Ah, so you want to get your hands on that sleek, powerful UC Vanguard Raptor in Starfield? It's a fantastic A-class ship, perfect for early-to-mid game combat, and it just looks incredibly cool with that unique UC Vanguard paint job. You've come to the right place. Let's get you set up with everything you need to know, from the most reliable method to a few more… unconventional ones.
Before we dive in, let me ask you: Are you ready to prove your worth to the United Colonies? Because the most surefire way to earn this ship is by becoming a decorated member of their elite Vanguard.
Step 1: Join the United Colonies Vanguard
This is the absolute first thing you need to do. The Raptor is a UC Vanguard ship, and you're not getting one without their approval. The good news is, joining is a straightforward process and a great way to earn some early credits and experience.
Let's get started:
Go to New Atlantis: Head to the planet Jemison in the Alpha Centauri system. This is the home of the United Colonies and the main hub for the Vanguard.
Find the MAST Building: Once you land in New Atlantis, make your way to the MAST District. You can't miss the massive, towering skyscraper.
Talk to Commander Tuala: Take the elevator inside the MAST building to the Vanguard HQ. Once there, speak to Commander Tuala. He's the one who will initiate your enlistment. He'll ask you to sign up at a terminal and then take the Vanguard piloting exam.
Pro-Tip: While you're at the MAST building, feel free to explore the UC Vanguard Orientation Hall. It's a great bit of lore and will give you a better understanding of the faction. Plus, pressing all the buttons in the exhibit can earn you some bonus credit with Commander Tuala, which is a nice little touch.
Step 2: Pass the Piloting Simulator Exam
This is a crucial part of your enlistment. You'll need to prove your piloting skills in a simulator. Don't worry, it's not too difficult, but it's important to be prepared.
Enter the Piloting Simulator: Head to the simulator bay and hop into the cockpit.
Fight the Waves: The simulator has multiple waves (tiers) of enemy ships. You only need to defeat three waves to pass, but if you want to impress Commander Tuala and earn a faster promotion, you can go for all six.
Master the Controls:
Manage your power: In a dogfight, be sure to balance your power between your weapons, engines, and shields.
Boost to evade missiles: If you see a missile warning, hit your boost to break the lock.
Turn on a dime: To make sharp turns, slow your ship down significantly and then accelerate as you come out of the turn. This is a game-changer.
Use cover: Don't be afraid to use asteroids and other space debris as cover to break missile locks and get a tactical advantage.
Complete the Exam: After you pass, report back to Commander Tuala. He'll be impressed, swear you in, and you'll officially become a provisional member of the UC Vanguard. This is your first step toward getting that Raptor.
Step 3: Complete the UC Vanguard Questline
This is where the real work begins. The UC Vanguard questline is one of the most engaging and well-written in the game. You'll be sent on a series of missions that will test your skills and uncover a massive conspiracy.
Mission 1: 'Supra et Ultra': This is the mission you just completed – passing the exam.
Mission 2: 'Grunt Work': Your first probationary assignment. You'll be sent to Tau Ceti VIII-b to investigate a missing research team and deal with some… unpleasant creatures.
Mission 3: 'Delivering A Legacy': This quest will take you to Mars, where you'll be delivering a key piece of technology.
Mission 4: 'Friends Like These': You'll be dealing with political intrigue and espionage in this mission.
Mission 5: 'A Legacy Forged': The climax of the questline. You'll be at the center of a major decision that will determine the fate of the United Colonies and the Terrormorph threat. Your choices here have significant consequences, but the main thing is to see it through.
Pay close attention during 'A Legacy Forged', as the outcome will be crucial.
Step 4: Earn Your Class One Citizenship
Upon completing the UC Vanguard questline and making your final report in the 'A Legacy Forged' quest, you will be officially inducted as a Class One Citizen of the United Colonies.
