Cutlass vs Freelancer | Star Citizen | Buyers Guide

[@ParagonFangXen]

For durrability, the Cutlasses huge and vulnerable engines mixed mith having litterally half the shields and Drakes infamous lack of armoring for when that becomes implemented should have knocked it down at least a full point compared to the comparably much less vulnerable, better shielded, better armored Freelancer line.

[@ParagonFangXen]

Reading what i wrote, i actually feel very comfortable saying it should have been knocked down to a 1 out of 5 honestly.

[@ViciDeum]

Those are fair points! For these videos I base my rankings on all the ship classes, so compared to super heavily armored ships or the difference with large/cap shields, the difference herein wasn't too much in my opinion; but its definitely worse!

[@schlagzahne6741]

​@ParagonFangXen being able to actually maneuver your ship should count as durability. No armor best armor =p

[@ParagonFangXen]

@@schlagzahne6741 no... just, no.... survivability? Sure. But that is just not how the word "durrability" works. I am pro manueverability over armor for skill-based ratger than stat-based survivability though. Also in this case, the Freelancer is BOTH better armored AND more manueverable (at least in stmosphere) due to its control surfaces.

[@Bloodlit]

I knew from the day I started playing a little over a week ago that I wanted something from the Freelancer line. I seen some videos on it and fell in love

[@ViciDeum]

It’s such an iconic looking ship; albeit a design taken from Freelancer’s Serenity haha. And while I think it underperforms compared to the Cutty in the current game, I suspect it’ll really shine after the next rework!

[@Lance_Arn]

@@ViciDeum.. I agree, I love my Freelancers but acknowledge the usefulness and fun of the Cutty.. I think the Freelancers time will come in 4.0 or later patch when it gets its rework and exploration gameplay. And I sure hope that it will still be able to go through the small jump points (but I doubt it)

[@davidstewart6388]

The cutty is good, but likes to lose engines, and fly around in circles a lot. The freelancer has more survivability and can take more damage, and still be flyable. Cutty seems to be for sweep in and out missions, where the freelancer seems to be for more survivability, especially when using it as a cargo ship.

[@aka-47k]

this so much, solo imho the freelancer is so much better due to double shields then cutty.

[@helloitsjay38]

I've weirdly come to enjoy finding ways to limp back to port with one thruster and a few electrical fires. Cutty black best ship.

[@ViciDeum]

Those are fair points! The Freelancer loses some of that utility, but trades off with a bit more survivability!

[@Buk86]

For me, the Freelancer MIS is the best daily driver. Even in PvP, the ship can shine in the right hands.

[@ViciDeum]

I love the MIS, it's my favorite out of all the Freelancers!

[@mrgas8499]

any idea if its for sale on their site and im doing something wrong or is it a case of ingame buyable but not purchasable irl?

[@Buk86]

@@mrgas8499 The Freelancer MIS is limited. But it will be sold at the IAE in November.

[@captaincaveman177]

@@ViciDeum pssst.. the freelancers front guns are TURRETS, with headtracking or other tools. its possible to use the turrets entire range, not just the gimbal cone, i have suprised a few by fireing sideways

[@tonygallea-katz7882]

Cutlass black is the best ship in the game. Big enough to do everything and under a 10 minute claim time.

[@ViciDeum]

It's quick, efficient and affordable! And with an awesome sci-fi design that's impossible not to love!

[@RobBossOne]

I'm actually excited to have a third option with the Crusader Spirit line. I just started playing and was saving for a freelancer max when 3.19.1 went live on pu. Lost my c8x and roc along with some other cheap ground vehicles, but ended up gaining a free cutlass black. Repurchased my roc and the cutty has been a huge help in moving that around. Great ship even if it wasn't my first choice style wise.

[@ViciDeum]

I’m sorry you lost all those ships and aUEC, but I’m glad you were at least partially compensated with a Cutty Black! I hope you get big payouts with that ROC and earn that Max soon!

[@jalakor]

Mention of the VTOL engines being an advantage for the Cutty makes me think of the Freelancer commercial, and it makes me wish they’d made it have those rotating engines. It was a little goofy, but I also loved it so much. Gave it some character rather than just being another phallic shaped space ship :)

[@ViciDeum]

Those Freelancer VTOLs were really cool, it's sad they got rid of them!

[@JSparrowist]

I have the Cutty Black and love it. It's multi purpose and works well, albeit a bit fragile in a skirmish.

[@ViciDeum]

It's an awesome ship, congrats on your pickup!

