Choosing the Best Medium Ship in Star Citizen | Freelancer vs Cutlass vs Spirit

[@WildOink]

The best ship in Star Citizen is Friendship!

[@CasaBLACK]

The loner in me disagrees :P

[@jackjin1623]

The issue is, doesn’t come with LTI

[@turrboenvy4612]

Thanks for the nice roundup! I upgraded to the C1 and while I do like it, the landing footprint is almost a deal-breaker. I've flown the Cutlass extensively and I think it's still the best all-rounder in this category until the engines fall off. The Freelancer is just too long and narrow for its own good. The Freelander MAX will hold an Ursa. It's a little tight but not as tight as the Roc in the base lancer.

[@CasaBLACK]

Yeah I only briefly mentioned the MAX since I tried to stick with the base variants. The MAX is the only Freelancer I would own if I were to own one.

[@Alex_A7]

​@@CasaBLACK The MAX is currently my Ride [and] Die....her looks might be a bit dated, but she's a good all-round ship and a decent money maker for hauling.

[@Gazbeard]

Freelancer length 38m, Cutlass length 36m (stats in ship matrix for the Black are wrong - look at the other 4 variants) ... not much difference in length. Also only 2m difference in width between them (Cutlass is fatter)

[@marcjensen9080]

I always maintain there's a fourth ship in this bracket. The RAFT (at the same price point as the C1) tops the others in cargo lifting, but trades away combat applicability for a stronger cargo focus.

[@CasaBLACK]

Yeah if it could carry ground vehicles it would definitely be right there and I would not mind an Argo non-specific ship in that size that has an interior cargo space.. That would be the toughest looking medium ship for sure!

[@koopakinkreet]

The raft is what I got, Size 3 turret if you got a homie Almost ten times the fuel of competitors and aesthetically my favourote. The pilot guns are a joke but none of these haulers has a chance against a decent fighter, and the lack of ability to transport a tiny vehicle doesn't concern me at all.

[@grinningidiot]

I run a cutty black s my medium daily driver. I used to use a Freelancer but found the cutty to be a little more versatile and better suited to messing around with friends and I have a bigger ship for my designated cargo hauling. I'm excited to see the Zeus when they drop, have an upgrade from the cutty waiting in buyback.

[@CasaBLACK]

Yeah I think the Zeus just might be that sweet spot for many that gets people to go more in on one ship.

[@Wandderer]

i just want a ship with minimum 2 S2 shields and 3 S3 guns + decent cargo and maneuverability... every ship currently is missing something on that^^ Like if i would be fine with 2 S4 hard points, i'd just take the 400i and have a MASSIVE shield...

[@CasaBLACK]

Yeah I am hoping the Zeus will be the best ship in this range.

[@00ddub]

Me too and I’m baffled as to why the Freelancer has two size 2 shields and the C1 doesn’t. If the C1 had 2 S2 shields then it would be my pick, but now I’m kinda leaning towards the Freelancer due to the durability.

[@Storm-Cleaver]

My personal favourite in this size category is still my Kickstarter ship, my Freelancer MIS. It's a beast of a ship and for rookie players, the base model is even a bit more durable for now. And with the STV in-game, you can do just about everything with a Freelancer. Currently in the SC lore, there was a 200i that was basically Origin's small touring ship, that lost out in an in-house competition against the original 300i. Since the odd-numbered 3-digit ships have been "single-seaters" and the even-numbered have been multi-crew, a Freelancer-sized 200i series would be cool. Make it like an up-sized hybrid of the 85x with design cues from the 300i and 400i. Pilot and co-pilot sitting side-by-side, plus seats for 2+ passengers right behind.

[@CasaBLACK]

Yeah I'm not sure I would fly an Origin ship in this class range, but I would still like to see it happen to flesh it out more. A Argo would also be nice.

[@Bombastic0013]

What vehicle can you fit in the MIS? Does a cyclone can enter in it?

[@Storm-Cleaver]

The STV fits nicely. You can even leave enough space to get out normally. IIRC, the Mule also fits but I don't think there was room to walk around.

[@Bombastic0013]

@@Storm-Cleaver It is like classic Freelancer? Because this one can fit Roc too.

