Starter Guide
Star Citizen first session checklist (quick version)
Use this when you already want the shortest possible sequence for one clean first session. This is the compact companion page, not the full walkthrough. If you want more explanation or reassurance, use the main first-session guide.
Use referral code to start with 50,000.
Use it during signup. No price change — just the starter bonus.
Create account + claim bonus
Where to paste it New accounts only
Quick answer
Main guide
This page is the short checklist. For the fuller version with more context and beginner help, use Your first good Star Citizen session.
Answer
This page is the shortest good plan: get your ship, finish one simple contract, then log out cleanly. It is the compact version of the main first-session guide, not a replacement for the fuller walkthrough.
- A good first session is one complete loop, not a perfect session.
- Your first goal is one simple run: spawn, find your ship, finish one easy contract, get paid. If you still need help choosing the mission itself, use the first-mission guide.
- Skip the deeper systems in session one. You do not need everything at once.
- If the game stutters badly or loads forever, fix performance first.
Do this now
- Spawn and choose your home location — do not worry about ten settings yet.
- Claim your ship and leave the hangar once — skip shopping for now.
- Accept one simple contract — pick something you can finish in one run.
- Finish it and get paid — a small win matters more than perfect profit.
- Log out cleanly — end the session in a way you can understand when you come back.
Common mistakes (and exact fixes)
| Mistake | What happens | Fix (exact) |
|---|---|---|
| Shopping and looting first | You burn your session on inventory friction. | Do one contract first; shop later with a goal. |
| Changing 20 settings at once | You do not know what actually helped. | Change one group of settings at a time after your first loop. |
| Starting with high-risk combat | You die, lose gear, and get frustrated. | Earn a clean win first; scale risk later. |
Best next steps
- Open the full walkthrough — this is the best next step if you want the same path with more help.
- Need one specific blocker solved? Use the ASOP guide next
- Performance guide — use this next if stutter or long loading is spoiling the session.
- Make money fast — once one clean loop works, move here for repeatable beginner money routes.
- Free Fly guide — better fit if you are still testing before buying.
FAQ
What’s the best first mission type?
A simple delivery/entry mission: low risk, clear objective, good for learning basic flow.
Do I need to buy gear in my first session?
No. Buy only the minimum required for your chosen activity.
How do I avoid getting overwhelmed?
Pick one loop and finish it once. Expand only after a successful run.
What if I’m lagging or stuttering?
Fix performance first (SSD/RAM/settings). It’s the fastest way to improve your first impression.
Where does earning money fit in?
After your first clean loop, switch to the make-money-fast page for repeatable money ideas.