The Big Reward: This is the most important part. As a Class One Citizen, you'll be granted a number of perks, including a permanent discount on goods in UC territory, a handsome credit disbursement, and access to special UC Vanguard ships and ship modules from vendors.
Step 5: Purchase the UC Vanguard Raptor
Now that you're a Class One Citizen, you can finally get the Raptor!
Go to a Ship Services Technician: You'll find these technicians at most major spaceports, including New Atlantis, Akila City, and Neon. The one at the New Atlantis Spaceport is a good bet.
Browse their Ship Inventory: Talk to the technician and select the option to "view and modify your ships." Then, choose to "buy a new ship."
Find the Raptor: Scroll through the list of ships available for purchase. You should now see the UC Vanguard Raptor (and its variants, like the Raptor III) in the inventory.
Register and Fly: Purchase the ship, register it if it isn't already, and it's all yours! Congratulations, you've earned it.
Alternative (and Less Reliable) Methods
While the UC Vanguard questline is the intended way to get the Raptor, there are a few other, more guerilla methods that some players have reported success with. These methods are not guaranteed and may require a bit of luck and patience.
Method 1: The 'Unattended Ship' Trick
This is a classic Starfield exploit that can work for a variety of ships, including the Raptor.
Find a Landed Raptor: Fly to a planet and land at a random landing zone or a specific location where ships tend to spawn, like the Mars Red Devils HQ.
Wait and Reload: Reload your save until you see a UC Vanguard Raptor land.
Leave the System and Wait: Do not enter the ship. Fast travel or grav jump to another system and then sleep for several in-game days (some say 3 local days, or 150 UT hours, is enough).
Return and Claim: Go back to the landing site. The crew might have abandoned the ship, leaving it empty and free for the taking! You'll just need to register it at a Ship Services Technician.
Method 2: Vendor Stock Refresh
Sometimes, the Raptor may appear in a vendor's stock even if you aren't a UC Citizen, but it's rare.
Keep checking vendors: Periodically check the Ship Services Technicians at various spaceports. Their inventory is partially random and can refresh over time.
Wait in-game: You can wait 24-48 in-game hours at a vendor's location to force their stock to refresh.
Please note: The Raptor acquired this way may not have the special UC Vanguard paint job. The questline method is the only way to guarantee the distinct aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to join the UC Vanguard?
Go to the MAST building in New Atlantis, talk to Commander Tuala, and sign up at the registration terminal.
How to find the MAST building in New Atlantis?
It's the very tall skyscraper in the MAST District of New Atlantis. You can easily find it by following the main path from the Spaceport.
How to pass the piloting simulator exam in Starfield?
You need to successfully defeat at least three waves of enemy ships. Balance your ship's power, use your boost to evade missiles, and use asteroids for cover.
How to get UC Class One Citizenship?
Complete the entire UC Vanguard questline, ending with the 'A Legacy Forged' mission. Your reward will be Class One Citizenship and all its benefits.
How to find a Ship Services Technician?
They are typically found in the main landing areas of major cities like New Atlantis, Akila City, and Neon, near the ship landing pads.
How to register a captured ship in Starfield?
Fly the captured ship to a major spaceport, land, and talk to the Ship Services Technician. You'll have an option to register the ship, which is a requirement before you can modify or sell it.
How to get a discount on ships and goods in Starfield?
Become a UC Class One Citizen by completing the UC Vanguard questline. This provides a permanent discount in all UC territory.
How to upgrade my ship in Starfield?
Talk to any Ship Services Technician and select the "view and modify your ships" option. You can then enter the ship builder to add new modules, weapons, and components.
How to find the UC Vanguard questline in my journal?
Once you join, the quests will appear under the "Activities" or "Missions" tab in your journal, typically under the faction quests section.
How to get the unique UC Vanguard paint job?
The only reliable way to get the UC Vanguard paint job on a ship is by acquiring the ship through the UC Vanguard questline and purchasing it from a vendor after becoming a Class One Citizen.
