Everything you need to know to get started in the verse. From your first login to making millions of aUEC, this guide covers it all.
Last updated: April 2026 — Current for Star Citizen Alpha
Star Citizen is a massively multiplayer online space simulation being developed by Cloud Imperium Games (CIG), led by Chris Roberts. It is one of the most ambitious video game projects ever undertaken, aiming to create a seamless, persistent universe where players can fly spaceships, engage in FPS combat, trade commodities, mine resources, explore uncharted systems, and much more.
The game is currently in alpha, which means it is actively under development. New features, ships, locations, and systems are added regularly. Bugs are expected, but the core gameplay loops are functional and incredibly fun.
Star Citizen features a single, shared persistent universe (PU) where all players exist together. There is no instancing in the traditional MMO sense — if you can see a ship, another player might be flying it.
Good to know: Star Citizen has periodic "wipes" during alpha where your in-game currency (aUEC) and purchased items are reset. This is normal and happens less frequently as development progresses. Your real-money ship purchases are never affected.
After launching, you will create your character using the character customizer. Take your time here — you can change your appearance later, but it requires a character reset.
You will pick a starting city. Each is on a different planet in the Stanton system:
Recommendation: Start at New Babbage. It has the easiest layout to navigate, fast access to your ship, and good beginner missions nearby.
Once you wake up in your hab (apartment), head to the spaceport. Use the ASOP terminals (ship retrieval terminals) to claim and spawn your ship. Follow signs to the hangar or landing pad number shown on screen.
Inside your ship, hold F to interact, sit in the pilot seat. Power on with I, engines on with U. Request takeoff clearance from ATC by holding F1 to open your mobiGlas, or simply lift off from the pad. Use N to toggle landing gear, then fly up and out.
There are several ways to earn aUEC (alpha United Earth Credits) in Star Citizen. Here are the main career paths:
Open your mobiGlas (F1) and navigate to the Contract Manager. You will find missions organized by type. Start with delivery missions — they are simple and teach you how to navigate between locations.
Delivery missions (5,000-15,000 aUEC) → Bounty hunting (low threat, 15,000+ aUEC) → Bunker clearance missions (25,000-60,000 aUEC) → Group bounties and high-threat contracts (100,000+ aUEC)
One of the best money-makers. Accept bounty contracts from the Contract Manager. You will be sent to eliminate NPC targets in space. Start with Very Low Threat (VLRT) bounties and work your way up. As you build reputation with the bounty hunting guild, higher-paying contracts unlock. Group VHRT bounties can pay 100,000+ aUEC per contract.
Mining comes in two forms: hand mining (with a multitool and mining attachment) and ship mining (with dedicated mining ships like the Prospector or MOLE). Hand mining is accessible to anyone — find mineable rocks on moons, crack them, and sell the ore. Ship mining is more profitable but requires a mining ship.
Profitable ores: Quantanium is the most valuable but volatile — it will explode if you take too long. Bexalite, Taranite, and Laranite are valuable and safer. Use our Mining Calculator for exact profit figures.
Buy commodities at one location and sell at another for profit. This requires startup capital and a ship with cargo space. Check commodity prices before committing — buy low at mining outposts and sell high at major landing zones. Larger ships with more SCU capacity mean bigger profits per run.
These are FPS missions where you enter underground bunkers and clear out hostiles. They pay well and are a good change of pace from space combat. Watch your fire — friendly NPCs may be present, and killing them gives you a crime stat.
With ships like the Vulture or Reclaimer, you can salvage wrecked ships for materials. This is a relaxing gameplay loop that pays steadily. You can also salvage on foot with the Greycat Multi-Tool and salvage attachment.
Your starter ship depends on your game package. Here are the ships most recommended for new players:
The most recommended starter ship. Good weapons, 8 SCU cargo, a bed for logging out in space, and solid handling. Can do combat, delivery, and light cargo missions.
Cheapest game package ship. Can do basic missions and combat. Limited cargo but gets the job done. Great stepping stone — upgrade to the Titan when you can.
Extremely fast and agile. 4 SCU cargo. Perfect for delivery runs and getting around quickly. Light combat capability. A joy to fly.
Open cargo bed with 24 SCU. Bed, weapons, and decent handling. Good for trading and deliveries. The exposed cargo bed is unique and useful.
The community favorite multi-role ship. 46 SCU cargo, side doors, turret, strong weapons, vehicle bay. Good for everything. Best value at its price.
Entry-level mining ship. If mining is your calling, this is the ship. Can mine Quantanium for big profits. Pays for itself quickly in-game.
Important: You can buy most ships in-game with aUEC. You do not need to spend real money beyond the starter package. The Avenger Titan can be earned in a few hours of gameplay.
The Stanton system is where all players start. Here are the major locations you should know:
Space station above microTech. Refueling, restocking, ship terminals, and shops. Easy access from New Babbage.
Massive industrial city. CBD for shopping, multiple habs, Teasa Spaceport. Home of Hurston Dynamics.
Neon-lit cyberpunk landing zone. Great shops, Astro Armada ship dealer, and the famous Riker Memorial Spaceport.
Clean, modern city. Easiest to navigate. The Commons for shopping. Great beginner-friendly starting point.
Floating platforms in Crusader's atmosphere. Stunningly beautiful. Home to Crusader Industries. Long flight to leave.
Outlaw station hidden in asteroids. No-questions-asked services. Where criminals go to remove crime stats.
Space station above Hurston. Refining services for miners. Ship terminals and basic amenities.
Orbital station above ArcCorp. Quick stop for refueling and restocking without landing on the planet.
Star Citizen has extensive keybindings. Here are the essential ones to get you flying:
| Action | Key |
|---|---|
| Power On/Off | I |
| Engines On/Off | U |
| Landing Gear | N |
| Quantum Travel | B (hold to spool, tap to jump) |
| Cruise Control | C |
| Afterburner | Left Shift |
| Decouple Mode | V |
| Lock Target | T |
| Fire Weapons | Left Mouse |
| Missiles | Middle Mouse (lock) + Right Mouse (fire) |
| Speed Limiter | Mouse Scroll |
| Action | Key |
|---|---|
| Interaction Mode | F (hold) |
| mobiGlas | F1 |
| Inventory | I |
| Flashlight | T |
| Sprint | Left Shift |
| Crouch | Left Ctrl |
| Prone | X |
| Holster Weapon | R (hold) |
| Heal / Medpen | C |
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