In this 10-minute review, Even Lee highlights the Esperia Talon’s significant upgrades in Star Citizen 4.2, including increased durability, stealth capabilities, and competitive firepower, positioning it as a strong contender against the Gladius in both PvE and PvP roles. Priced affordably and featuring quick respawn times and excellent maneuverability, the Talon earns a 90/100 rating for its versatility and potential as a meta ship in the game.
In this 10-minute review of the Esperia Talon in Star Citizen 4.2, Even Lee provides an in-depth look at the ship’s recent upgrades and how it positions itself as a strong competitor to the Gladius, potentially becoming a meta ship in the game. Priced at $115 on the pledge store or 3,260,250 AUEC in-game, the Talon offers great value for players interested in both PvE and PvP roles. The ship features an 11-minute 20-second claim time, which can be expedited to just under 4 minutes, giving players a reasonable turnaround between engagements.
The Talon is equipped with two size four light strike laser cannons that deliver 1,386 burst damage per second. While these guns perform decently, Even suggests swapping them out for CF 447 Rhinos or other faster ballistic weapons for better PvP performance. The missile loadout includes four size two Tempest 2 missiles, which, while not the most powerful, can be supplemented with Rattlers for increased damage. The ship’s stealth capabilities are a significant advantage, featuring two size one stealth shield generators that provide a 2,100 bubble shield and a very low detection range, making it highly effective for surprise attacks.
A major highlight of the 4.2 update is the substantial increase in the Talon’s ship HP, jumping from 18,000 to over 25,000. This boost mainly comes from reinforced feathers, component doors, and wings, allowing the ship to sustain more damage without losing critical parts like wings during combat. This durability, combined with its excellent maneuverability and speed—matching or exceeding the Gladius in many aspects—makes the Talon a formidable opponent in dogfights, especially in atmospheric conditions where it outperforms the Gladius.
Despite its strengths, the Talon has slightly less fuel capacity than the Gladius, with 8.8 SU of hydrogen and 1.1 SU of quantum fuel, which is a minor drawback. However, the ability to spawn the Talon on size one pads, such as those at outposts, is a significant tactical advantage, allowing for quicker redeployment compared to ships like the Gladius. Even Lee also highlights the ship’s full component access and storage capabilities, making maintenance and customization convenient for pilots.
In conclusion, Even Lee rates the Esperia Talon 90 out of 100, praising its firepower potential, increased durability, stealth features, speed, and power distribution. The ship’s upgrades in 4.2 make it a versatile and competitive fighter, especially once players optimize its weapon loadout. With its sleek design and new paint options, the Talon stands out visually as well as functionally. Even encourages viewers to share their thoughts on the Talon and looks forward to seeing more of these ships in action in the evolving Star Citizen universe.