“Now that the Q&A has been released I think it’s time to give the Expanse a good going over. Of course always remember that all ships will eventually be available to buy with UEC - you do not need to buy anything more than a starter pack!!!”
In this video, the YouTuber discusses the MISC Expanse, a new concept ship in Star Citizen that focuses on ship refining. The Expanse is an entry-level refinery ship that relies on other ships, such as mining and salvage ships, to bring it raw materials for refining. Players can either offer refining services to miners, buy raw materials from them, and refine and sell them for a profit, or work as part of a mining organization. The ship uses saddlebags similar to those on the MISC Prospector, allowing it to carry up to 64 SCU of cargo at once. The refining process is expected to be hands-on, with players using tractor beams, analyzing materials, and choosing between predefined refining methods or more manual approaches.
The Expanse can refine minerals, gases, metals, and potentially work with salvaging ships like the Drake Vulture. Refinery ownership may bring down costs, but players will still need to buy or craft catalysts and reagents for the refining process, as well as deal with the cost of destroying materials during refining. Having an Expanse can save money by not being affected by refinery station occupation levels.
The video also raises unanswered questions about refining quantanium and the potential for a refining tier system. The YouTuber suggests a potential organization setup where a few Prospector ships mine while the Expanse refines and unloads into a cargo ship like the Caterpillar, with support from a Vulcan for accidents and light refueling. Additionally, the YouTuber advises caution in buying the Expanse, as the ship’s capabilities may change in the future with the introduction of more specialized refining ships or tier systems.
To show appreciation for the community, the YouTuber announces a ship giveaway, where viewers can enter by leaving a comment. The YouTuber expresses gratitude for the growing channel and looks forward to future videos.