- Ostranauts list of ships includes Custom, Ryokka, and Testudo classes with distinct advantages
- Testudo Dream ranks as the top-tier vessel for long-term upgrades and cargo capacity
- Volatile is the only free ship available, but it lacks legal registration
- Mortgage payments are unavoidable, so plan your salvage income carefully
- Oxygen systems vary wildly between models—always verify life support before purchase
Complete Ostranauts List of Ships by Manufacturer
In Ostranauts, your ship is both your vehicle and your home. Every vessel falls under a specific manufacturer, each offering different designations, sizes, and masses. Below is the full roster of pre-built ships currently available in the game.
Video Highlights:
- Full tier list ranking of all career-mode starting ships
- Detailed breakdown of Custom, Ryokka, and Testudo classes
- Mortgage costs and payment strategies explained
- Oxygen and life support warnings for each vessel
- Why the Testudo Dream earns the only S-tier spot
Ships tagged as "Expert" are unavailable to new players. You must successfully dock with a derelict for the first time to unlock them.
| Manufacturer | Model | Designation | Size | Mass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom | Box Sled | Salvage Tug | 3.52m x 5.12m | 1,935.85 kg |
| Custom | Coffin | N/A | 8.64m x 4.80m | 3,560.35 kg |
| Farrow | Primigenial | Pleasure Yacht | 4.80m x 20.80m | 8,235 kg |
| Langdon-Phillips | Babak Indie Retrofit | Multipurpose Corvette | 11.84m x 32.32m | 64,884.897 kg |
| Langdon-Phillips | Babak | Transport | 11.84m x 30.40m | 57,728.919 kg |
| Minsheng | Pugongying | Missile Cruiser | 20.16m x 15.36m | 44,914.975 kg |
| Mobile Space Systems | Argute | Rapid Courier | 8.64m x 13.12m | 6,303 kg |
| Mobile Space Systems | Cobra | Aero Racing Craft | 6.72m x 6.08m | 2,215 kg |
| Renske International | Li Bai Gen II | Pleasure Yacht | 16.64m x 26.24m | 48,045 kg |
| Ryokka | Bombardier | Technical | 4.16m x 7.68m | 5,487 kg |
| Ryokka | CR-43 Indie Retrofit | Freighter | 12.80m x 22.40m | 37,689 kg |
| Testudo | Bulk Lifter Mk. III | Freighter | 12.16m x 23.04m | 29,185 kg |
| Testudo | Charon Mk. I | Passenger Shuttle | 22.08m x 11.84m | 30,439 kg |
| Van Hummel | Boomerang | Aero Pleasure Craft | 7.68m x 4.80m | 2,519 kg |
| Van Hummel | Pequod Pirate Refit | Technical | 13.44m x 22.08m | 55,425.503 kg |
Starting Ship Tier List Rankings
Not all ships are created equal. Based on salvage potential, upgrade capacity, and overall value, here is how the career-mode starting ships stack up against each other.
| Tier | Ship | Key Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | Testudo Dream | Massive storage, dual oxygen intakes, reactor-ready space | Heaviest ship, slow acceleration |
| A | Volatile | Free to acquire, four thrusters, decent cargo | No legal registration, police risk |
| A | Ryokka 77A | Four thrusters, large battery, extra cooler | Requires maintenance, broken floor tiles |
| B | Testudo 76A | Three fuel tanks, enormous storage potential | Heavy damage at start, expensive |
| B | Testudo Lilyput | Two RCS modules, large internal storage | High mortgage cost, single fuel tank |
| C | Testudo Melody | Oxygenated, three fuel tanks, dual batteries | Tiny internal space, difficult fuel access |
| C | Ryokka 78 | Oxygenated compartment, ready to salvage | Expensive, fewer thrusters |
| D | Box Sled | Cheap, cargo webbing | Minimal oxygen, very limited space |
| F | Babak Retrofit | Cheapest mortgage option | No oxygen, worst starting conditions |
If you plan to keep and upgrade a ship long-term, aim for S or A tier. If you just need a temporary vessel to salvage your way up, cheaper options work fine as stepping stones.
Best Ships Compared: Class Breakdown
Each manufacturer brings a different philosophy to ship design. Understanding these differences helps you pick the right vessel for your playstyle.
Testudo Class
- Best overall value
- Passenger shuttles with massive interiors
- Dream model is the top pick
- Heavy but upgrade-friendly
- Dual oxygen intakes on Dream
Ryokka Class
- Solid salvage tugs
- 77A offers four thrusters
- Good battery and cooling stock
- 78 has pressurized compartment
- Affordable mid-range options
Custom Class
- Budget-friendly starters
- Box Sled has cargo webbing
- Retrofit is the cheapest option
- Minimal life support systems
- Best used as temporary ships
The Dream comes with four seats you can sell for extra storage, two RCS thrusters, dual oxygen intakes for redundancy, and enough internal space to house a reactor and fuel storage right from the start. Despite weighing nearly 4,700 kg, its upgrade potential is unmatched.
