Short answer
A Star Citizen referral code brings new players, according to RSI 50,000 UEC Startbonus, if it is stored correctly in the account creation or within 24 hours. The safest way is to check the code directly before sending the registration, because it cannot be easily exchanged for another code later.
Step-by-step registration
1. Registration
The first step to start with Star Citizen is to create a RSI account. this linkWhen registering, you first select your desired account name. This name will be visible later in the game and in community areas, so you should choose it consciously.
Then you fill out all the fields you need. In addition, you have to accept the Terms of Service and the Privacy Policy by clicking the corresponding box. The Star Citizen and Squadron 42 newsletter can be useful, but if you're interested in what's happening in the 'Verse, you can change this setting later in your profile and determine what kind of emails you want to receive.
Important: Before sending the registration, check whether the referral code shown above is registered. With a valid referral code you will receive 50,000 UEC start bonus as a new player. This UEC can be used in the game for first ingame purchases, for example for equipment or other smaller purchases. Depending on the current promotion, additional referral benefits can be added during certain events. However, such actions are limited in time and should always be checked directly on the official RSI page.
Once the account is created, registration is complete. After that, you can either play without a purchase during an active Free Fly event or buy a Game Package to gain permanent access to Star Citizen.
2. Wait for Free Fly or buy Game Package
If you have decided not only to test Star Citizen during a Free Fly, but to play permanently, you need a Game Package. Important is the distinction: A Game Package contains the game access. A Standalone Ship is only a single ship and is not enough if you do not have a game access yet.
For a detailed explanation of the different Game Packages and a careful recommendation for undecided beginners, see the details on the page Game Packages explained.
3. Installation
After registering and, if necessary, after purchasing a Game Package, you can download the RSI Launcher and install Star Citizen. You must install the game on an SSD. Star Citizen is large, loads a lot of data and benefits greatly from fast memory. A classic HDD is not recommended for a pleasant gaming experience.
After installation, log in to the RSI Launcher with your account and start the game. You should take your time at the first start. Star Citizen is not a game that immediately leads you with a clear linear campaign. You wake up in the Persistent Universe, need to orient yourself, find your ship, reach the space port and plan your first steps yourself.
If you want to know what you should do after the first login, you will find the next step in the area Guide. Also, make sure that your PC and your expectations fit before buying; for this, the area Technology helpful.
referral code briefly explained
A referral code is an invitation code for new Star Citizen accounts. If you enter a valid referral code when you create your account, you will receive 50,000 UEC start bonus as a new player. This is not a huge amount of money in the later course of the game, but for entry it is a useful bonus that you should not leave behind.
The most important thing is the time. You should enter the referral code directly at the registration and check it again before sending it. According to RSI, there is currently a 24-hour window after the account creation to post a forgotten code; after that, RSI support cannot easily supplement the code. Therefore, it is easiest to copy the code beforehand and start the registration directly via the referral link.
The Referral Program is the official recommendation program of Star Citizen. It rewards new players with the 50,000 UEC bonus and can be combined with temporary rewards for certain actions. Always check such actions directly on the official RSI page.
Free Fly or Game Package?
During a Free Fly, you can test Star Citizen for free for a limited period of time. This is often the best way for new players to get to know performance, control, feel and Alpha condition without any purchase pressure.
Outside of a Free Fly you need a Game Package to play permanently. Beginners should not buy more than necessary: A small Starter Pack is enough at the beginning, and expensive ships are not a prerequisite for a good start.
Which Game Package suits you?
A Game Package contains access to Star Citizen. A Standalone Ship is not enough if you don't have a game access yet. If you're unsure, you should start with a cheap Starter Pack, wait for a Free Fly event or take a closer look at the differences.
When is it worth waiting for events?
Events such as Free Fly, Invictus, Alien Week or IAE can be of interest to new players because there may be temporary test phases, special offers or referral actions. However, such advantages are not guaranteed and should always be checked directly on the official RSI page.
Common questions
Can I test Star Citizen for free?
Yes, but not permanently. Star Citizen has no permanent free test access, but always offers so-called Free Fly events. During a Free Fly you can try Star Citizen for a limited period of time without Game Package.
This is often the best starting point for new players because you can first test whether the game feeling, performance and the Alpha condition at all suit you. If no Free Fly is active right now, you need a Game Package to play permanently.
Do I need a Game Package?
Yes, outside of a Free Fly event, you need a Game Package. A Game Package contains the game access, a ship and other components for your account. A Standalone Ship is only a single ship and is not enough if you do not have access to Star Citizen yet.
When buying, therefore, always make sure that a Game Package is included. Especially for beginners, this is important because individual ships can seem attractive in the store, but not automatically enough without access to the game.
What good does the referral code bring?
A referral code is an invitation code for new RSI accounts. If you enter it at the time of registration, you will receive 50,000 UEC start bonus as a new player. This is not a huge amount for the later game history, but for the beginning a useful bonus for first smaller ingame purchases.
In addition, there are sometimes special referral actions at certain events. Then, temporary additional rewards can be added if the respective conditions are met. However, such actions are not permanently active and should always be checked directly on the official RSI page.
Can I enter the referral code afterwards?
The best way is to add the referral code directly to the account creation. According to RSI, there is currently a 24-hour window after registration, where a forgotten referral code can be added, but you shouldn't rely on it.
More secure is: Copy the code before, start the registration via the referral link and check before sending whether the code is really entered. If the referral code is connected to your account, it can not be easily exchanged for another code later.
Should I buy the Avenger Titan directly?
Not necessarily. The Avenger Titan is a very good all-rounder recommendation for many new players because it is more versatile than many very cheap starter ships. You can try out simple deliveries, first cargo tasks and easy combat missions with it.
However, it is not automatically the right choice for everyone. If you are still unsure whether you like Star Citizen or whether your PC is running well enough, a cheaper Game Package or a Free Fly test is often more reasonable. You can still upgrade later if you realize that you really want to stay in the ‘verse' longer.
When is it worth waiting for IAE or Alien Week?
Waiting can be worthwhile if you don't have to start immediately. During major events such as IAE, Invictus, Alien Week or other seasonal promotions, there are often special offers, limited-time ships, Free Fly phases or additional referral bonuses. However, this is not guaranteed and can change from event to event.
IAE is especially interesting if you want to compare many manufacturers and ships. Alien Week can be exciting if you are interested in alien ships or foreign manufacturers. If you just want to start cheaply and carefully, but not every event is automatically a better time to purchase. Always check the current RSI page before buying and only buy a package that really fits your budget and game style.