Explore the Kestrel Cruiser ship types in FTL: Faster Than Light. Learn about their starting loadouts, crew, weapons, and unlock conditions for Type A, B, and C.
The Kestrel Cruiser is the starting ship in FTL: Faster Than Light, available from the beginning. It has three variants: Type A (The Kestrel), Type B (Red-Tail), and Type C (The Swallow), each with unique starting features and loadouts.
Achievements
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| The United Federation | Have six unique alien Species on board the ship at one time. |
| Full Arsenal | Fill every available system and subsystem space on the ship. |
| Tough Little Ship | Repair the kestrel back to full health after falling to the last tick of hull durability. |
Type A (The Kestrel)
| Starting Features | Loadout |
|---|---|
| Shields | 2 |
| Engines | 2 |
| Oxygen | 1 |
| Weapons | 3 |
| Medbay | 1 |
| Pilot | 1 |
| Sensors | 1 |
| Doors | 1 |
| Resources | 16 Fuel 8 Missiles 2 Drone Parts |
| Crew | 3 Humans |
| Armament | Artemis Missile Burst Laser Mark II |
| Augment | None |
The starting ship, it is fairly well-rounded, starting with a Missile Launcher and the most economical Burst Laser type in the game (3 shots for only two reactor energy). It is a fine enough ship, but you will likely outgrow it once you discover a ship type that best suits your play style.
Unlock - It is available from the first time you load the game.
Type B (Red-Tail)
| Starting Features | Loadout |
|---|---|
| Shields | 2 |
| Engines | 2 |
| Oxygen | 1 |
| Weapons | 4 |
| Medbay | 1 |
| Pilot | 1 |
| Sensors | 1 |
| Doors | 1 |
| Resources | 16 Fuel 5 Missiles 0 Drone Parts |
| Crew | 2 Humans 1 Zoltan 1 Mantis |
| Armament | Basic Laser x 4 |
| Augment | None |
The second version of the Kestrel class seems to be a bit underwhelming at first glance, with 4 Basic Lasers as the weapon loadout. However, having four laser shots to start means that this ship will be able to crack enemy defenses for a long while, you can focus on upgrading other areas, even seeking out new systems at stores. This is the strongest version of the Kestrel. Definitely a solid ship, it can make for improved chances of having a winning run.
Unlock - Obtain any 2 of the 3 Kestrel Cruiser ship Achievements.
Type C (The Swallow)
| Starting Features | Loadout |
|---|---|
| Shields | 2 |
| Engines | 2 |
| Oxygen | 1 |
| Weapons | 2 |
| Clonebay | 1 |
| Pilot | 1 |
| Sensors | 2 |
| Doors | 1 |
| Resources | 16 Fuel 4 Missiles 3 Drone Parts |
| Crew | 2 Humans 1 Lanius |
| Armament | Dual Lasers Ion Stunner |
| Augment | None |
The Type C shows off some of the new Advanced content (Lanius crew, Ion Stunner weapon, and the Clonebay), it is roughly as good as the Kestrel Type A (with more room to grow on the weapon slots). The Ion Stunner can be a game changer early on, stunning enemy crew attempting repairs, while the lasers rip up enemy Shields and Weapons. Not the greatest ship, but usable.
Unlock - Reach Sector 8 (The Last Stand) with the Kestrel Cruiser (Type B).
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