Why You Should Join the Crimson Fleet

Bethesda’s space adventure Starfield boasts a variety of factions for players to join that can alter the experience in some fascinating ways. Whether it’s the Freestar Collective, the UC Vanguard, or Constellation, the many factions of Starfield all have something unique to offer.

One of the most compelling of these factions, though, is the Crimson Fleet. Known throughout the galaxy as lawless space pirates, the Crimson Fleet serve as the game’s morally corrupt faction choice. What the Crimson Fleet lacks in morals, it makes up for in material goods and exploration, as the space pirates’ main goal is to disrupt the order of the United Colonies. The Crimson Fleet may not be the best faction choice for those aiming for a more clear-cut moral path for their character, but for players who are in the mood to spice things up, becoming a space pirate may prove to be a lot of fun.

Steam Game Archean Has Major Starfield and No Man's Sky Vibes

New Steam Game Has Serious Starfield and No Man’s Sky Vibes

A new Early Access space sandbox game on Steam looks to take some major inspiration from space epics like Starfield and No Man’s Sky.

For Some Players, Joining the Crimson Fleet Might Be Well Worth the Consequences

Joining the Crimson Fleet Has Serious Downsides to Consider

Companions will hate this decision, straining the relationships one has built in the game.
Becoming a Crimson Fleet member will make one a criminal, which comes with added hostility.
Players are locked out of the UC SysDef faction.

The Crimson Fleet has a bad reputation all throughout the galaxy, so for players who want to maintain a good standing with their companions, joining the organization is not advised. However, for those who don’t care about their in-game reputation, becoming part of the Crimson Fleet can really open the game in some surprising new ways.

The Crimson Fleet was founded by Jasper Kryx, an escaped prisoner who was held in The Lock.

Exploration Can Become Far Less Hostile

Players who are craving a less confrontational way to explore various outposts and locations may want to consider joining the Crimson Fleet. Once players join the group, all Crimson Fleet members become friendly, meaning that worrying about fighting off pirates at outposts is a thing of the past. A fellow member can just walk right in without any problems, and it can really streamline in-game exploration in Starfield.

Access to The Key

If players join the Crimson Fleet, they get full access to The Key, the space station that was taken over by the group and turned into its central headquarters. In this repurposed space station, a variety of great vendors and shops can be found. The Key is a one-stop-shop where players can stock up as needed, and what makes it even better is that the station also has crafting benches.

Ship Services
Trade Authority
Medbay
The Last Nova
TK’s Tactical Gear
Aludra’s Weapon Shop
Isra’s General Goods
Zuri’s Essentials

On top of crafting and trading, selling contraband is completely fine at The Key, allowing players the opportunity to offload their most nefarious loot. The lawless nature embraced at The Key can really expand a player’s selling and trading opportunities in a way that’s free from the confines of the United Colonies and its rules.

There are only two ways to leave the Crimson Fleet, with the main method being death. However, captains can buy their retirement.

The Crimson Fleet’s Questline Breathes More Life Into Starfield

Since the game’s launch, one of the biggest criticisms about Starfield is that its world feels lifeless compared to other Bethesda titles. While Crimson Fleet NPC interactions becoming friendly can definitely make exploration feel a little less eventful, since there isn’t as much conflict, the rest of the group provides an ample amount of spice. Delgado and Naeva are intriguing characters, and the freedom the faction allows helps Starfield feel more lively, since players get to dive deep into morally gray waters. Joining the Crimson Fleet definitely isn’t for everyone, but for players who want to experience the darker side of Bethesda’s space adventure, embracing the faction may be a good move.

Starfield

Systems

10/10

Released: September 6, 2023
ESRB: M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs, Strong Language, Violence
Engine: proprietary engine