The updated review of the Anvil Ballista in Star Citizen highlights its enhanced missile system, which now allows close-range locking and makes it a powerful ground-based anti-air vehicle ideal for team play and combined arms operations. Despite some vulnerabilities and limited advanced features, the Ballista excels in aerial denial and ground defense, earning a high rating of 93 out of 100 for its effectiveness and design.
The video presents an updated review of the Anvil Ballista, a ground vehicle in Star Citizen, focusing on recent missile changes that have significantly enhanced its capabilities. Priced at $140 in the pledge store or 1,481,760 AUC in-game, the Ballista is a high-end vehicle designed primarily for anti-air defense. It features a remote turret equipped with two size two Scorpius GT215 ballistic guns and an impressive array of missiles, including two size 7 Helen 7-G infrared torpedoes and eight size 5 Scimitar 5-G missiles. The “G” designation indicates these missiles are ground-based, with new stats allowing them to lock onto targets from as close as 50 meters up to tens of kilometers away, making the Ballista highly effective in combined arms operations.
The Ballista’s missile system is particularly notable for its ability to lock onto targets at very close range, a change that drastically improves its threat to enemy fighters attempting to approach ground vehicles. However, the effectiveness of these missiles can be diminished by skilled pilots using flares, especially in one-on-one engagements. This limitation makes the Ballista more suited for team play, where multiple units can distract enemy pilots and increase the chances of successful missile hits. The vehicle also boasts a 1440 bubble shield and 360 vehicle armor, providing some durability, but the reviewer notes that ground vehicles remain vulnerable to bombs and direct hits, emphasizing the importance of stealth and positioning.
Inside, the Ballista features a functional layout with the turret control positioned to the right of the driver’s seat and storage options including two weapons lockers and 1500 micro SCU of cargo space. The vehicle also includes component access panels and a fire extinguisher, with some features planned for future updates. The reviewer highlights the stability pistons on the exterior, which are currently non-operational but designed to aid in combat scenarios. The interior design maintains Anvil’s characteristic style, and the vehicle is equipped with multiple MFDs (multi-function displays), although not all are currently operational.
Combat tests demonstrated the Ballista’s missile tracking capabilities, including tests against a Hammerhead and a Reclaimer, showcasing its ability to maintain lock and deliver damage even at long distances. The reviewer also tested the effect of EMP blasts, which can disable torpedoes in transit, adding a layer of tactical counterplay. Despite some limitations against ships equipped with point-defense cannons (PDCs) or effective countermeasures, the Ballista excels as an aerial denial tool, capable of protecting ground sites and supporting combined operations by deterring or damaging enemy air units.
Overall, the reviewer gives the Anvil Ballista a high score of 93 out of 100, praising its enhanced missile capabilities and role as a potent ground-based anti-air vehicle. While it lacks some component passes and advanced features, it fulfills its intended purpose effectively and remains a valuable asset for players focusing on ground defense. The video concludes with a call to viewers to share their thoughts on the missile changes, participate in a giveaway, and a brief endorsement of Longship Industries for PC builds.