In Starfield, some players prioritize combat capabilities, focusing on ships with high ratings in lasers, particle cannons, ballistics, and shields. These ships are often considered the best for those who expect to engage in frequent space battles. Others may look for ships with high cargo capacity and fuel efficiency, making them ideal for long-haul missions and resource gathering.
Best Ships in Starfield
Ship | Cost | Fuel | Hull | Shield | Lasers | PC | B | M | GJR | CC | MC |
Abyss Trekker | 365,525 | 950 | 1031 | 850 | - | 38 | 162 | 96 | 25 LY | 340 | 6 |
Narwhal | 455,400 | 560 | 2118 | 995 | 24 | - | 114 | 82 | 30 LY | 1760 | 7 |
Razorleaf | Free | 140 | 469 | 390 | 6 | 16 | - | 36 | 16 LY | 420 | 2 |
Silent Runner | 390,150 | 300 | 1164 | 975 | - | 38 | - | 96 | 30 LY | 6080 | 5 |
Star Eagle | Free | 140 | 948 | 760 | 12 | - | - | 136 | 16 LY | 2508 | 5 |
Starborn Guardian | Free | 1500 | 944 | 1480 | - | - | - | 100 | 30 LY | 950 | 5 |
Stronghold | 400,125 | 2200 | 1047 | 1600 | 36 | - | 48 | - | 30 LY | 2360 | 6 |
Aegis | 196,700 | 800 | 721 | 610 | 20 | - | 96 | 68 | 29 LY | 200 | 5 |
The Narwhal is widely considered as the over best ship in Starfield by players. It has the highest reactor level and it gives you flexibility to configure your systems for either speed or combat missions. Narwhal is incredibly durable with a hull strength of 2,118, and it can withstand significant damage, making it the best ship in Starfield.
Other ships such as Abyss Trekker, Razorleaf, Silent Runner, Star Eagle, Starborn Guardian, Stronghold, and Aegis are also considered some of the best ships in Starfield.
Abyss Trekker
- Cost: 350,000 Credits
- Location: Paradiso Ship Tech
- Special Features: High firepower, low mass for better aerial maneuvers.
- Combat: High ballistic weaponry rating for all three weapon types.
The Abyss Trekker is a powerhouse when it comes to combat, boasting a Ballistic Weaponry rating north of 1,200 and a Missile rating of 96. Available for around 365,525 credits, you can purchase it from the Ship Services Technician in Paradiso. Its 27-level reactor offers ample energy to power up the strongest assortment of starship weaponry in all of Starfield. If you're looking to dominate in space battles, the Abyss Trekker is your go-to ship.
Narwhal
- Cost: 430,000 Credits
- Location: Taiyo Astroneering in Ryuji Tower on Neon
- Special Features: Highest reactor level at 36, extremely durable hull
- Combat: High weapon stats, impressive ballistic and missile systems.
The Narwhal is a beast in terms of reactor level, standing at 36. It costs 455,400 credits and is available from the Ryujin building in Neon from Taiyo Astroengineering. With a hull of 2,118, it can take a battering unlike nearly anything else out there. The ship also offers high cargo and hull stats and can hold up to seven crew members. It's a solid all-rounder and is considered by many as the best ship in the game.
Razorleaf
- Cost: Free (via quest)
- Location: Denebola I-b
- Special Features: Scares enemy ships, 160 shielded cargo for smuggling.
- Combat: Strong reactor and shield, equipped with particle weapons.
The Razorleaf is a free ship that you can acquire by completing the Mantis quest line. It's a favorite among players for its balanced stats and shielded cargo capacity for smuggling contraband. While it may not be the most durable ship for long-lasting battles, its engine's outstanding maneuverability makes it a versatile choice for those who can handle it. Razorleaf is a significant upgrade from your starting ship. It's a good option for early-game players looking for a quick and free upgrade.
Silent Runner
- Cost: 370,000 Credits
- Location: Hopetech HQ
- Special Features: Massive cargo space of 6,080, needs fuel upgrade. Ideal for resource deliveries.
- Combat: Not specifically designed for combat but can be modified with shielded cargo.