[@itviking1651]

I like the way both of them blow up. It's really quite satisfying.

[@ViciDeum]

Hahaha, they do make nice fireworks!

[@itviking1651]

@@ViciDeum 😉😆

[@MagnaRads]

Best comment

[@Blkstang82]

I absolutely adore the cutlass black. Its the perfect "jack of all trades" ship. Bounty hunting? Eezy peezy Bunker running? Absolutely Mining? Slap a roc in there Little casual cargo? Not a prob Trolling the verse with a few friends? Copilot,turret,jump seats I also have an andromeda (which i also love), but honestly,i spend still spend waaay more time in my cutty.

[@Libertas_P77]

The Cutty Black is one of those ships I end up gravitating towards constantly as a daily driver. It’s so versatile, and has that Drake aesthetic I love.

[@ViciDeum]

Congrats on your pickup! The Cutty is such a great multi-role runabout, with plenty of utility to tackle almost everything!

[@schlagzahne6741]

And now you get a tractor beam. Tough to beat how versatile the cutty is

[@samheini]

Shame on CIG to increase the cutty's price for no real reason, except making more money because people love it and will still buy it. Makes me sad.

[@ViciDeum]

That was disappointing, and poorly executed! I’m glad they backtracked it at least initially, so people could build out there chains.

[@colonel__klink7548]

The fun section is the most contentious. I've rolled with a clan since day one joining game and EVERYONE told me not to touch the lancer saying it wasn't anywhere near as good and I spent so much time in the cutty and I have to say... I hate the thing. It's ugly, it makes terrible noises. The cockpit is horrible (why does the seat rise up? Why!?) The cockpit and crew compartment is like someone in the design team didn't know what they were doing with it. The side doors are largely useless because you can't get in them. So you can park a ROC too shallow in the craft and lock yourself out because you can't get up the ramp. But the freelancer? It's got the ladder entrance and god the cockpit is pretty, with better screens and everything. The ROC is easier to stuff in though you have to close the back door via the cockpit as a ROC will block your access to the ramp. The only problem? The rental is armed with low velocity cannon.

[@SCTimbal]

The sequel to this video is going to be way more interesting once the C1 comes into the picture.

[@ViciDeum]

You know it, I can’t wait to do a comparison with the spirit line! Even though I don’t own one personally, it’s still a concept I can’t wait to have in-game!

[@scottf4586]

i love the cutlass but i wish the turret was remote and made for the copilot and the space where the turret is made into a bathroom. it doesnt make a lot of sense having 3 positions on the ship and 2 beds. also considering how the cutlass red is designed it wouldnt take much to make these changes at all.

[@Libertas_P77]

Agree, slave the turret to go-pilot and also make a pop up centre table and kitchen to make better use of that space behind the pilot seats. Otherwise though, amazing ship. The turret itself doesn’t need to be taking up so much space, fully agree.

[@ViciDeum]

I don’t mind the Cutlass’ turret as much, although the Freelancer really needs a remote one!

[@cardboard9124]

I love the freelancer cuz it’s straight up a Boeing 737, with a control yoke, relatively small design, and a rounded appearance. It just looks and feels aerodynamic and commercial, rather than industrial

[@ViciDeum]

Hmm, that's an interesting take on the Freelancer's design, but I can definitely see that!

[@vital-wyn1310]

I prefer the freelancer but use the cutty for obvious reasons. Lots of hope that the Spirit C1 combines a lot of what I like from each ship.

[@ViciDeum]

Yea the C1 is really shaping up to be an awesome ship, I can’t wait to see it in the verse!

[@no-target3152]

Currently the Freelancer has no weapon racks which is a big issue in my opinion.

[@ViciDeum]

I agree, and really hope a polish pass brings those!

[@Izabual]

Keep a Mule in the bay, problem solvered boss :p

[@ViciDeum]

@@Izabual Creative solutions to modern problems!

[@thedoopa3169]

Why the heck do you need weapon racks when you have storage 😂

[@yous2244]

Ah, Cutless vs Freelancer. A question existing since the dawn of star citizen time.

[@ViciDeum]

It's a tale as old as time!

[@MrGoreMod]

It was a tough choice, the freelancer's cargo capacity was tempting, but in the end I purchased the Cutty black. I'm looking forward to see what the tractor beam will be like.

[@ViciDeum]

Congrats on the pickup! The cargo capacity and the Freelancer’s Serenity/Firefly stylings keep drawing me back in, and make me want to love it, but the Cutlass has ridiculous utility that can’t be overlooked. It keeps you smiling and after tractor beams are introduced, it won’t even be close!

