Star Citizen spaceship flying above a planet

Star Citizen Beginner Guide

You do not need to solve everything today. Pick the one path that matches your situation, go to that page, and let the rest wait until you need it.

Use referral code to start with 50,000 UEC.
Optional and easy to use during signup. It does not change your price. It simply adds the signup bonus.

Choose the one page that matches your situation

These six pages are the main starting paths. Pick the one problem in front of you first.

These are path choices, not a reading list. Pick one and let the rest wait.

Here is your first calm hour

Do one clean loop, stop, and call that a win. Day one does not need to be long or impressive.

Step 1
Spawn, set your home, and claim your ship

This removes the first layer of friction and gets you moving without panic.

Step 2
Run one simple courier or delivery contract

It teaches travel, mission flow, and basic menus with very low risk.

Step 3
Stop after one clean loop and repeat it later

That is enough for day one. Repeatability matters more than squeezing in everything at once.

If this still feels rough, fix performance first and then try the same simple session again.

What usually goes wrong at the start

A rough first session usually comes from the wrong order, not from you. These are the mistakes that make the start feel harder than it should.

What trips people up
Trying to learn everything at once

Too many menus, contracts, locations, and controls at the same time turns a simple start into a messy one.

What causes bad first impressions
Judging the game from one rough session

Bad performance, a rough spawn, or one chaotic session can make the game feel worse than it normally does.

What wastes money early
Buying extra ships too early

You do not need more ships to fix a rough start. One sensible package is enough until your routine feels stable.

One easy thing not to miss: if you are creating a new account, add the referral code during signup so you do not have to think about it later.

FAQ

Use these quick answers if one basic beginner question is still in the way.

Can I try Star Citizen without buying?
Yes. Use Free Fly → if you want to test the game before you spend money.
Do I need a strong PC?
You need a reasonable baseline and the right settings. If the game feels rough, start with the Performance guide →.
What should I buy first?
One sensible starter pack is enough. Use the Starter packs page → if you are ready to compare game packages.
Is the referral code mandatory?
No. It is optional and does not change your price. Use it during signup if you want the starting bonus: Referral guide →
I’m overwhelmed. What is the easiest way to start?
Pick one path from the main hub, then follow the first calm hour. You do not need to solve everything today.
Where do I enter the referral code?
On the RSI signup page during account creation. If you want it handy right here, copy and paste it into the field labeled “Referral Code (optional)”.
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