[@Storm-Cleaver]

The base model, DUR, and MIS all have cargo bays the same width. The MAX is about double. All have the same height.

[@Bombastic0013]

I think the cutlass black and freelancer are both better choices especially for their several entrances and the multiplayer turrets feature. The c1 is really a solo player choice only. Plus the cutlass has some great features like: the side doors, the amazing missiles loadout (like the freelancer) and this amazing tuba engine noise... =)

[@CasaBLACK]

I agree, the Cutlass is what I like using because the additional entrances have been life savers not to mention using them as sniper nests. Thank you for commenting!

[@javiermelendez9746]

@@CasaBLACKI’m deciding between c1 and cutty black, but does the cutty black wings and engines break off that easily? I’m usually alone, but maybe one day I’ll have someone with me on occasion

[@KelrCrow]

I'm flying a C1 because I bought a Zeus ES but I really like the Freelancer. I really am looking forward to it being updated.

[@CasaBLACK]

I hope they do it.

[@Janman1988]

Thanks for the Tip with the Zeus at the end, as it somewhat means an akward spot for the C1 I feel like. As for upgrading from my starter ship the cutlass seems overall more "all-rounder" even tho the freelancer has those 20+ SCU. Then again grinding for a Freelancer MAX seems fun with the Cutty for a bigger Hauler AND then having both as an option.

[@pelvist]

Zeus is likely going to be in the same price range as the 400i though.

[@g8trdone]

Good breakdown. I do all the different Merc missions. I was hyped for the C1 loaner on my Zeus CL. Packed a Cyclone loaded with a 1SCU box and a 2 SCU box on the deck, and the biggest problem is the footprint. It's as wide a s dang Corsair for crisakes. I've got the same pack in the Black and lots of small troubles just don't come up. Can't wait for that Zeus.

[@turrboenvy4612]

The footprint of the C1 is the biggest issue with it by far. Can't land that thing anywhere -- including assigned hangars.

[@CasaBLACK]

Yeah the footprint is quite an issu eat times. Hoping the Zeus is a little more off the ground.

[@shaneedwards596]