[@rixxy9204]

I keep jumping between the two. I started with a Cutty - really enjoyed it but got boring after a while, it just seems too basic. Then I moved to the Freelancer Max - great ship especially for ground stuff, cargo and general exploring/goofing around with its cool interior. I didn't really like space fights in it though, and the turret isnt much help. Thus, I went back to the Cutty - and yet again I'm finding it to be a boring ship... probably because it's setup for everything yet has nothing interesting about it. So now I'm thinking again of moving to a Freelancer... maybe the base model flies better than the Max.

[@ViciDeum]

That's a tough choice, and I hope you find what works best for you! I'd even throw a Connie Taurus in the mix and see how you enjoy that (esp if you've tested the Max)!

[@ViciDeum]

I hope you find the perfect ship for you! The base definitely flies better than the Max, but I'd honestly recommend checking out the Taurus. While its slow like the Max, it offsets that with a massive shield and a ton of pilot firepower!

[@rixxy9204]

@@ViciDeum I have a Taurus, but the Connie line is a different class of ship; I'm comparing medium-class ships. I actually like flying the Phoenix the most, its my daily. Overall though, I'm not happy with the Connie lineup because it really needs an update. I think next wipe I'll get a Corsair instead.

[@rixxy9204]

@@ViciDeum It turns out the Cutlass is bugged in 3.23 so you can't logoff. I'll rent a max and see how it goes.

[@RandomRoger]

I have never liked the base Freelancer. When I first started playing it was free for everyone. When I found out about the Freelancer MIS, that became my daily driver. At one point I owned the MIS, DUR, and Max. I've melted the DUR and MIS for other ships, but I plan on getting them both back.

[@ViciDeum]

The Freelancer line is so close to being amazing, maybe in a future rework it’ll get there! And I love the MIS as well, it’s definitely my favorite amongst the lineup!

[@bsquaredbundles]

Cutlass needs a toilet. Freelancer I think needs to be just a bit wider in the cargo bay, remove the turret struts, improve turret forward firing arc, and weapon racks (maybe remove one bed for that last one). Both need working storage lockers and component access. The C1 Spirit will likely come with all of these, but I think I will stick with my Cutlass Black.

[@ViciDeum]

Yea both the Cutty and Freelancer could really benefit from a polish pass! Although the Spirit line is really exciting, it’ll definitely shake up this ship class!

[@micahweeks9459]

They don't have to remove a bed. They can just use the middle cargo room. There's no reason that section can't be widened a bit to put some weapon racks on one wall and suit lockers on the other.

[@bsquaredbundles]

@micahweeks9459 Just say the component access panels they're adding to the Freelancer. Currently if there's cargo in there and you need to do maintenance, you are screwed cause there isn't enough room. It needs to be wider anyways so you can walk around a parked cyclone. And I'm not suggesting that the Freelancer should have a bed removed to make room for other stuff. I'm suggesting that four beds seems like too many for that ship, and if they decide to remove one or two and replace them with something else I would be just fine with that.

[@spaceghost_8539]

Cutty all day. The ease of loading, weapon racks, lockers, better missile payload and size three turret alone make this the better ship overall. The freelancer has more survivability but TO ME it lacks style offers amenities and is less manuervable overall

[@ViciDeum]

I completely agree, the amenities and performance of the Cutty outperform the Freelancer all day!

[@chrisajokinen]

Cutty certainly wins out over a FL but I would have penalized it do to its performance after losing an engine. The FL will perform better. Also, I am wondering if the FL will ever get a few of the features seen in the video with the turrets able to fire at 2 different targets and to have VTOL. I also hope the do something about the rear turret. I do not understand why they added a visual block fore of it. Raise the turret slightly and redesign the fairing (?) so it is lower and not blocking the forward firing arc.

[@ViciDeum]

Yea the Cutty gets a bit rough after losing one of its engines haha. And I agree, the Freelancer with some more features from that commercial would be awesome!

[@AngryTheGnome]

the Freelancer is good, but the Cutlass got character. We ride or die in this household, Cutty might be bad for most things, but it has a special place in my heart

[@ViciDeum]

The Cutty does have a lot of character! I love the design of the Freelancers (reminiscent of Serenity from Firefly) but find it just ends up lacking!

