Star Citizen can be a confusing place, particularly in the beginning. Whilst this can be frustrating its also one of the major attractions from my point of view. I love to learn and discover new things about the game.

Getting started is a three step process

  1. Create a new account on the Robert Space Industries Website
  2. Select a starter pack, which contains at least one starter ship and a game license
  3. Download, install and jump into the game

I explain these points in much more detail below.

Create a new account⌗

I strongly suggest you use a referral code when creating your account since this gives you benefits such as bonus in game money (UEC) and sometimes other items such as a Drake Dragonfly which was offered during the free fly event in July 2022. You can use my code if you like STAR-6646-DWDF or get one from a friend

To create you account click the account link from the Robert Space Industries Website

Create Account
RSI Account

From here click the Enlist Now button

Enlist
RSI Enlist

Fill out the form and then click Enlist

Choose a starter package⌗

Once your account is created you need a starter pack. This contains a ship and game license(s). There are two primary options

  • Star Citizen: Online MMO (the verse) currently in Alpha and
  • Squadron 42: Single player, ship combat currently not released

You need a starter package to play the game. Click on the Pledge Store link from the Robert Space Industries Website

Game Packages
Game Packages

Browse the ships on offer and make a selection. You will notice the same ship might have two different prices e.g.

Titan Game Package
Titan Game Package

You can see the Avenger Titan is $84 and $108 - the difference is the $108 version contains both Star Citizen and Squadron 42 whereas the $84 version contains just Star Citizen. You can click the More Info link to get more information about what the game also includes. Some packages contain several ships, different hangar types and different levels of insurance

Please understand when you purchase the pack the items within are pledges since either game is fully released and may not be for a while yet.

In terms of other items in the bundle, here are a couple of common ones:

  • Insurance. Insurance is typically time-bound e.g. you might get 3 months insurance or sometime unlimited known as LTI insurance. Insurance is not in game yet but the general idea is that it will help you avoid penalties associated with your ship exploding in a dog fight. From what I understand insurance can be purchased using in game UEC
  • Hangar. Hangars are also not in game as yet. The idea is that each player will get their own hangar to store their ships and other items. Each ship comes with a hanger type. if you have multiple hangars available I think you can choose to use the best one. Hangars are generally related to the size and type of ship e.g. self land hangars (most basic), industrial hangers through to more opulent options.
  • Paints. Sometimes bundles come with custom paint (skins) for your ships
  • Starting credits. Typically 1,000 UEC. Value quoted is in addition to the 5,000 UEC you get from using a referral bonus.
  • Lots of other things too