In the buyer’s guide for the Mirai Guardian in Star Citizen, La the West discusses its features, pricing, and performance, highlighting it as a heavy fighter with good agility but lower thrust compared to other heavy fighters. He advises potential buyers to consider the similar QI variant, as the performance differences are minimal and the QI is only $10 more expensive.
In this episode of the buyer’s guide series, La the West discusses the Mirai Guardian, a recently added ship in Star Citizen’s pledge store. The Guardian is priced at $230 for the war bond option and $250 as a standalone purchase. It is categorized as a heavy fighter, focusing more on performance rather than fuel efficiency or sheer firepower. La emphasizes that potential buyers should be aware of the ship’s specifications and capabilities before making a purchase.
The Guardian features two size five weapon hardpoints and four size four missile racks, similar to the QI variant. Both ships can be equipped with the same weapon loadouts, although the QI comes with eight size three missiles by default, while the Guardian has 16 size two missiles. Players have the flexibility to swap out weapons and missile configurations between the two ships. The only notable difference in components is that the QI has a slightly higher quality power plant compared to the Guardian.
La also provides insights into the user experience from the pilot’s seat, explaining how to exit and re-enter the ship. The Guardian allows for a quick exit from the flight deck, similar to the Hurricane, which is beneficial in crowded situations. The ship’s interior features external storage and a weapons rack, with both the Guardian and QI sharing an identical layout, including rear and front entrances, a Hab section, and an airlock. However, the Guardian lacks a Quantum dampener, resulting in a lighter weight and improved stats in most areas.
When comparing the Guardian to other heavy fighters, La notes that while it consumes hydrogen fuel faster, it is efficient in terms of Quantum fuel usage. The Guardian is the most agile among heavy fighters but has lower raw thrust per second (TPS) on average. It performs well in both space and atmospheric conditions, making it a versatile option for various missions. La classifies it as a generalist ship, suitable for solo play and equipped with amenities akin to a mobile apartment.
In conclusion, La advises potential buyers to consider the QI variant before deciding on the Guardian, as the performance differences are minimal and the QI is only $10 more expensive. The Guardian offers a slight edge in certain stats and roll speed, but the overall performance is nearly indistinguishable. La encourages viewers to weigh their options carefully before making a purchase, emphasizing the importance of understanding the strengths and weaknesses of both ships.