The video analyzes the Star Citizen Hermes ship’s release and its Warbond CCU options, highlighting its advantages over the RSI Raft but noting complications due to potential Raft price increases affecting upgrade discounts. It advises players to carefully evaluate their current Warbond holdings and consider alternative upgrade paths, as the Hermes is expected to be a popular but strategically complex choice.
The video discusses the release of the Star Citizen Hermes ship with patch 4.6 and its availability as a Warbond CCU option. Priced at $220 with a $20 discount for Warbond buyers, the Hermes is positioned as a strong competitor to the RSI Raft, a cargo ship currently priced at $190 but expected to see a price increase soon. The Hermes offers more cargo capacity (288 SCU compared to the Raft’s 192 SCU), better armor, and more weaponry, making it on paper a superior choice. However, the Raft remains an easier ship to load due to its external cargo hold, whereas the Hermes has an internal hold, which may be seen as a plus or minus depending on player preference.
The Raft’s upcoming price increase complicates the Warbond CCU game, as it will likely raise the cost to upgrade to the Hermes through the Raft, potentially reducing the discount ratio and making it a less attractive option. The video speculates that the Raft’s price might rise to around $200 or $210, which would affect the value of Warbond upgrades. Despite this, the Raft is still considered the best Warbond CCU option for those who already have a Raft Warbond, but new players or those without this option might want to consider alternative routes.
Other Warbond CCU options discussed include ships like the Hornet variants (Ghost and Tracker) and the Sabers (Firebird and Paragan). These ships have had fewer Warbond sales and are generally less popular, with the Sabers especially not being highly sought after in the combat arena. The video advises caution with these options, noting that less popular ships tend to have fewer Warbond opportunities over time. The Comet is highlighted as a poor choice since it has never had a Warbond sale.
The video also touches on the broader context of ships priced around the $220 mark, including the Defender, Terrapin, and Medic variants, alongside the Hermes. These ships are solid options for the Warbond game, and the Hermes is expected to sell well due to its appealing design and capabilities. The presenter anticipates that the Hermes will return frequently in Warbond sales, making it a ship players will likely consider upgrading to multiple times, which adds complexity to deciding the best upgrade path.
In conclusion, the presenter advises players to carefully consider their existing hangar and Warbond options before committing to the Hermes Warbond CCU. For those with a Raft Warbond, upgrading through the Raft remains the best choice despite the potential price increase. Others might speculate with the MR or choose other ships like the Hornet variants to avoid uncertain price changes. The overall message is that while the Hermes is an exciting new addition, the Warbond upgrade paths are currently complicated and require strategic decision-making based on individual circumstances.