Star Citizen: The buyers guide to the Zeus ES

The video provides an in-depth buyer’s guide for the Zeus Mark I ES, highlighting its exploration features, pricing, and the uncertainty surrounding its gameplay loop, which is not yet developed. While the ship is seen as a worthwhile upgrade for current owners of the Freelancer DUR and potentially a safer investment for exploration, the host encourages viewers to consider the current state of the game and their willingness to invest.

In the video, the host, Law of the West, provides a comprehensive buyer’s guide for the Zeus Mark I ES, which is the Explorer variant of the classic Zeus model. The ES is designed with features typical of exploration ships, including a modestly sized cargo bay, larger quantum and hydrogen fuel tanks, a more powerful radar, and spacious living quarters. These characteristics make it well-suited for exploration activities within the game.

The pricing for the Zeus ES is discussed, with the war bond version listed at $160 and the standalone version at $175. However, the host emphasizes that all ships will eventually be available in-game, making real-money purchases unnecessary. A significant concern raised is the ship’s primary function being tied to a gameplay loop that has not yet been developed, which poses a risk for potential buyers. The uncertainty surrounding the ship’s features and capabilities is highlighted as a reason to be cautious.

Despite the potential drawbacks, there are positive aspects to consider. The host suggests that players who currently own a Freelancer DUR may find the upgrade to the ES worthwhile, as it is superior in almost every way. Additionally, the Zeus ES is expected to perform well as a mission runner and daily driver, even if exploration features are not yet implemented in the game. This makes it a more reliable option compared to other ships designed for undeveloped career paths.

The video also addresses the relative risk of purchasing the Zeus ES compared to other ships tied to untested gameplay loops, such as data running or passenger transport. The host believes that the needs for exploration ships will be more straightforward, and the ES has the necessary components like big fuel tanks and enhanced shielding to meet those needs. This positions the ship as a safer investment for players looking forward to exploration gameplay.

Ultimately, the host concludes by acknowledging the impatience some players may feel regarding the inability to use the ship for its intended purpose right away. He encourages viewers to weigh their options and decide if they are willing to invest in the Zeus ES, with the hope that it won’t be overshadowed by better-equipped exploration ships in the future. The guide wraps up with a reminder to consider the current state of the game and the potential for future updates.