The Crusader Intrepid is a versatile starter ship in Star Citizen, offering excellent living space, solid maneuverability, and reliable performance for exploration and cargo running, but it lacks strong combat capabilities and has a split cargo grid that limits storage flexibility. Priced affordably and designed for new players, it excels in non-combat roles with a modern interior and enjoyable flying experience, earning a score of 76 out of 100.
The Crusader Intrepid is a starter ship in Star Citizen designed not for firepower or profit but for reliable, straightforward flying and exploration. Priced at $65 on the pledge store or around 670,000 to 705,000 AUC in-game, it offers a balanced experience with enough space for living, cargo, and travel range. The ship features a single size 4 CF447 Rhino gun, which provides decent burst damage for PvE but is not recommended for PvP due to its vulnerability, especially the easily damaged wings that can cause uncontrollable death rolls when hit by other players. It also carries only two size one missiles, which are insufficient for combat, reinforcing its role as a non-combat starter vessel.
In terms of defenses and durability, the Intrepid has a 1,980 HP bubble shield with varying resistances to different damage types and a total ship HP of 15,350. While it has some damage reduction stats, the ship remains fragile in PvP situations due to its flat top profile and vulnerability when not kept nose-on to enemies. However, its speed and maneuverability are commendable, with a top SCM speed of 227 and a forward boost of 455, making it nimble and quick to accelerate. This makes it enjoyable to fly, especially for new players learning the ropes of piloting in Star Citizen.
The ship’s interior is one of its standout features, offering a modern and functional living space with a side entrance stairway, a kitchen area, seating, a bed with ample storage, and dedicated lockers for armor and weapons. It includes two separated cargo bays totaling 8 SCU, though the split cargo grid can be inconvenient and limits the size of cargo containers that can be stored. While vehicles cannot be stored onboard, the cargo space is expandable by utilizing additional interior areas, allowing for more cargo capacity than the official grid suggests. The engineering section is compact with most components clustered together, which is convenient for maintenance but also a vulnerability in combat.
Stock components on the Intrepid are civilian grade and generally underwhelming, with recommendations provided for upgrading to better parts such as a Grade A shield generator, power plant, cooler, and quantum drive to improve performance and durability. Weapon choice is flexible for PvE, with options between ballistic and laser cannons depending on player preference, but PvP combat is strongly discouraged. The ship’s sound design and overall feel contribute positively to the flying experience, making it a solid choice for players focusing on exploration, cargo running, and general gameplay rather than combat.
Overall, the Crusader Intrepid scores a 76 out of 100, reflecting its strengths as a modern, functional starter ship with excellent living space and solid piloting characteristics, but also its weaknesses in combat capability and cargo grid design. It is ideal for new players wanting a versatile ship to explore the verse without engaging in PvP, offering a good balance of features for its price point. The reviewer highlights that if combat is not a priority, the Intrepid could easily rate higher, making it a recommended choice for beginners who value functionality and comfort over firepower.