Manufacturer Specializations
| Manufacturer | Specialty | Notable Designation | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Testudo | Passenger Shuttles | Passenger Shuttle | Mid to High |
| Ryokka | Salvage Tugs | Salvage Tug / Technical | Low to Mid |
| Custom | Budget Salvage | Salvage Tug | Lowest |
| Langdon-Phillips | Heavy Transport | Multipurpose Corvette | High |
| Mobile Space Systems | Racing / Courier | Rapid Courier | Mid |
| Van Hummel | Pleasure / Technical | Aero Pleasure Craft | Mid |
How to Choose Your Starting Ship
Selecting the right ship depends on your intended playstyle. Follow these steps to make the best decision for your career path.
Assess Your Budget
Check the mortgage kiosk to see what you can afford. Remember that mortgage payments are mandatory every shift—you cannot skip them. Cheaper ships like the Babak Retrofit or Box Sled keep payments low while you build capital through salvage operations.
Evaluate Life Support Needs
Oxygen is critical. Ships without pressurized compartments will kill you if you walk into an airlock unprepared. The Box Sled and Retrofit have minimal or no oxygen. The Ryokka 78 and all Testudo models offer proper life support systems.
Consider Thruster Count
More thrusters mean better mobility. The Volatile leads with four thrusters, while the Ryokka 77A also offers four. Most other starting ships have only two RCS thrusters, making them slower but still functional for careful navigation.
Plan Your Upgrade Path
If you intend to keep a ship long-term, prioritize internal space and component compatibility. The Testudo Dream has room for a reactor and fuel storage at start. The Ryokka 77A offers solid foundations for gradual improvement.
Make Your Purchase
Visit the kiosk, review the mortgage terms, and commit. If you chose a cheap temporary ship, focus on salvaging a better vessel's reactor and fuel tank, then repair and purchase your next ship as soon as possible.
The Volatile is free but unregistered. If police intercept you, you face serious consequences. Only use this ship if you are confident in avoiding law enforcement or plan to transfer to a registered vessel quickly.
Ship Maintenance and Upgrade Priorities
Once you have your ship, keeping it operational and improving it becomes your primary focus. Different ships need different levels of initial work.
| Ship | Initial Repairs Needed | Priority Upgrades | Long-Term Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Testudo Dream | Minimal | Sell seats, add reactor | Excellent |
| Ryokka 77A | Floor tiles, minor fixes | Fuel capacity, storage | Very Good |
| Testudo 76A | Extensive hull damage | Reactor, hull plating | Good |
| Testudo Lilyput | None required | Additional fuel storage | Good |
| Box Sled | Oxygen system | Reactor, life support | Low |
| Babak Retrofit | Everything | Oxygen, reactor, fuel | Very Low |
When using a cheap starter ship, prioritize finding derelicts with working reactors and fuel tanks. Salvage these components to either repair a better ship you have found or sell them for capital to mortgage a superior vessel.
Pre-Purchase Ship Evaluation:
- Verify oxygen system is functional or installable
- Check mortgage cost per shift against expected salvage income
- Confirm thruster count meets your mobility needs
- Assess internal storage space for cargo and upgrades
- Inspect for pre-existing damage and repair costs
- Verify fuel tank count and accessibility for refueling
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best ship in the Ostranauts list of ships?
The Testudo Dream is widely considered the best starting ship. It offers the largest internal space, dual oxygen intakes for redundancy, room for a reactor and fuel storage, and four sellable seats. Despite being slow due to its weight, its upgrade potential is unmatched.
Q: Can I get a free ship in Ostranauts?
Yes, the Volatile is the only free ship available. You obtain it by winning or stealing a key from a gambler. However, it comes unregistered, meaning police can confiscate it if you are pulled over. It has four thrusters and decent cargo but lacks legal documentation.
Q: Do I have to pay off my ship mortgage?
Yes, mortgage payments are mandatory every shift. There is no way to avoid or skip these payments. This is why choosing a ship with a manageable mortgage relative to your salvage income is critical, especially early in the game.
Q: Which starting ship has the most fuel tanks?
The Testudo 76A and Testudo Melody both come with three nitrogen fuel tanks at start, which is the maximum among all starting ships. However, the Melody's fuel tanks require EVA to access, making refueling inconvenient and potentially dangerous.
Q: Are Expert ships available from the start?
No, ships tagged as Expert are locked for new players. You must successfully dock with a derelict for the first time to demonstrate basic piloting competency before these ships become available for purchase.
For the full official ship database with exact specifications, visit the Official Ostranauts Wiki Ships Page. You can also check patch notes for the latest vessel additions and balance changes.