Is Star Citizen free to play?

Star Citizen requires a game package purchase (starting around $45 USD). However, Cloud Imperium Games runs free-fly events several times a year where you can try the game for free.

What ship should I start with in Star Citizen?

Most starter packages come with an Aurora MR or Mustang Alpha. Both are capable ships for learning the game. The Aurora is more versatile with cargo space, while the Mustang is faster for combat. You can always upgrade later.

How do I use a Star Citizen referral code?

When creating your RSI account, you can enter a referral code to get bonus starting credits (usually 5,000 UEC). Check our referral code guide for more details on how referrals work.

Can I play Star Citizen solo?

Absolutely! Many activities like cargo trading, bounty hunting, and mining can be done solo. However, multi-crew ships and group activities are some of the best experiences in the game. Starcrew.link helps you find people to play with when you're ready.

What are the PC requirements for Star Citizen?

Star Citizen requires a relatively powerful PC. Minimum specs include 16GB RAM (32GB recommended), an SSD (required), a modern GPU with at least 8GB VRAM, and a quad-core CPU. An SSD is essential — the game will not run well on an HDD.

Star Citizen New Player Guide

Welcome to the Verse

Star Citizen is one of the most ambitious multiplayer space games ever made. It can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right guidance you'll be flying confidently in no time. This guide covers everything a new player needs to know to get started.

Step 1: Create Your RSI Account

Head to the Roberts Space Industries website and create an account. When signing up, make sure to use a referral code to get bonus starting credits. Then purchase a game package that includes Star Citizen (not just Squadron 42).

Step 2: Install and Configure

Install on an SSD — this is not optional, the game requires fast storage
Allocate a pagefile — set a 16-32GB pagefile on your SSD for stability
Graphics settings — counterintuitively, higher settings can perform better as they offload work to the GPU
Key bindings — take time to review controls, especially for flight (check the keybinding menu)

Step 3: Your First Session

When you first spawn in the game:

Find a terminal — locate a ship retrieval terminal to call your starter ship
Learn basic flight — practice taking off, landing, and quantum travel
Try a delivery mission — these are the simplest missions and teach you navigation
Visit a space station — refuel, repair, and explore

Essential Tips for New Players

Don't carry all your money — store credits at a location to avoid losing everything on death
Claim your ship if it's destroyed — use a terminal at any major landing zone
Use quantum travel — hold B to bring up the quantum drive, then spool and jump
Inner Thought system — hold F to interact with objects and access contextual menus
MobiGlas — press F1 to access your personal device for missions, inventory, and communication

Making Money as a New Player

The easiest ways to earn credits when starting out:

Delivery missions — low risk, teaches you navigation
Bounty hunting (PvE) — start with Very Low Threat bounties and work your way up
Mining (with a rental ship) — rent a Prospector once you've saved enough
Bunker missions — FPS combat missions with good payouts

Connect with the Community

Star Citizen is best experienced with others. On Starcrew.link, you can:

Find crew members for missions and activities
Borrow ships from experienced players to try before you buy
Enter giveaways for a chance to win ships and prizes
Verify your RSI handle for trusted community interactions

Create your Starcrew.link account and start connecting with other citizens today.