thanks for another awesome video @CasaBlack all those 3 ships are great at what they do.... and also good at what they aren't designed to do.... I've flown all of the Freelancer, Cutty and the 2 available variants of the Spirit... what I've learned from my experience with each is that, the Cutty 1) base variant, is extremely versatile for doing all manner of mission types... while 2 crew is all you'll need until engineering comes online, the turret gunner and pilot combo is more than sufficient for bounties and rescues, even cargo hauling... while a 3rd person or co pilot will only serve to add to the benefits of having someone keeping an eye out.... those side doors are a life saver and the fact you can fit 2 Cyclones onboard front to back, or carry 1 cyclone and 6 troops in the drop seats at the back... make it a very handy ship, couple that with the ability to fit x48 size 1 missiles makes it a pseudo missile boat too... while size 1's dont usually do a lot of damage, size 1 EM missiles can be useful for taking out shields on larger ships.. 2) Red, loses the benefits of a larger cargo and multi role capability for med beds, and a place to fit a PTV in the back.... plus loses the missiles in favour of the most awesome thing in the Cutty line... Flashy lights and loses top turret for a copilot controlled search light... it's a win imo 3) Blue.... well loses the cargo for the people freezer 9000's and flashy lights but retains the missile loadout on par with the Black... 4) Steel... is literally the Black, but instead of cargo, of the Black, you got jumpseats.... guns and more guns with some more guns on top... oh and extra guns.... I would say it's more the poor man's Valkyrie... or the Valk that you dont ferry vehicles only people into the field.... but like all the cutty's lose an engine... in gravity you might as well just wait for rescue.... used to be way more survivable but now it's making more sense... my Cutty Black used to go out on mission, fly back to station with no wings, no engines and 1 gun and a damaged turret and ramp and doors falling off... sometimes that happened before combat, other times from either take off or a very heavy handed landing.... the Freelancer 1) base variant i'd say my only gripe with this variant is the wing on the top, as it blocks the view of the turret... the lack of view in the cockpit is not great but it's not as bad once you get used to it.... cargo isn't bad to get started with... I'd recommend mules or STV's if loading vehicles... 2) DUR... wasn't a fan of this one, more akin to the issues with the base... but longer range... less missiles if i recall too 3) MIS... this.... lots of missiles more combat focused.... and lots of missiles... can fit similar loadout of vehicles as the base and DUR.... 4) MAX... while the MIS is the better version if you like a lot of missiles, the MAX is my favourite FL variant tbf, more room for cargo or vehicles and can carry an Ursa.... but like all the FL variants the wing is the biggest deal breaker, and the handling imo just prepares you for your trip into RSI territory with the Connie classes... as the FL and the Connie's imo handle pretty much like the pooped out a boa constrictor hugging an elephant... if they had the wing retract when turret was occupied or powered it would make it a lot more fun... not to say i never enjoyed flying either of them... I have fond memories from the FL and Cutty's.... trolling my mate in the Freelancer, and convincing him we were near the ground so he's good to drive out the back in the Cutty around Yela, and him crying at how long he's taking to fall 3000m to the ground 😛 the Spirit 1) A1 I like the idea of a retrofitted bomber from a civilian chassis... the ship is remarkably durable too... lost half of it and it still had redundant systems to fly, albeit a little listing to one side, but you can make it to get repairs... can hold a STV or grav... but damn bombs are expensive.... 48K is about what you pay for 4 size 10 Colossus bombs for the A2, 58K is for x10 size 5 A1 bombs, that was the moment i knew I might be getting rid, the confirmation time was when i tried dropping bombs and doing carpet bombing over an area... and the bombs didn't drop as they should.. but can drop 5 at a time though but wow the price... 2) C1, has almost the same sort of survivability as the A1, but instead of that top turret you have a tractor beam.... retractable too... is useful... I enjoyed flying it but for cargo you may as well go with the max at that point, lose the tractor, gain more space... the only real issue i have with the Spirits myself is the 1 entry/exit.... one of the main reasons why the MSR imo gets a downvote, which is a pity as i like the Crusader ships... the Zeus mk2 when that comes out I think I will be using my buy backs to grab them and try which one i prefer.... though looking at it, the CL or the MR might be the ones i'd lean towards... however I also have both Apollo's on my buy backs, so once that's done.. I'm going to have some deciding to do... and obviously by then I should have amounted enough to grab a Galaxy or the Odyssey which the latter is more something I'm preferring, as it seems to be a huge upgrade compared to the Carrack... imo

[@Mike5Brown]

I'm sorry Cutty Red has a copilot controlled search light? Well going to log in a buy one to check it out.

[@shaneedwards596]

@@Mike5Brown yep, and a toilet :) and extra 2 beds in the back for logging will say the Red's my favourite version

[@CasaBLACK]

Great breakdown! Above and beyond here! I really wish the Apollo when it comes out could suport a ursa rover, (hoping we get that rumored med evac one soon) which to me is needed for a medical vehicle. The old schematics do not seem to have room for an Ursa though but here's hoping they change it up to do it.

[@shaneedwards596]

thanks@@CasaBLACK that means a lot 🙂and yeah I hope that could be the defining difference between the 2 variants too, one has room for a Ursa sized medevac vehicle, other has room for a STV or two, but maybe an adapted one with a stretcher on the front or back thanks again 🙂

[@PelenTan]

I very much agree that it's good that there is no clear cut winner in any category. However, you're mistaken here. The Cutty is clearly the best choice. Because Drake.

[@CasaBLACK]

DUCT TAPE!!!!!!

[@ols7462]

Best medium ship has to be kore because i like it and made this rule up. Best ship is the one that takes you to wherever you want to reach

[@aden6427]

Fax no 🧢

[@RedCrossLeon]

Its actually a small ship. Largest of the small ones. And its a cool ship but has one major flaw, that prevents from using it as one the best two seaters. CiG removed ability to slave second toshima turret which makes it unusable in battle when second pilot is in seat. He can only control one at a time, and main pilot looses acces to turreted weapons at all. Stupid AF, but it is what it is.

[@CasaBLACK]

​@@aden6427 I like the Kore, but yeah not considered a med ship.

