Is The Reclaimer in Star Citizen Worth Buying ?

In the vast pantheon of Star Citizen’s one hundred plus ships, the Reclaimer stands out as a true behemoth. This industrial giant is not a normal ship; it's a vessel whose whole design is made to be good at one thing—salvage. When you buy a Reclaimer, you sign yourself up for a journey out into the outer reaches with only your crew and your skill to rely on. The risks can be daunting but the rewards of a fully laden cargo hold are immense.

The Purpose-Built Salvager

The Reclaimer, manufactured by Aegis Dynamics, is currently the largest dedicated salvage ship in Star Citizen. While it may not have the same defensive capabilities, cargo, or luxury of other ships in its class, no other ship matches its ability to turn destroyed ships and other space debris into UEC. It’s equipped with an array of features specifically tailored to make it the go-to vessel for large-scale salvage operators.

Key Features of the Reclaimer

 

• Massive Cargo Capacity: 

  The Reclaimer’s vast storage space allows it to haul large amounts of salvage, allowing you to spend more time onsite making money rather than having to return to a station to off load.

• Industrial Powerhouse:

  With its powerful claw, drones, and tractor beams, the Reclaimer can dismantle ships of all sizes, processing them into valuable resources. The Reclaimer’s processing unit allows you to pack more value into a single trip and it’s something that the Vulture just doesn’t have.

• Defensive Capabilities:

  Despite its industrial focus, the Reclaimer isn't defenseless. When it is properly equipped it can output 15,000 DPS and its 3 large shield slots make it a very tough nut to crack. While it isn’t made to be a combat ship, it can definitely hold its own and will make any pirate think twice about trying to steal your scrap.
  
  

• Multi-Crew Advantages: With the Reclaimer being an absolutely massive ship, its capabilities are best utilized with a crew of 4-5. However when fully crewed, it practically prints UEC and is one of the best ways to make money in the game.

 

Pros and Cons of the Reclaimer

The Reclaimer’s strengths are clear, with its massive cargo capacity, specialized salvage equipment, and robust defenses making it an unparalleled tool in the salvage industry. Its ability to process materials on-site offers significant advantages in terms of efficiency and profit, especially during long missions where returning to a base isn't feasible. The Reclaimer is the best Salvaging ship currently available for a reason and it’s a great ship to own to make copious amounts of money.

However, the Reclaimer is not without its drawbacks. The ship's heavy reliance on a crew means that operating it solo is not ideal. You can successfully solo operate a Reclaimer but it can be frustrating especially now that you have to physically unload cargo in 3.24 (the elevator in the Reclaimer is currently very slow but the ship is getting a rework) . Additionally, the Reclaimer’s specialization in salvage means it’s not as versatile as other ships—while it excels in its intended role, it may not be the best choice for those looking for a more multifaceted experience in Star Citizen. The cost of buying a Reclaimer and maintaining it are substantial, requiring a significant investment of both money and time to fully get the most out of its abilities as the current pledge price is $400 for the Reclaimer. Fortunately, here at Starlti.com we have the Reclaimer priced at $310 with LTI (lifetime insurance) so you own the current king of Salvaging while saving some money when compared to prices others are charging.

Salvage Gameplay in Star Citizen

Salvage is more than just breaking down old ships; it’s a complex and potentially lucrative profession. As a Reclaimer pilot, you’ll navigate asteroid fields and debris-laden battle sites, identifying valuable targets and carefully extracting their remains. The ship's sensors and drones play a critical role in this, helping you locate the best salvage while avoiding dangerous areas.

The process can be painstaking, but the rewards can be substantial. Valuable metals, rare components, and sometimes even intact cargo can all be recovered. These rare components can turn a mundane salvaging contract into an exciting treasure hunt with the potential to score big on valuable parts. Of course due to the Reclaimer’s huge cargo storages and processing capabilities to pack those storages, you can stay on station longer and reap huge rewards.

The Role of the Reclaimer in the Star Citizen Economy

The Reclaimer’s ability to recycle and repurpose materials feeds into the broader economy of Star Citizen. In a universe where resources are accurately simulated, the Reclaimer helps ensure that the Star Citizen economy keeps on moving. The resources gathered and processed by Reclaimer crews supply raw materials to manufacturers and other industries, driving the creation of new ships, weapons, and technology.
Its operations can also have a strategic impact, clearing debris fields for safer travel or recovering critical components in the aftermath of a battle. You might find a Reclaimer attached to a guild’s fleet, hoping to cash in after a massive clan battle.

Is the Reclaimer Right for You?

If you’re interested in salvaging, the Reclaimer is unmatched in its capabilities. However, it’s not for everyone. Its massive size, high price tag, and specialized role mean that it requires a dedicated crew and a solid understanding of salvage mechanics to get the most out of the Reclaimer. You can get some of the same capabilities of the Reclaimer with a Vulture for a fraction of the price. Nevertheless for those who use the Reclaimer to it's full potential, it offers a significant upgrade to the Vulture and has the potential for significant rewards and a unique gameplay experience in the Star Citizen universe. 

Ultimately, the decision on whether or not to buy a Reclaimer can be summarized in two questions:

1. Do you want your main activity with your next ship purchase to be salvaging (at least until the profits of your salvaging operation allow you to buy other ships)?

2. Do you see yourself playing with groups that can maximum advantage of the Reclaimer?

If you answer yes to both questions, then the Reclaimer is for you. If you're unsure about your dedication to salvaging as a gameplay loop or playing in a group, a Vulture might be more your speed.