Q&A: Paladin & Stinger - Insights from CIG
Every so often, a pair of ships drops that perfectly sums up the duality of Star Citizen’s design philosophy—one forged in pure Human militarism, the other shaped by the alien artistry of war. The Anvil Paladin and the Esperia Stinger couldn’t be further apart in lineage, but both stand ready to dominate their theaters. I’ve dug through the official Q&A to bring you every detail without the fluff, so let’s dig into what makes these two heavy-hitters tick.
Questions & Answers: Anvil Paladin
Q: Since the original concept reveal, have there been any notable changes or additions to the Paladin?
The most significant update to the Paladin since its concept reveal is the reworked lower deck, now outfitted with a dedicated 4-SCU cargo grid. It gives the ship a bit more logistical flexibility without compromising its combat posture.
Q: How does the Paladin differ from existing gunships?
While the Paladin’s natural rival is the Aegis Redeemer, the two approach the gunship role from opposite sides of the tactical spectrum. The Paladin leans into brute force—heavy armor and immense sustained firepower—whereas the Redeemer prioritizes agility and evasion, carrying slightly less punch but dodging more hits.
Q: Is the Paladin intended to shine more in coordinated group play, or can it still be effective for smaller crews?
The Paladin works no matter the crew count. A solo pilot can slave the two wing-mounted remote turrets forward, projecting impressive firepower downrange. Bring extra gunners aboard, though, and you unlock the full 360° turret coverage this ship was born for.
Q: What interior features does the Paladin provide for its crew?
The Paladin’s lower deck packs an armory stocked with suit lockers and weapon racks, while the upper deck contains all the creature comforts for extended sorties—food dispenser, toilet, bunks, and personal storage. It’s a proper flying fortress with room to live as well as fight.
Questions & Answers: Esperia Stinger
Q: Aside from its aggressive appearance, what characteristics distinguish the Stinger from Human ships?
The Stinger’s design is a near-faithful recreation of the original Vanduul craft. Inside and out, it radiates alien energy—from the flowing lines to the cockpit layout. Still, Esperia tempered that raw alien brutality with a few Human touches for comfort and maintenance, including a practical weapon rack and service relay access.
Q: Does it come equipped with alien-style weapons, and which of its gun and missile components are bespoke versus swappable?
Six of the Stinger’s seven guns are standard swappable mounts—delivered stock with Esperia-branded laser cannons. Only the single Size 5 main weapon is bespoke and locked to the frame. Its missile racks are unique to the ship’s design, but they’ll accept any compatible Size 2 missiles, giving you some loadout freedom.
Q: How does the Stinger compare in handling and firepower to Human-designed heavy fighters, such as the Ares, F8C Lightning, or Guardian?
The Stinger feels heavier on the stick than Human equivalents, befitting its mass and the immense firepower it carries. While the Ares and Lightning excel in nimbleness, the Stinger thrives in slugfests against other Heavy Fighters and larger prey, leveraging its armor and raw weapon count to tell the story.
Q: Will the Stinger feature an updated MFD UI?
Yes—it debuts a fresh Esperia-style MFD suite, complete with graphical motifs and typefaces lifted from the Vanduul language itself. It’s functional, otherworldly, and unmistakably alien once you’re in the cockpit.
Q: With the release of the Stinger, are there any updates planned for the other Vanduul replicas, such as the Blade and Glaive?
Esperia’s still planning to bring those classic Vanduul replicas—the Blade and Glaive—into the Persistent Universe after the release of Squadron 42. Patience, collector; the alien fleet will rise again in due time.
Source: Roberts Space Industries
