Choosing Your Star Citizen Starter Pack
Choosing your first Star Citizen Starter Pack can quickly become confusing. Between different price points, ship roles, limited-time offers, and conflicting advice, many new players worry about spending too much money or making the wrong choice.
In this guide, we’ll focus on what really matters: which Starter Pack best fits your budget, your preferred playstyle, and your goals as a new player.
👉 Be sure to create your account before purchasing a Starter Pack so you don’t miss out on your referral bonus.
What Exactly Is a Starter Pack?
To play Star Citizen, you first need a Game Package. On the official RSI store, these packages include at minimum access to Star Citizen Digital Download, along with a starter ship and any additional items included in the selected offer.
Available packages may change over time, but the principle remains the same: you’re purchasing access to the game, not making a permanent choice that will define your entire journey.
Without a Starter Pack, you cannot access Star Citizen, except during special Free Fly events, when the game can be played for free for a limited time. (see current events).
Your Starter Ship Is Not a Final Decision
One of the most important things for new players to understand is that your first ship is not a permanent choice.
RSI offers a Ship Upgrade (CCU) system that allows you to upgrade your pledged ship to a more expensive model later by paying only the price difference. This means you don’t need to find the “perfect” ship right away.
For most beginners, the goal should be choosing the right ship to start with, not chasing the ultimate ship from day one.
Don’t Overvalue UEC Included in Packages
Some Game Packages include additional UEC (United Earth Credits). However, according to RSI, these credits are not added to your active balance during the Alpha and are intended for the final release of the game.
As a result, extra UEC should not be considered a major factor when choosing your first Starter Pack today.
👉 Focus on the ship, the package price, and the gameplay experience rather than the amount of UEC included.
Ready to Get Started?
reate your Star Citizen account and take advantage of the referral program from the very beginning.
If you haven’t done so yet, don’t forget to check out our step-by-step account creation guide.
Which Star Citizen Starter Pack Is Right for You?
You Just Want the Cheapest Way to Start Playing
If your main goal is simply to get into Star Citizen without spending too much money, choose the most affordable Starter Pack currently available on the official RSI store.
For example, RSI may occasionally offer discounted Starter Packs during events, making them an excellent entry point for discovering the game, testing its performance on your PC, and deciding whether the gameplay experience is right for you.
You can always upgrade your ship later if you decide to invest more time in the game.
⭐ Best choice for beginners
You Want the Best Balance Between Value and Comfort
Recommended Ships: Cutter, Avenger Titan
For many new players, the best choice is often found in the “sweet spot” between budget and versatility.
At the time of writing, RSI offers Starter Packs such as the Cutter and the Avenger Titan, both of which provide a more comfortable experience than entry-level options while remaining reasonably priced.
These ships offer greater flexibility, improved cargo capacity, and access to a wider range of gameplay activities, making the early game smoother and less restrictive.
👉 If you’re willing to spend a little more than the minimum, this is often the category that offers the best long-term value for new players.
⭐ Best balance for most beginners
You Already Know You’ll Be Spending Time in the Game
Recommendation: A more versatile Starter Pack, without going overboard.
If you’re already confident that you’ll be investing significant time in Star Citizen, you may want to consider a more capable Starter Pack from the start.
RSI regularly offers more advanced options that provide additional cargo capacity, versatility, or combat capabilities. These ships can make your early progression more comfortable and give you access to a wider range of gameplay activities.
That said, spending too much too soon is often a mistake for new players. A solid mid-range Starter Pack is usually more than enough to learn the game and discover what playstyle you enjoy most.
👉 If Star Citizen truly clicks with you, you can always upgrade your ship later through the CCU (Ship Upgrade) system.
⭐ Recommended for committed players
The Best Starter Pack for Most New Players
For most new players, I recommend choosing a mid-range Starter Pack rather than the cheapest or the most expensive option.
The goal is simple: start your journey in good conditions, avoid overspending, and keep the flexibility to upgrade later if you decide to invest more time in the game.
A well-rounded Starter Pack will give you enough versatility to explore different gameplay loops without feeling limited during your first hours in the ‘verse.
👉 Keep an eye on the current promotions available on the RSI store. Limited-time Starter Packs often include additional value such as exclusive paints, armor sets, in-game items, or discounted pricing, making them particularly attractive for new players.
⭐ Recommended choice for most beginners
The right Starter Pack isn’t the one that promises the biggest dream.
It’s the one that makes you want to keep playing after your first few hours in the game.
FAQ – Choosing Your First Starter Pack
Should I buy the cheapest Starter Pack to get started?
Yes, if your goal is simply to try the game with the lowest possible budget. No, if you already know you’ll be spending a lot of time in Star Citizen and want a more comfortable experience from the beginning.
Can I change my ship later?
Yes. RSI offers a Ship Upgrade (CCU) system that allows you to upgrade your pledged ship to a more expensive one by paying only the price difference.
You can also purchase many ships in-game using the credits you earn while playing.
Are the UEC included in Starter Packs important for beginners?
Not really, at least during the current Alpha. According to RSI support, the UEC included in Game Packages are not credited to your active balance during Alpha testing and are intended for the final release of the game.
Should I wait for a promotion?
Starter Pack promotions are available regularly throughout the year. Limited-time Warbond offers can provide additional value through discounts, exclusive items, or bonus rewards, making them worth considering if you’re not in a hurry.
What about specialized Starter Packs?
If you’re already interested in a specific gameplay loop such as mining, salvaging, or cargo hauling, there are Starter Packs designed around those activities.
However, for most new players, a versatile Starter Pack is usually the safest and most flexible choice.