A guide to getting started successfully in the 'Verse

Star CitizenBeginner's Guide for new players

An honest route into Star Citizen: check your PC, create a free RSI account and use a Free Fly or the buying guides to decide what comes next.

Unofficial fan guide The alpha explained honestly 50,000 UEC bonus

Your step-by-step guide

Getting started as a new Star Citizen player

Whether you want to begin right away or learn more first, these steps provide a clear route into the game and help you decide whether a Game Package is right for you.

Read the complete beginner’s guide
  1. 01

    Understand the game

    Before diving in, learn what to expect from the game world, ships, activities, alpha state and learning curve.

    Learn about the game
  2. 02

    Check your PC

    Star Citizen is demanding. Find the key hardware considerations here.

    Assess your hardware realistically
  3. 03

    Account & referral code

    Prepare a free RSI account with a referral code, then decide about a Free Fly or a Game Package later.

    Prepare your free account
  4. 04

    Free Fly or Starter Pack

    Test for free if possible; only then choose a small package that includes game access.

    Choose how to access the game
  5. 05

    Install

    Install the launcher and game on an SSD and leave enough free storage.

    Prepare the installation
  6. 06

    First login

    Choose a starting location, wake up, and find the spaceport and an ASOP terminal.

    Prepare your first session
  7. 07

    First steps & missions

    After your first login, work through navigation, controls, first missions and common mistakes step by step.

    Keep learning in the 'Verse

Try before you buy

If a Free Fly is active, test for free first

A Free Fly is often the best first test. You can prepare your free RSI account with a referral code beforehand without buying a Game Package.

Understand Free Fly Explore events

Key guides

The essential pages for getting started

Two Star Citizen players among glowing plants Referral codeUnderstand 50,000 UEC, the 24-hour window and how to enter the code correctly.Understand the referral code Starter ship shown in a Star Citizen Starter Pack Starter PackWhy an entry-level package is enough when you begin.Compare Starter Packs Computer hardware representing the Star Citizen system requirements System requirementsAssess your PC, SSD, RAM, CPU and GPU realistically.Check the system requirements Star Citizen character representing the first steps in the 'Verse Your first sessionWake up, navigate the city, use an ASOP terminal and find your ship and hangar.Prepare your first session Star Citizen interior representing navigation and helpful resources ToolsLearn which official resources and community tools are useful.Open tools and resources Star Citizen combat scene with ground troops and spacecraft Beginner mistakesAvoid forgetting the referral code, choosing the wrong package, overspending, and underestimating the technical requirements.Avoid beginner mistakes