The video features a detailed discussion about new Star Citizen ships revealed at CitizenCon, focusing on the VanDuel Stinger heavy fighter and the innovative, scrappy Gray Market manufacturer known for hybrid, kit-bashed vessels. The hosts explore the ships’ lore, design, gameplay roles, pricing speculation, and their integration into upcoming storylines, while encouraging community engagement and highlighting the evolving blend of technology and narrative in the game.
The video features a detailed discussion between Excute, Astropub, and special guest Non-Stop Pops about recent leaks and revelations concerning new ships in Star Citizen, particularly focusing on the VanDuel Stinger and a newly discovered manufacturer called Gray Market. They explore the lore, design, and gameplay implications of these ships, using information pulled from the Roberts Space Industries website and various community leaks. The Stinger, a heavy fighter known from Squadron 42, is highlighted for its missile-heavy armament and energy-based weaponry, with comparisons drawn to existing ships like the Glaive and Saber. The panelists dissect the weapon layouts, maneuverability, and potential role of the Stinger, debating whether it will bridge the gap between heavy fighters and gunships, and speculate on its pricing and release timeline.
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the Gray Market manufacturer, which appears to represent a “junkyard” or kit-bashing faction that refurbishes and combines parts from various ships, creating unique, low-tech hybrid vessels. The hosts compare this to Cousin Crows, a known converter of ships, but suggest Gray Market’s approach is more radical, involving extensive modifications and creative reassembly. Visual teasers from 2019 are examined, showing ships that blend components from multiple manufacturers, such as Mustang cockpits with Buccaneer engines, embodying a rough, scrappy aesthetic that contrasts with the clean designs typical in Star Citizen’s Stanton system. This concept adds a new layer of depth and variety to the game’s universe, appealing to players who enjoy a grittier, more improvised style of gameplay.
The discussion also touches on the evolving lore around the VanDuel species and their technology, including biomatter-based ship components and the potential for ships to be partially alive. The VanDuel ships’ unique design philosophy and combat style influence the expected gameplay mechanics, such as heavy plasma weaponry designed to strip armor and the use of shields as a defensive countermeasure. The panelists note that the VanDuel ships’ integration into Star Citizen is likely tied to upcoming storylines centered around the Nyx system, which serves as a narrative bridge to Squadron 42 content. This integration is expected to be gradual, with instanced events allowing players to engage with VanDuel forces and technology.
Price speculation is a key topic, with the Stinger expected to be one of the more expensive ships due to its heavy armament and alien technology, potentially costing between $450 and $500 USD. Comparisons are made to other ships like the Paladin, Glaive, and F8, with the panelists suggesting that the Stinger will occupy the high end of the heavy fighter price range. They also discuss the possibility of “golden ticket” style events for acquiring such ships, similar to past releases like the F8. The Gray Market ships, by contrast, are anticipated to be more affordable, fitting into a niche below Drake’s Cutlass series, appealing to players interested in budget-friendly, versatile ships with a scrappy aesthetic.
Finally, the hosts encourage community engagement and speculation, inviting viewers to share their thoughts on the Gray Market’s role, the Stinger’s gameplay characteristics, and the upcoming VanDuel reworks. They emphasize the importance of lore and game mechanics evolving together and highlight the community-driven nature of Star Citizen’s development. Each host shares their social media and streaming platforms where fans can follow for more in-depth discussions and gameplay content. The video concludes with a positive outlook on CitizenCon and the exciting future of Star Citizen’s ship lineup, underscoring the blend of new technology, lore expansion, and player involvement shaping the game’s ongoing evolution.