

The player is free to go anywhere in the X-Universe at any time and explore, complete plot-related goals or to fulfil their own personal goals. Most ships seen in the game can be bought or captured, and flown by the player. Different ships are available for various tasks: small, fast scouting ships freighters powerful battleships and massive carriers for moving a fleet. The main quest can be postponed or ignored as the player explores the expansive universe and spends the most time in control of a ship, doing tasks of their own choosing. Every space object which is not a ship itself but can be targeted, like drones, mines, space suites, etc.X3: Reunion incorporates open-ended "sandbox" gameplay. These ships make ideal traders and commercial agents for stations.They are able to carry XL goods with large cargo holds. Trade ships with increased firepower, shielding and cavernous cargo holds in exchange for reduced speed and a larger price tag. They are a must have for taxi missions and act as a storage for spare marines/mercenaries.

These transport ships are designed for the luxury transport of large numbers of passengers. Lightly armed ships able to dock multiple fighters for more economical redeployment and hauling. The are unable to dock at stations and relying on Freight Drones for trade. These ships have huge cargo holds able to carry whole stations and even the ability to dock fighters. These ships have a limited ability to fend off attacking fighters and the ability to keep them supplied with torpedo missiles. Designed to eliminate any ship too slow to dodge torpedo missiles (ships bigger than a M6 and stations).

Ships of this class are able to economically bring large swarms of fighters (or corvettes and bombers in the case of the Aran, Kyoto and Valhalla) into battle while delivering some capital ship grade damage to enemies at a distance.