[@durtyred86]

Lol if the Kore is a medium ship, you must consider a dragonfly a small "ship" 😅

[@AlbandAquino]

I just love the Freelancer. So much so that I have all 3 variants 😂 But I picked up a Zeus ES because I liked the look and function of that ship.

[@David-82]

C1 looks cooler. But I still think the cutty black is easier to land. Fight. And steal. 🤣

[@CasaBLACK]

lol I bet someone who gets their Cutty stolen is like WTH!!!! lol I still enjoy flying my Cutty.

[@ThatAerospaceEningeer]

A fellow mustard paint enjoyer I see

[@CasaBLACK]

Yeah the white one I got footage with is because I forgot to apply the paint before heading out since the last update. I actually flew it back to MT last night to reapply it because I could not stand not having my yellow paint!

[@pitanpainter2140]

Thanks, that was interesting. I currently fly a Freelancer MAX, having upgraded from the base model. I'd agree, the base Freelancer is difficult to use when ROC mining: the MAX will comfortably hold a ROC DS (a really under-rated vehicle), or, if needed, an Ursa.

[@CasaBLACK]

The Max is the way to go!

[@viviplay]

Hi. How to get picture of best loading cargo in 6:32 for exemple ?

[@FreeFragUK]

I ultimately binned my Freelancer and replaced it with a Cutlass Black. A part of me loves the Freelancer and I'd love to own one but it is in dire need of a major update/overhaul along with a complete redesign for the cockpit. Despite my love of the Cutlass and Freelancer though I think the simple reality is that the Zeus will more or less render the Cutlass, Freelancer and Spirit obsolete outside of their specialist variants such as the Spirit Bomber. Insofar as medium ships are concerned, I'd quite like to see something from either Anvil or Aegis. I've seen a community brochure for a community designed ship that is completely modular that occupies a size slot similar to these vessels (I forget the name of it off hand) but were to be brought to the game I'd probably leap on it without a second thought.

[@pelvist]

Knowing CIG, the Zeus is likely going to be in the same price range as the 400i though.

[@JagHiroshi]

I'd love to own a DUR but component access is a problem, ground vehicles are a problem and the capacitor for weapons is a real issue. Out of them all, I like the C1 these days. Crusader design is fantastic.

[@monkatron]

love the uplink soundtrack in the background 10/10

[@kenzoryba1017]

I own the Freelancer MIS: love her - Spirit E1: not sure yet - Zeus Mk II MR: having high hopes. What I hope CIG will do in the rework is to make the Freelancer a little bit more vehicle loading friendly... so the ROC, STV or even Cyclone fit in more easily. Comparing C1 to MIS: the C1 is way too fragile for my taste, and way to big on the outside, makes her a huger target and a bitch to park, especially in uneven terrain, as you said. Of course those can be balancing issues. One thing I wanted to add was that the Zeus' 3 shields follow the NEW design doctrine for components (shields) already, while the 3 on your list still were made under the OLD doctrine. That means they WILL be changed, so the 3 Zeus shields can not be directly compared to the 2 Lancer shields, or the single Spirit shields. Regardless I expect the Zeus to be the king of this class.

[@NoxianSoulHarvester]

The C1 currently I have one you can't use the armor racks in my experience and the gun racks don't open

[@Gazbeard]

