Reclaimer Salvaging: Still Worth It After Nerfs & Buffs?

Hey everyone, let's dive into the current state of salvaging in the 'verse, specifically focusing on whether the Reclaimer still holds its own after the recent nerfs and the buff to the Vulture. Salvaging, as many of you know, is a crucial part of the Star Citizen economy, allowing us to turn the wrecks of ships into valuable resources. But with the ever-changing game balance, it's essential to stay updated on which ships are the most efficient for the job. So, let's break down the Reclaimer's position in the salvage game today.

The Reclaimer: A Salvaging Behemoth

The Reclaimer, a colossal salvage vessel, has always been the king of the hill when it comes to raw processing power. It’s a beast of a ship, equipped with multiple salvage turrets, a vast cargo hold, and the ability to munch through entire ships with its industrial-sized jaws. Initially, the Reclaimer's efficiency and capacity made it the go-to choice for serious salvagers looking to make big profits. The sheer volume of Recycled Material Composite (RMC) it could process and store was unmatched, making it a favorite among players dedicated to the salvage profession. However, game balance changes are inevitable, and the Reclaimer has seen its share of adjustments, leading us to the central question: Is it still worth it?

To truly understand the Reclaimer's current viability, we need to delve into the specifics of what made it so powerful in the first place. The Reclaimer's core strength lies in its massive processing capability. Its onboard systems can break down large ship hulls into RMC at an astonishing rate, allowing you to fill its considerable cargo space quickly. This speed and capacity were particularly advantageous in situations where large wrecks were plentiful, such as after a major battle or in designated salvage zones. Furthermore, the Reclaimer's multiple salvage turrets meant that a crew of players could efficiently strip down a ship from multiple angles simultaneously, significantly reducing the time required for a full salvage operation. The ship's robust defenses and armor also provided a degree of safety in potentially hostile environments, making it a relatively secure option for long salvage runs.

However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows for the Reclaimer. The ship's size and complexity come with their own set of challenges. Piloting the Reclaimer requires a skilled hand, and its maneuverability is limited, making it less nimble than smaller salvage ships like the Vulture. This can be a significant drawback when trying to navigate asteroid fields or tight spaces around wrecks. Additionally, the Reclaimer's operational costs are substantial. Fuel consumption is high, and the ship requires a significant crew to operate at peak efficiency. This means that solo players or small groups might find it challenging to fully utilize the Reclaimer's potential, as managing all the turrets and systems on your own can be overwhelming.

The Reclaimer also suffers from a certain degree of vulnerability due to its size. While it boasts strong armor, its large profile makes it an easy target for pirates or other opportunistic players. A well-coordinated attack can cripple the Reclaimer, leaving it stranded and vulnerable. This risk is particularly relevant in lawless systems or high-traffic areas where encounters with hostile players are more likely. Furthermore, the Reclaimer's size means it cannot access certain salvage sites, such as those located in narrow asteroid fields or inside the wreckage of particularly dense debris fields. This limitation can restrict the ship's operational flexibility and force salvagers to seek out larger, more accessible wrecks, which may be less plentiful or more heavily contested.

The Nerf: What Changed?

So, what exactly was this