The video provides an in-depth review of the Freelancer series ships in Star Citizen, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and outdated designs, with particular focus on the base Freelancer, DUR, and MAX variants. The commentators emphasize the need for significant reworks and modernizations to improve interiors, components, and functionality, ensuring the ships remain relevant and competitive in the evolving game.
The video features a detailed review and discussion of the Freelancer series ships in Star Citizen, joined by two commentators, including “Old Man Hurston.” They begin by addressing the base Freelancer variant, noting that as one of the original five ships in the game, it has not aged well and feels like a jack-of-all-trades but master of none. While it remains the cheapest Freelancer model, its role is somewhat undermined by newer ships in the same price range, and it suffers from cramped interiors and outdated design elements, such as a vertical docking collar that is being phased out in favor of more AI-friendly designs. The speakers suggest that the base Freelancer needs a niche or a rework to justify its place in the game.
Moving on to the technical aspects, the base Freelancer has a cargo capacity of 66 SCU, two civilian coolers, two size-two power plants, and three size-two shields, with a rear turret armed with ballistic cannons and missile racks. The design includes passenger seats intended for transport, but the cramped quarters and lack of a proper kitchenette detract from its utility. The ship’s components are basic and civilian grade, and the interior layout feels outdated compared to newer ships. The speakers also highlight that the ship’s middle cargo room was originally designed to be more secure, making it harder to scan, hinting at smuggling potential.
The Freelancer DUR variant is discussed next, noted for its distinct visual design featuring extra engines, enhanced sensors (nicknamed “boobs” or “nipples”), and larger fuel tanks for extended range. This model sacrifices cargo space, reducing it to 36 SCU, to accommodate its exploration equipment and fuel scoops that refine hydrogen for better fuel efficiency. Despite its specialized role, the DUR suffers from the same cramped interior issues and shares the same civilian-grade components as the base model. The speakers express a desire for quality-of-life improvements, such as expanded kitchen facilities and better crew accommodations, especially given its deep-space exploration focus.
The Freelancer MAX is described as the most balanced and arguably the “sweet spot” in the series, with a cargo capacity of 128 SCU and the unique ability to carry a medium-sized vehicle like a G12 rover. It features a more modern, sleeker design with double the engines of the base model, making it the fastest Freelancer in a straight line, though it struggles with maneuverability due to increased mass. The MAX is the only variant equipped with military-grade components and upgraded missile racks, supporting a crew of up to four with a third person justified by the internal missile launcher operations. However, the cramped living quarters and outdated docking collar remain issues, and the ship’s rear turret placement limits its firing arc.
Throughout the discussion, the speakers emphasize that the Freelancer series as a whole is due for a significant rework, especially considering its age and limited updates compared to other original ships like the Hornet or Cutlass. They note the lack of modern engineering features such as relays and fuse boxes and the need to modernize interiors for better space and functionality. The video closes by inviting community feedback on what changes players would like to see, underscoring the consensus that while the Freelancer series holds nostalgic and functional value, it requires updates to remain competitive and enjoyable in Star Citizen’s evolving universe.