The Silent Runner is available for 390,150 credits and can be acquired in HopeTown. It's the ultimate space hauler with a staggering 6,080 cargo space. If your idea of a good time is earning a ton of credits on routine resource deliveries, you're about to fall in love with the Silent Runner. Once you get savvy with shipbuilding, you can even install a shielded cargo mod.
Star Eagle
- Cost: Free (via quest)
- Location: Akila City
- Special Features: EM weapon for disabling ships, huge cargo space, room for 5 crew members.
- Combat: Dominate weaker enemy craft and easy to escape from stronger ones.
The Star Eagle is a reward for completing the Freestar Collective storyline. This ship has similar hull strength to the Shield Breaker but boasts twice the amount of shield capacity, making it a great ship for resource gathering. The ship also has solid combat specs, meaning you can either tower over weaker enemy craft or survive long enough to escape the heavy hitters. Its weapons are arguably better, featuring a powerful missile launcher and an electromagnetic weapon. Its only drawback is a small fuel capacity and a slow grav jump drive, which can be easily upgraded.
Starborn Guardian
- Cost: Free (New Game+)
- Location: New Game+
- Special Features: Unique design and stats boost with each New Game Plus.
- Combat: becomes a powerhouse after multiple playthroughs, though initial stats are not provided.
The Starborn Guardian is a unique ship that you can acquire in Starfield's New Game+ mode. It's the only ship that will transfer with you into New Game Plus. Every subsequent clearing of the main story boosts its stats, up to six times. While it may not look like much at first, by the sixth go-around, you have a powerhouse unrivaled.
Stronghold
- Cost: 380,000 Credits
- Location: Akila City Ship Tech
- Special Features: Long grav jump distance, high hull and shield values, large cargo hold.
- Combat: Average lasers and ballistic modules.
The Stronghold is available for around 400,125 credits and can be purchased in Akila City. It has high fuel and cargo capacity, making it ideal for long-distance travel. Its strong defenses also make it one of the most powerful ships in Starfield. If you're looking for a ship that can hold its own in a fight while also being capable of long-haul cargo missions, the Stronghold is a solid choice.
Aegis
- Cost: 196,700 Credits
- Location: Found at Deimos Shipyards.
- Special Features: Powerful reactor and room for engine-boosting.
- Combat: Good balance between hull, shield, and weapon stats.
The Aegis is available for 196,700 credits at Deimos Staryard. It's a well-rounded ship with moderate firepower and mobility. Its most impressive trait is its powerful reactor, which offers much room for engine-boosting. If you're looking to bring the fight to heavy hitters around mid-game, the Aegis offers more than what you've paid for.
Shieldbreaker
- Cost: 240,000 Credits
- Location: New Atlantis Ship Tech
- Special Features: Well-rounded stats, affordable.
- Combat: Solid weapon systems with all three slots filled.
The Shieldbreaker costs 240,000 credits and is available at New Atlantis Ship Tech. It offers well-rounded stats at an affordable price. It's an excellent choice for early to mid-game players due to its easy accessibility and solid base stats. Not only can it hold its own in most combat situations, but it also boasts a large cargo capacity, making it a versatile option for various missions.
Vanquisher
- Cost: 440,000 Credits
- Location: Stroud-Eklund Showroom on Neon
- Special Features: High stats across the board, but expensive.
- Combat: Solid weapons stats in all three departments, but needs upgrades.
The Vanquisher is available for 440,000 credits at the Stroud-Eklund Showroom on Neon. It has high stats across the board but comes at a steep price. If you have the credits to spare and are looking for a ship that excels in almost every category, the Vanquisher is the ship for you.
Most Popular Ships in Starfield
In the Starfield community, the "Narwhal" and "Star Eagle" ships are frequently mentioned as top contenders for the best ship in Starfield. The Narwhal has impressive stats with 650 Fuel, 2118 Hull, 1760 Cargo, 7 Crew, and 995 Shield, and can be purchased from the Ryujin building in Neon from Taiyo Astroengineering. It's a ship that many players seem to gravitate towards once credits are no longer an issue.
On the other hand, the Star Eagle is often described as a balanced ship suitable for regular use, with some players even claiming it's better than most ships they've encountered. The Razorleaf is also mentioned for its unique reputation and capabilities, especially when upgraded.