Scout Marauder

The Scout Marauder is a speedy, inexpensive vessel in the fictional TradeWars 2002 universe. It has high combat odds (2.0) but lacks a transporter and can carry only a density scanner. In addition, it has a small cargo capacity (25 holds) and can carry only 250 fighters and 100 shields. It is too small to carry an escape pod, making it unsuitable for mothing quasar cannons. Many TW2002 veterans consider the Scout a flying deathtrap.

Still, the Scout Marauder may be well-suited to new players. Many opponents are reluctant to attack a Scout (especially a fully-armed one), since its salvage value is usually not worth the cost of the fighters needed to overcome its combat odds (not to mention the risk of corbomite explosions). In games where attack is not an imminent concern, a player may want to opt for the equally-fast but more efficient Merchant Freighter, which carries 2.6 times as many holds.

New players to TradeWars 2002 start out with a Merchant Cruiser, but if their ship and escape pod are destroyed, they will have to start again with a Scout Marauder. Players left in an escape pod without any credits can trade in the more valuable pod for a Scout Marauder.