The Grey’s Shiv in Star Citizen Alpha 4.3 is a rugged, heavily armed heavy fighter that excels in dogfighting and extended combat, featuring a utilitarian interior, decent cargo capacity, and strong performance at a moderate operating cost. Despite its rough “Frankenstein” appearance, the ship offers versatility, speed, and multi-crew capability, making it a competitively priced and effective choice for players seeking a no-frills combat-oriented vessel.
The video review of the Grey’s Shiv in Star Citizen Alpha 4.3 presents the ship as a rugged, performance-focused heavy fighter that prioritizes function over form. The reviewer, Farister, begins with a detailed ship tour, highlighting the ship’s utilitarian and somewhat chaotic interior design, which includes a rear cargo bay suitable for storing vehicles, a cockpit with two seats, and basic onboard facilities such as two beds and an engineering terminal. The armament is substantial, featuring size four ballistic gatling guns on the cockpit shoulders, a remote turret with size three laser repeaters, and a flexible missile loadout. Despite its rough appearance, the Shiv is described as a heavily armed and capable combat vessel.
In terms of combat performance, the Grey’s Shiv excels in dogfighting and extended engagements, though its shields require pilots to tactically disengage and re-engage to maintain survivability. It is fast and maneuverable, with a top speed of 1,175 m/s at navigation speed and a boost speed exceeding 475 m/s, which allows it to effectively pursue industrial ships and hold its own against other fighters. The ship’s handling is praised for its responsiveness and minimal drift, despite lacking vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities, which may affect its atmospheric performance in the future.
Visibility from the cockpit is generally good, with clear views forward, above, and to the sides, though somewhat obstructed by large cockpit struts. The Shiv’s quantum drive offers decent range and moderate speed, enabling it to traverse star systems without frequent refueling. Operating costs are moderate, with repairs and refueling running into thousands of credits and missile restocking costing tens of thousands, but the ship’s combat effectiveness allows it to generate sufficient income to cover these expenses.
The ship’s cargo capacity is modest but practical, with a 32 standard unit grid that can hold a single large crate or small vehicles like a rock mining rover, making it viable for looting and small haul missions. The reviewer suggests upgrading the quantum drive and shield generator to improve performance and survivability. Despite its unattractive “Frankenstein” aesthetic, the Shiv has a distinctive atmosphere created by its minimalist interior, unique sound design, and functional layout, which appeals to players looking for a no-frills, combat-oriented ship.
Ultimately, the Grey’s Shiv is positioned as a versatile and competitively priced option at $135 to $150, offering a balance of firepower, cargo utility, and speed without the high costs of other ships. It can be flown solo or with a co-pilot, making it multi-crew capable, and may even feature in the Squadron 42 campaign, adding to its appeal. While its looks might deter some, the Shiv’s strong performance and utility make it a hidden gem for players seeking a capable starter heavy fighter with broad capabilities in Star Citizen.