[@LowJackAP]

I just hate how worn out the cuttlass is... EVERYONE has a cutty, EVERYONE loves the cuttlass black, really wish there was more variety maybe in the future. but think I'll take the freelancer for now. extra storage could come in handy with roc. extra shield don't hurt either :)

[@ViciDeum]

I think the Cutty is a fantastic ship and a great upgrade, but I agree with you on it being a bit overhyped haha. Practically everyone and their grandmother has one! And while I love the design and utility, I don't usually take one out myself. Personally, I'd rather take a ship with a size 3 large shield like a Connie!

[@MatthewChoiniere]

Got the Freelancer but wish it got a good overhaul, give us those rotating engines, bring back the stairs in the front landing gear, maybe a button for rear door and turret access and this ship could do everything and look good doing.

[@ViciDeum]

Sadly the Freelancer is one of the oldest designs in game, and desperately in need of a polish pass!

[@charliemcawesome5012]

I think you seriously miscount the importance of the extra shield generator….. it’s double the shields. I know I rarely lose against a Cutlass Black. It’s only even close when the turret gunner is there. Otherwise the shields and gimbals make the Cutty hugely outclassed. As well, the “security door” that the Freelancer has when pirates are trying to enter is huge.

[@ViciDeum]

An extra medium shield definitely helps, but it's dwarfed by larger shield sizes and the protection they offer. In terms of scaling, large and capital shields just offer so much more, that I think it overshadows the difference we see between these two. Although I agree, that auto gimbal on the Freelancers is incredibly convenient!

[@andrews150]

Idk what it is but every time I get into a Cutlass it kills me, cutting its own engine power in atmo, hitting invisible asteroids/hanger doors, loosing an engine in the first 10 seconds of combat, and so on, for that I have to go with Freelancer

[@ViciDeum]

Losing an engine on the Cutty definitely hurts, but the utility it offers is out of this world!

[@Phoenixstorm36]

i hope the gold std pass comes soon for the freelancer series

[@ViciDeum]

I hope so too!

[@primarisinc]

The Freelancer got me into Start citizen a few years ago, but the cutlass is my daily driver. ( I always buy a freelancer with Auec after each reset as it is the exploration ship I fall back to flying across stanton)

[@ViciDeum]

Congrats on your pickups! The Freelancer and Cutlass are great ships, I just hope a redesign adds a bit more life into the Lancer line. And definitely checkout the MIS if you're a fan of the Lancers, its definitely my favorite one!

[@BinaryNinjasPOV]

You didnt consider that the Cutty looses engines like if they were of paper and its a pain to fly it without an engine, also the ramp is a pain to get in or out if the ground is not level vs the freelancer having a ladder as an alternative entry that makes for me the cutty useless

[@ViciDeum]

That’s an excellent point, the Cutty definitely suffers more with that lost engine! And having an extra entrance is always a nicety!

[@GiovanniArmenio-my5ql]

You can enter from the two sides.

[@ckovarovic]

I got rid of my max and got a cutlass black. I am much happier with the cutlass.

[@ViciDeum]

It's a fantastic and versatile platform, congrats on your pickup!

[@Chafarm-n3i]

Freelancer Dur. is the perfect exploration ship. Especially with Pyro coming.

[@ViciDeum]

The Freelancer DUR is an awesome, really overlooked ship! I think it'll be great in Pyro, and especially useful once smaller jump points are introduced!

[@crackedjabber]

Personally, I prefer my 400i. It's like a rich man's Cutlass Black.

[@ViciDeum]

Congrats on the pickup! Although I’d say the 400i is more like the rich man’s Corsair!

[@kiloxman117]

Freelancer was my first ship/starter package

[@ViciDeum]

Congrats on the pickup! It’s still a great ship to start off the verse with!

[@kiloxman117]

@@ViciDeum I’m much further than that now a year later I’m already concierge & no longer need a starter pack to play the game. I miss the freelancer though i do have to say 🤔

[@ViciDeum]

@@kiloxman117 Extra congrats on the concierge! And maybe with small jump points, the Freelancer will find itself a new home in your fleet!

[@thomasbouvier3203]

I just fly both rn, as i own freelancer and a spirit C1 witch give a cutlass as a loaner. Love both but i tend to prefer the freelancer as i feel more nimble, and easier to hit thanks to "turret" weapons. While cutlass have gimbal horizontal, and it can miss if you get overturned on pitch. But cutlass missiles errrrhhh ... Also aesthetic of black, not a fan. Rather get the blue canopy on all variant :( And freelancer, i prefer dur or mis design... :)

[@thomasbouvier3203]

Last point, love the fact freelancer offer 4 seat and sleeps... Sure its useless as there is not 4 jobs... but traveling with buddies and transporting them make it helpfull for later persistance.

