If you're venturing into the vast expanse of Star Citizen, one of the most essential activities you'll undertake is cargo running, as you can get a ton of Star Citizen aUEC through it. The game's persistent universe offers a wide range of ships designed for transporting goods, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Today, we’ll dive deep into the RSI Zeus CL and the Spirit C1—two of the top contenders for cargo running in Star Citizen 3.24.2. We’ll focus solely on the cargo-carrying capabilities, ignoring components and weapons, to determine which ship offers the best balance of space, speed, and efficiency for maximizing your profits.
Cargo running in Star Citizen 3.24.2 isn't just about transporting goods from one place to another; it's about maximizing efficiency and staying profitable while doing so.
This activity demands a careful balance between speed, capacity, and the ship's overall capabilities. It's not simply a task of moving cargo—it's an essential aspect of thriving in the vast universe of Star Citizen.
Players must navigate between high-demand locations, anticipate market fluctuations, and choose the right ship for the job.
With a variety of ship options available, finding the best fit for your cargo-running needs can be a challenge. Two standout options for this task are the RSI Zeus CL and the Spirit C1, both offering unique advantages based on the volume of cargo you’re handling and how fast you need to transport it.
The RSI Zeus CL excels in certain scenarios, while the Spirit C1 might outperform in others, depending on your mission goals and the type of haul you’re planning.
Whether you're delivering crucial resources to remote planetside outposts or orchestrating trades across multiple star systems, understanding the strengths and limitations of these two ships is crucial for success.
Each has specific characteristics that can make a significant impact on your overall performance, from fuel efficiency to cargo hold capacity and maneuverability.
Mastering these details will not only make your cargo runs smoother but also boost your profits as you learn to make the most out of every journey.
Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of both ships to help you make the most informed decision on your next profitable cargo haul.
Cargo space is everything when it comes to running goods, and both the RSI Zeus CL and Spirit C1 provide solid cargo holds. However, they vary in size and how much cargo you can store efficiently.
The RSI Zeus CL has a total cargo capacity of 128 units, making it one of the larger haulers.
When fully stacked, the Zeus allows for a variety of configurations, making it versatile, but it can also be a bit of a headache in certain situations.
You’ve got space to hold:
● 32-unit containers (limited usability depending on where you're delivering)
● A mix of 24-unit and 8-unit containers to better navigate smaller outposts
In its tight configuration, the Zeus CL can handle between 24 to 26 boxes depending on how you arrange your cargo.
While this allows you to maximize space, the setup can be cumbersome, especially in hostile environments where time is of the essence.
The Spirit C1, on the other hand, offers a smaller but more manageable 96-unit cargo hold. The benefit here lies in the simplicity of loading and unloading.
Instead of dealing with up to 26 boxes, the C1 limits your workload to a maximum of 6 boxes, making it much easier to quickly load up and get out when you’re pressed for time or safety.
The C1's layout is designed to make cargo running as smoothly as possible. With two rows of either 32-unit containers or 24-unit and 8-unit combinations, you'll find loading far simpler compared to the Zeus.
While you sacrifice some cargo space, the speed and ease of loading might make the Spirit C1 the better option for faster, smaller runs.
For a broader comparison between the two, as well as the C1 in Star Citizen 3.24.2, feel free to read our Zeus CL vs Zeus ES vs Spirit C1 comparison guide.
One of the major factors in cargo running isn't just how much you can carry, but how easily you can load and unload your ship.
While the RSI Zeus CL gives you plenty of space, filling it up can be a pain. With tight corridors and awkward layouts, you’ll find yourself battling to maneuver boxes, especially when you're trying to fit larger 32-unit containers.
The narrow confines and cramped access points can slow you down and even trap you in the cargo bay if you’re not careful. Players have reported getting stuck behind cargo, forcing them to respawn—definitely not ideal if you're trying to run a profitable business in Star Citizen.
The cargo handling on the Zeus requires you to use a tractor beam, and while that seems convenient, the current mechanics can be finicky, making it less reliable. The tight fits also mean you’ll often need to adjust and reposition cargo, leading to frustrating and time-consuming experiences.
In contrast, the Spirit C1 wins hands down in terms of ease of cargo handling. The simpler, more open cargo bay and fewer boxes make loading a breeze.
The C1’s cargo is far more accessible, and you won’t need to wrestle with as many awkward configurations. You can load up quickly and get moving, which is especially important if you're operating in less-than-friendly space.
This difference becomes even more crucial if you’re pressed for time or operating under the threat of pirates or hostile NPCs. The less time you spend loading and unloading, the safer—and more profitable—your runs will be.
In terms of raw numbers, the RSI Zeus CL will technically offer more cargo space, meaning higher potential profits per run. However, the extra space comes with downsides. The time it takes to load and unload, coupled with the risk of getting stuck or having your tractor beam fail, can significantly eat into your profits.
Meanwhile, the Spirit C1 offers a more streamlined experience. Sure, you’re hauling less cargo, but the efficiency with which you can handle your runs makes it a strong contender for faster, lower-risk operations.
Over time, you may even end up making more money with the C1, as you'll be able to run more missions faster, compared to the longer downtime between trips with the Zeus CL.
Choosing the Best Ship in Star Citizen between the RSI Zeus CL and the Spirit C1 ultimately comes down to what you value more: cargo capacity or ease of use. The Zeus CL might be the better option if you're looking to maximize your load, but you'll have to contend with tight spaces, tricky configurations, and the occasional technical glitch with your tractor beam. On the other hand, the Spirit C1 offers a much smoother, more streamlined experience, allowing you to run your missions faster and with less stress.
For most players, especially those looking for quick, efficient runs with minimal hassle, the Spirit C1 is likely the better choice. Its smaller cargo capacity is more than made up for by the speed and simplicity it offers, letting you complete runs in record time.
If you’re serious about cargo running in Star Citizen, it’s worth investing in the right ship to suit your playstyle.