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Star Citizen Pilot Handbook
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Ship guide

Star Citizen Vanguard

Vanguard role, variants and buying considerations. Check the source-dated RSI specifications before choosing a hull.

By Domux. Updated 2026-10-11.

The Aegis Vanguard is a rugged, long-range heavy fighter family: a tough two-seat warbird built to fight far from home and take a beating.

What it is

Where light fighters are nimble, the Vanguard is durable and far-reaching, with variants for combat, recon and more. It rewards a pilot-and-crew duo on extended sorties.

Who it is for

Players who want a tough, self-sufficient combat ship for long patrols and bounty work. A combat upgrade you grow into, not a starter.

Choose the variant before the hull

Warden, Sentinel, Harbinger and Hoplite serve different purposes. Decide whether you want fighter sorties or troop transport before comparing prices. A familiar Vanguard silhouette does not establish the same weapons, seating or equipment. A combat ship with no cargo grid is a poor substitute for a freight starter.

Scorpius combat alternative. These are buying considerations based on intended roles, not measured flight-test results.

Check the source-dated RSI specifications below for variants and production status. In-game purchase and rental availability need a separate check. For first-time access, choose a Game Package; standalone ships do not include the game licence.

Sources and updates

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

Edited 11 October 2026. Source checks have their own timestamps.

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. RSI referral conditions

Enlist with code STAR-JTV7-FXLR ✓ Verified referral code · Today: 23 October 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