In Star Citizen, few ships inspire as much excitement and respect as the Anvil Carrack. Built for exploration, long-range travel, and survival in the unknown, the Carrack has become more than just a vessel — it is a symbol of discovery. Players who choose the Carrack often do so not for combat superiority or raw cargo profits, but for the promise of adventure, teamwork, and self-reliance in the farthest reaches of space.
Origins and Lore of the Carrack
The Carrack was originally developed for the United Empire of Earth Navy (UEEN). Its primary purpose was deep-space reconnaissance, surveying uncharted systems, and discovering jump points. These missions demanded not just endurance but adaptability — a ship that could serve as its own base of operations for months without resupply.
Once declassified, the Carrack entered the civilian market through Anvil Aerospace, bringing military-grade durability to private explorers, corporations, and organizations. Today, it stands as one of the most respected ships for expeditions, both in the game and in the broader Star Citizen community.
Technical Specifications of the Anvil Carrack
The Carrack is impressive not only in size but also in capability. It bridges the gap between capital ships and smaller exploration craft, offering professional-grade exploration at a manageable scale for organizations and crews.
| Specification | Detail |
| Manufacturer | Anvil Aerospace |
| Role | Exploration / Pathfinder |
| Length | 123 meters |
| Beam (Width) | 62 meters |
| Height | 26.5 meters |
| Crew | Up to 6 |
| Cargo Capacity | 456 SCU |
| Hangar Capacity | 1 scout ship (Pisces) |
| Vehicle Bay | 1 URSA Rover or similar |
| Medical Facility | Tier 2 Medbay |
| Armament | Class 5 Turrets, Point Defense Systems |
These stats position the Carrack as one of the most versatile exploration ships in the game — large enough to sustain operations, but not unwieldy like capital-class vessels.
Interior Layout: A Mobile Base of Operations
The Carrack’s interior design emphasizes functionality, crew comfort, and mission endurance. Its modular interior is divided into specialized decks, allowing it to operate as a true hub in deep space.
- Bridge: The command center, located at the ship’s nose, offers wide visibility and advanced navigation.
- Medical Bay: Equipped with a Tier 2 medbed, enabling crew to heal and respawn onboard — a crucial advantage for dangerous expeditions.
- Hangar and Garage: The Carrack carries a Pisces scout ship and a ground vehicle, giving crews flexibility for planetary and orbital exploration.
- Crew Quarters: Living spaces ensure comfort for long missions, supporting up to six full-time crew members.
- Scanning and Drone Deck: Houses advanced exploration and mapping technology.
This interior makes the Carrack self-sufficient — it does not rely on stations or support fleets, making it ideal for players who want independence in the verse.
Gameplay Role of the Carrack
Unlike combat-focused ships, the Carrack thrives in strategic and support gameplay. Its unique features provide a wide range of roles:
- Exploration and Discovery: With advanced scanners, drones, and long-range fuel capacity, the Carrack is built to find new jump points and map uncharted regions.
- Forward Operating Base: Its medbay and modular storage allow it to serve as a safe hub for fleets in hostile areas.
- Multi-crew Adventure: The Carrack is best experienced with a full crew, where each player takes on a meaningful role — pilot, engineer, medical officer, or scout.
- Support in Combat Zones: While not a battleship, its durability and medical facilities make it invaluable during large-scale operations.
Comparison with Other Exploration Ships
The Carrack often gets compared with other ships in Star Citizen. Here’s how it stacks up:
| Ship | Role | Key Advantage | Limitation |
| Anvil Carrack | Exploration | Full autonomy, medbay, scout ship, rover | Large crew needed |
| RSI Constellation Aquila | Exploration | Affordable entry-level exploration | Limited med facilities |
| Origin 600i (Explorer) | Luxury Exploration | Stylish design, high comfort | Less practical for long missions |
| Endeavor (Future) | Science/Exploration | Massive modular science ship | Extremely large, hard to operate |
The Carrack’s balance of utility, survivability, and modularity makes it the go-to choice for serious explorers.
Why the Carrack is a Community Favorite
The Carrack is not just a ship — it is a storytelling tool. Players often use it as the centerpiece of group expeditions, org events, and roleplay scenarios. Its versatility allows crews to chart dangerous regions, establish outposts, or even serve as a rescue and support vessel.
The ship also carries symbolic weight in the community. When someone flies a Carrack, it suggests ambition, preparation, and a commitment to long-term gameplay. It is a ship for those who want more than profits or combat — it is for those who want adventure in its purest form.