The Esperia Stinger is a visually striking, heavily armed alien fighter in Star Citizen with strong offensive capabilities but somewhat fragile defenses and handling quirks, making it a formidable yet niche combat ship. While offering a unique and fun experience, its high cost and limited practicality mean it is better suited for dedicated fans or collectors rather than players seeking the best value or versatility.
The Esperia Stinger is a heavy fighter in Star Citizen, designed with a menacing and alien aesthetic that reflects its Vanuel origins. The review begins with a detailed ship tour, highlighting its unique rear starboard entry ramp that opens like ribs, leading into a compact interior where the pilot assumes a prone position in the cockpit. The ship is heavily armed with a mix of two size-two and four size-four light strike laser cannons, as well as a size-five hardlocked Roth cannon, known for its powerful impact. Additionally, it carries sixteen size-two missile launchers, all controlled by the single pilot, making the Stinger a formidable combat vessel with strong offensive capabilities.
In terms of combat performance, the Stinger excels against fighter-sized targets, thanks to its diverse weapon loadout and powerful cannon. However, its defenses are somewhat fragile; the ship features two size-two shield generators, but losing a wing severely hampers maneuverability, making it vulnerable in prolonged engagements. The weapon convergence can be tricky, requiring pilots to manage fire groups effectively and often get closer to targets for optimal damage. Despite its offensive strengths, the Stinger demands careful handling in combat to avoid critical damage.
The handling and visibility of the Stinger present a mixed experience. Visibility is good forward, to the sides, and below, but limited above, which is unusual for a fighter. The ship’s speed is comparable to the F8 Lightning, with a top SCM speed of 207 m/s and boost up to 440 m/s, but it is noticeably slower in turning, giving it a lumbering feel that fits its alien theme. Navigation speeds are decent, though the Stinger can be outpaced by more agile fighters. Its quantum drive is effective and provides good range, but the ship’s top speed drops quickly when changing direction, which can be a tactical disadvantage.
Operating costs for the Stinger are moderate, with repair bills running into the low thousands and refueling costs in the hundreds. However, ammunition expenses, especially for missiles, can add up quickly, making sustained combat costly. The ship lacks a cargo grid, limiting its utility for hauling physical cargo, so its primary role is combat-focused, particularly excelling in combat contracts and possibly bunker running. Upgrades tend to focus on weapon customization and power plant enhancements, with many pilots opting to swap out the default lasers for ballistic weapons to suit their playstyle.
Overall, the Esperia Stinger stands out as a visually striking and heavily armed alien fighter with unique design elements and strong offensive capabilities. However, its high price tag of $315 and some handling quirks make it a niche choice rather than a practical one for many players. While it offers a cool and fun experience, the reviewer suggests it may not provide the best value compared to other ships like the Constellation or Corsair. The Stinger’s alien charm and combat potential are undeniable, but for now, it remains a luxury pick for dedicated fans or collectors rather than a must-have combat ship.