Rock Cruiser

FTL: Faster Than Light Rock Cruiser guide covering Type A (Bulwark), Type B (Shivan), and Type C (Tektite) with unlock conditions and loadouts.

Rock Cruiser Type A (Bulwark)

The Bulwark is the quintessential Rock ship, featuring robust armor and dual missile launchers. Its primary challenge lies in managing missile supply, especially against enemy Defense Drones. Complementary weaponry or a Teleport system can significantly enhance its effectiveness, potentially turning it into a strong boarding vessel. It requires minimal additions to become a formidable ship.

• Starting Features: Shields (2), Engines (2), Oxygen (2), Weapons (3), Medbay (1), Pilot (1), Sensors (1), Doors (1)
• Resources: 16 Fuel, 28 Missiles, 0 Drone Parts
• Crew: 3 Rockmen
• Armament: Hull Missile, Artemis Missile
• Augment: Rock Plating

Unlock: In the Rock Homeworld sector, respond to the Rock Cruiser at the quest marker near the sun, then proceed to the Rock shipyards quest marker, OR defeat The Rebel Flagship with the Slug Cruiser.

Rock Cruiser Type B (Shivan)

The Shivan necessitates immediate upgrades to its weaponry or the addition of a Teleport system for easier combat. Its crew must actively manage fires, as the absence of a Door System prevents using oxygen deprivation tactics. The Heavy Pierce Laser Mark I is effective against single-shielded enemies but becomes less useful against ships with Level 2 or higher Shields. For boarding strategies, the Fire Bomb is an excellent tool, creating hazardous zones for enemy crew while Rockmen, being fire-immune, can fight effectively.

• Starting Features: Shields (2), Engines (2), Oxygen (2), Weapons (3), Medbay (1), Pilot (1), Sensors (1), Doors (1)
• Resources: 16 Fuel, 18 Missiles, 0 Drone Parts
• Crew: 4 Rockmen
• Armament: Fire Bomb, Heavy Pierce Laser Mark I
• Augment: Rock Plating

Unlock: Obtain any 2 of the 3 Rock Cruiser ship Achievements.

Rock Cruiser Type C (Tektite)

This ship blends Rock and Crystal elements. Charging the Swarm Missiles can effectively disable enemy shields, allowing the Heavy Crystal Mark I to penetrate. It's also an ideal ship for pursuing the Ancestry achievement due to its starting Crystal crewmember. While it benefits from weapon upgrades or a Teleport, it is generally considered the most capable of the Rock Cruisers.

• Starting Features: Shields (2), Engines (2), Oxygen (1), Weapons (3), Clonebay (1), Pilot (1), Sensors (1), Doors (1)
• Resources: 16 Fuel, 15 Missiles, 0 Drone Parts
• Crew: 2 Rockmen, 1 Crystal
• Armament: Swarm Missiles, Heavy Crystal Mark I
• Augment: Rock Plating

Unlock: Reach Sector 8 (The Last Stand) with the Rock Cruiser (Type B).

Achievements

• Is it warm in here?: Kill an enemy in a burning room with one of your crewmembers on the enemy ship.
• Defense Drones Don't Do D'anything!: Take out an enemy ship using a Defense Drone with Missile Launchers only.
• Ancestry: Go to the Crystal Sector.