The Gatac Railen, a large and uniquely designed Xi’an-inspired alien ship in Star Citizen, impresses with its distinctive exterior, spacious cockpit for up to four crew members, and advanced cargo handling capabilities boasting 640 SCU capacity. While not built for speed or combat, its smooth loading systems and relaxing interior make it an excellent choice for players focused on efficient and stylish cargo hauling.
The Gatac Railen is one of the most anticipated ships in Star Citizen, recently released alongside Alpha 4.8.2 and Alien Week celebrations. After years of waiting, it has transitioned from concept art to a fully flyable spacecraft. Originally sold as a concept ship for $200, its price has now increased to $360. The video provides a comprehensive tour of the ship, highlighting its unique Xi’an-inspired design, interior layout, cargo system, crew accommodations, and overall functionality, culminating in a flight test to evaluate its performance compared to other cargo haulers in the game.
The ship’s sheer size is immediately impressive, measuring 52 meters in length, 53 meters in width, and 67 meters in height, giving it the feel of a building rather than a typical spacecraft. Its alien design is detailed and sophisticated, with smooth animations and a distinctive silhouette that sets it apart from other ships in Star Citizen. The Railen’s exterior and boarding mechanisms emphasize its unique character, making it stand out as a truly exotic vessel within the game’s universe.
Inside, the Railen’s interior is surprisingly compact relative to its massive exterior. It features a modest entry level, a central living area with anti-gravity stools, crew quarters, and combined shower and toilet facilities. While the interior atmosphere is impressive, blending advanced technology with natural elements like a virtual waterfall and terrarium, there was some disappointment in the lack of alien-themed details in the restroom facilities. Nevertheless, the interior ambiance strongly reinforces the ship’s Xi’an identity and provides a relaxing environment for the crew.
The cockpit is the centerpiece of the Railen, spaciously designed to accommodate up to four players, including a pilot, co-pilot, and two tractor beam operators. The seats glide smoothly into position, adding to the ship’s sophisticated feel. The pilot enjoys an excellent forward view through a wide canopy, making the cockpit a welcoming and comfortable space. Flight performance, however, is limited by the ship’s heavy mass; acceleration is modest, top speed reaches 999 m/s in SCM mode, and the ship tends to drift, requiring careful and precise control. The Railen is not built for combat or speed but rather for patient, deliberate cargo hauling.
Cargo handling is where the Railen truly shines. It offers an impressive 640 SCU of cargo capacity, surpassing the Hull B, and features well-positioned, easy-to-use tractor beams that make loading and unloading efficient and straightforward. The ship’s design supports a smooth cargo workflow, making it a practical and enjoyable choice for freight operations. However, players are advised to be cautious with investments on large cargo runs due to the inherent risks in Star Citizen. Overall, the Railen combines capacity, convenience, and style, making it a compelling option for players focused on cargo hauling in the game.