[@ViciDeum]

I do love the iconic Freelancer design, its our Serenity from Firefly! And those gimbaled pilot weapons definitely make hitting targets an easy task!

[@thomasbouvier3203]

@@ViciDeum yeahhhhh totally. Op gimbal angles and s3 on top :p if I had to pick one. Mis everyday. Black paint (sad nothing more tasty) and escort/daily runner. Might get it once spirit is live and we see how it is

[@Tinytraveler]

A Cutty has a chance to kill a Freelancer, a Freelancer only needs an excuse to kill a Cutty. Which is the big difference in my opinion.

[@ViciDeum]

That's a good point!

[@Dingbat1967]

TBH, stock freelancer isn't the best freelancer to have. If you compare the Freelancer Max to the Cutty Black, definitely the MAX is a much better ship overall. 120SCU vs 44SCUs, huge amount of cargo space, you can carry multiple vehicles including the URSA ... it's my daily driver. I have the Cutty as well but I almost never use it. Probably should melt it and replace it with something else actually. Also - this is going to be dumb/funny - but there's no bathroom in the Cutty Black. So I guess you have to wizz and poop out the side doors ...

[@padawan70000]

He has made the fair comparison. You cannot compare a ship whose irl price is 50% bigger than the other one (150 $- 100$). It would be as bad as comparing the Freelancer Max with the Corsair (150$-250$).

[@Dingbat1967]

@@padawan70000 Oh I totally agree with that. Just saying, the base freelancer isn't great ... you are better off with a cutty.

[@ViciDeum]

Yea the Freelancer is my least favorite of the lineup, especially compared to the Cutty; it just doesn’t offer the same utility! But I agree, the Max takes things to the next level and beats it out! That and the MIS are my personal favorites!

[@RuneHolmgren]

Can't see shit out of the freelancer window!

[@CathrineMacNiel]

skill issue.

[@ViciDeum]

Yea the Freelancer’s cockpit puts the Connie’s struts to shame haha

[@ikkeheltvanlig]

I can't stand losing an engine so easily on the Cutty, I've tried to like it but I can't. I have just upgraded to the Freelancer but it's just a pitstop on the way to MSR

[@ViciDeum]

Congrats on your pickup, and good luck on your quest towards the MSR! The engine loss can be pretty significant, I understand your issue!

[@ikkeheltvanlig]

@@ViciDeum thanks!

[@obiwonton369]

Cutty VTOL gives pilot edge when used proper. If only the Freelancer VTOL worked like the promo video BOOH CIG

[@CathrineMacNiel]

and don't forget the unlocking cheek turrets so you can fire broadside with them.

[@ViciDeum]

Yea the Freelancer with those articulating engines would be goat!

[@Innerhype]

A lot of functionality and future multi-Crew gameplay mechanics that was built for the Freelancer isn't online yet so it is fair not to count those. But I'm Freelancer because things like those are fun to look forward to

[@ViciDeum]

Yea the Freelancer loses out in the current game, but has a lot of potential for what’s to come!

[@paparoach3071]

tbh i always choose freelancer, just because the fuel. Compared to cutty black you never have to refuel. Cutty will suck all that fuel up and leave you dry

[@ViciDeum]

That’s a good point, and one I hadn’t even considered! Especially as we move towards larger systems, it’ll become increasingly important!

[@gaiusbalogh3469]

I like the cutty a LITTLE better just a little bit both are great choices! :)

[@ViciDeum]

I do as well, but my heart wants to fly the Freelancer. At least until I get behind the cockpit haha!

[@blasterdrake]

I have used both and innmy case is like a 55 cutlass and 45 freelancer. I find a bit mor versatile the cutty!

[@ViciDeum]

Congrats on your pickups! And I agree, it’s just impossible to beat the Cutty’s versatility!

[@micahweeks9459]

Freelancer is significantly more tanky than the Cutlass. There's no reason they should be equally scored. They are objectively not equal. Plus, the way ships are actually used matters. Sure, the Cutty has side loading airlocks. But nobody uses them. You can't say Freelancer features don't matter because they can't be used yet but then say a feature matters on the Cutlass that nobody cares about or uses while not docking it for NOT having features that most certainly WILL matter in the future. I think your bias is showing, sir.

[@ViciDeum]

I try and evaluate these ships based on more global criteria. Compared to ships with size 3 shields, or much more utility, ships like this tend to score more similarly in categories. There's not much difference between 5,000 and 10,000 hp when compared to offerings that have 500,000 hp or even 1,000,000+!