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Star Citizen Pilot Handbook
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Ship guide

Star Citizen Cutlass Black

The crew-friendly workhorse. Cargo and combat in one hull.

By Domux. Updated 2026-10-25.

The Drake Cutlass Black is a long-time community favourite: a versatile three-crew ship (pilot, co-pilot, turret) with a solid cargo hold. It hauls and fights, which makes it the natural ship for players who want to fly with friends from day one.

The role

It is the most ship you can start with in a Starter Pack, and it scales as you bring crew aboard. New players who already have a group, or who know they want cargo and combat rather than a tiny starter, get the most out of it.

How it fits the referral bonus

If that is more than you want to spend up front, start with the First Flight Pack ($60 list (source checked 25 October 2026)) and upgrade to the Cutlass later with a CCU. Whichever way you get it, signing up with the referral code adds 50,000 UEC of in-game currency to your new account after a Game Package purchase, money you can spend kitting out the ship and your character. What 50,000 UEC buys. Earlier named starter packages were not listed in RSI’s catalogue checked on 25 October 2026. Compare the current First Flight package rather than an old package recommendation.

New to the game? Start with the cheapest qualifying pack, take the 50,000 UEC, and let in-game earnings decide your next ship. Compare Starter Packs.

Sources and updates

By Domux. Public RSI profile, enlisted 3 January 2016.

Edited 25 October 2026. Source checks and historic signup observations have separate dates.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Cutlass Black a good starter ship?

Yes, if you want a multi-crew workhorse from the start. It carries cargo and supports combat. Earlier named starter packages were not listed in RSI’s catalogue checked on 25 October 2026. Compare the current First Flight package rather than an old package recommendation.

How do I get the Cutlass Black with the referral bonus?

The standard referral reward is 50,000 account UEC for a new account registered with a valid code. Game access requires a Game Package outside public trials. The separate $40 USD fresh-money spending rule determines the referrer’s Recruitment Point, not a different signup bonus. Alpha aUEC crediting can be delayed when a code is added later. RSI referral conditions

Cutlass Black or a cheaper starter?

If you fly solo or are unsure, start with the First Flight Pack ($60 list (source checked 25 October 2026)) and upgrade later. If you have a crew and want cargo plus combat now, the Cutlass is worth the jump.

Ready to claim the 50,000 UEC?

The signup link pre-fills STAR-JTV7-FXLR. RSI advertises the bonus after buying a Game Package. The $40 fresh-money threshold determines the referrer's Recruitment Point.

Enlist with code STAR-JTV7-FXLR ✓ Verified referral code · Today: 13 November 2026

Add the code at signup or within 24 hours of creating your account. That is not a deadline to buy. A free account can join public Free Fly events during their announced windows. Special event rewards have separate rules. RSI rules