It surprises me how many SC ship "reviewers" ignore or miss some of the critical advantages that a Freelancer has over all other medium size ships ... 1. Dual size-M computers - no other ship of the same or smaller size has this (not even the Drake Herald data runner, which has data storage not computers). This will be critical when AI-blades and PDC auto-turrets enter gameplay - the Freelancer rear turret will be fully automateable. 2. Escape Pods - the four Freelancer beds are all escape and recovery pods - launched from the ship when it's in imminent danger of destruction or capture, they'll allow crew to be recovered uninjured and not needing cyber-prosthetics for respawn. 3. Ablutions/shoilet - the Cutlass simply doesn't have one, and the future gameplay will have a heavy reliance on personal hygiene for NPC interactions and trading etc. 4. Remote manned turrets - the rear pair of seats in the Freelancer cockpit are remote gunner stations for the two cheek-turrets as an alternative to them being pilot controlled (the right hand front seat will be the missile operator's seat). 5. Secure personnel entrance - Freelancers have the ladder (AND AIRLOCK) entrance on the port side between the forward cargo bay and galley cabinet. On-ground, this can be used to control and restrict personnel entry and exit. Cutlasses used to have this but it was removed in the 2017 rework (along with the porta-potty toilet in the cargo bay). 6. Airlocked docking collar bay - very few non-capital sized ships have this (many have the docking collar, but not the airlock bay). It is located in the ceiling of the central cargo bay. 7. VTOLs - in the Freelancer launch and concept sale video, the main thrusters and wings were shown to rotate in the same way as the Cutlass and Prospector main thrusters. CIG have never stated if this will be actuated for final release or not. It is technically still on the table until they give us a hard confirmation one way or the other. 8. Range - the Drake Cutlass in SC Lore is a short range ship for in-system militias and police. The Freelancers are long range express hauliers. Chris Roberts has stated many times on video that Cutlasses will have to refuel after every inter star-system jump, and Freelancers will be able to jump between several star systems before refuelling. In-system, we already know that Freelancers have bigger QT tanks than Cutlasses, but final balancing against the Spirit and Zeus series' is awaited.

[@CasaBLACK]

All valid points and thank you for taking the time to share.

[@Fractal379]

Cutlass also has 6 drop-ish seats - very useful. In addition to the 3 main seats, would this mean that the Cutty will have a much larger air supply in future to provide for 9 potential occupants, as opposed to 4 and 2 in the Freelancer & C1? Be interesting to see how breathable air is lost & replenished when the Cutty's side doors are opened & closed.

[@CasaBLACK]

For the longest time I would walk past those seats because I did not know about them. I think it was someone in the comments my first year who told me. Often overlooked but very important feature.

[@mattbrian9056]

Im new to the VERSE. What does o7 mean?

[@thedeadliest4380]

it's a salute

[@Joseph-wh5of]

I am on the fence to trade my Freelancer for the C1.

[@JagHiroshi]

5:45 "when landing the Iraqi terrain" 🤔

[@arcturus960]

“When landing in rocky terrain”

[@Zeoran]

You ignored the ACTUAL best medium ship in Star Citizen, the Constellation Taurus!!! Best multi-role ship in the game.

[@CasaBLACK]

While it is called a medium cargo, it's size is size 4 which is deemed large.

[@FurryButBald]

No constellation taurus? I know it's a bit more real money, but I think it's logical next step

[@igamewhenimbored7696]

Drake Cutlass forever

[@CasaBLACK]

Yep, still my go to in this range.

[@igamewhenimbored7696]

@@CasaBLACK my starter was the Cutter, first medium/daily driver and one of my favourite ships of all time is the Cutlass, wanted a Cutlass with more amenities and got a Corsair which can fit an Ursa medivac and has insane pilot dps. And now there's the Ironclad?? Drake Interplanetary is THE premiere generalist ship builder in EVERY class imo. It helps that they all look like I can just stop at home depot to get replacement parts if I need to fix em 😂

[@Mike5Brown]

Love flying the C1 handles great and while the Cutty may have a faster top speed it isn't by much and the C1 gets to it much faster. Freelancer desperately needs a rework and honestly I wouldn't be surprised if they just take the MAX and make that as the base.

[@CasaBLACK]

That would be a great starting point honestly. It was just created too soon and not given enough thought about the width.

[@colonel__klink7548]

The current tragedy is the Freelancer's hud is like... broken. It works fine for trading and combat but don't think you're gonna go out scanning for mining with it, the scanning "clouds" with range estimates are practically invisible. Such a shame because between the cutty and lancer the lancer has the far more appealing bridge. I'm interested in getting the spirit because i just really am desperately hoping for ANYTHING that can fill the role that the cutty does without all the ugliness and ect.

[@Vioblight]

Zeus

[@MrWilhelm76]

Future god? I will keep my C1 , the ZEUS is better where ? Shields , ok. The rest goes for C1. Did you fly Zeus yet? A C1 will win a 1:1 turnfight.

[@catfood4142]

both suck honestly------alone with crosair too. they all have big flaws. while freelaner and cutlass being so ugly - - crosair has high fire power sure. but they are alllll so squishy