further. Use it for story content or travel, but keep other ships around for cargo hauling and smuggling.
Final thoughts
Choosing the Starfield best ships is ultimately about matching a vessel to your playstyle. If you value speed and stealth, the Razorleaf remains an early‑game favorite with its smuggler‑friendly shielded cargo. Combat enthusiasts will gravitate toward the Abyss Trekker or Shieldbreaker, which deal massive damage and keep you alive in dogfights. Cargo haulers should look no further than the Silent Runner or Vanquisher, while explorers with deep pockets may invest in the Narwhal for a perfect balance of offense, defense and range. Players who complete faction quests and side missions can acquire the best free ships—Kepler R, Star Eagle and Wanderwell—and modify them into end‑game powerhouses. With careful upgrades and module management, any ship in Starfield can become a reliable home among the stars. May your grav jumps be smooth and your cargo holds full!
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