Star Citizen pilot utility tools preview

Tools

Utility tools can make navigation, planning, and everyday flight decisions easier. Start with the Reciprocal Heading Compass and expand your setup as new tools are added.

Open Tools

Before You Start

What is Star Citizen?

Star Citizen explorer standing on a rocky planetary landscape

Persistent Universe

Star Citizen is an ambitious multiplayer space simulation game developed by Cloud Imperium Games . Set in a massive persistent universe, Star Citizen combines first-person gameplay, realistic space flight, trading, mining, exploration, piracy, bounty hunting, salvage, and large-scale multiplayer interaction into a single evolving online experience.

Unlike traditional space games, Star Citizen aims to create a seamless universe where players can transition from walking inside detailed ships to flying across planets, moons, and space stations without loading screens. The game is powered by advanced technology designed to support large player counts, dynamic economies, and highly detailed environments.

Squadron 42 - The Singleplayer Experience

Alongside the online universe, Squadron 42 is being developed as a cinematic single-player campaign set in the same universe. The story-driven experience features well-known actors and focuses on military space combat and narrative storytelling.

How much is Star Citizen?

Aegis F8C Lightning flying through space in Star Citizen

To play Star Citizen, you first need an RSI account and a Star Citizen game package that includes access to the Persistent Universe (PU) and at least one starter ship. A basic starter package is enough for your first weeks in the verse: you do not need an expensive ship to explore, accept contracts, earn in-game currency, or discover what style of gameplay you enjoy most.

Before creating a new account, it is worth checking whether a referral bonus is currently active. A Star Citizen referral code can add extra starting value to your account during eligible promotions, and it has to be used during account creation. The smartest beginner path is simple: create the account with a referral code, choose a modest starter package, learn the game, and upgrade later only if you truly know what you want. You can also check my Giveaways because Star Citizen game packages may occasionally be available there.

How do I start my journey?

What can I do in the verse?

Star Citizen offers many professions for different player types. You can haul cargo between trade hubs, mine valuable resources, salvage wrecks, fight bounties, escort other players, explore planets, run medical support, race, take cinematic screenshots, or simply travel and observe the scale of the universe. The strongest beginner approach is to test several professions before investing in specialized ships.

This flexibility is what makes the game attractive for long-term players. A small starter ship can become the first step toward cargo hauling, combat training, exploration, or group gameplay. Your preferred profession should guide future upgrades, not the other way around.

Star Citizen cargo hauling gameplay with a freight ship

Trader & Cargo Pilot

Move goods, plan routes, manage risk, and build your income through transport and logistics.

Star Citizen mining gameplay on a planetary surface

Miner & Prospector

Search for resources, scan deposits, refine materials, and earn credits through industrial gameplay.

Star Citizen combat ship during a bounty hunting mission

Bounty Hunter

Enter combat, improve your flight skills, and hunt dangerous targets across the system.

Star Citizen medical rescue gameplay

Medic & Rescue Pilot

Help other players, run rescue operations, and become a valuable support specialist for any crew.

Star Citizen salvage gameplay around a wreck

Salvager

Recover value from wrecks, collect materials, and earn credits through technical cleanup operations.

Star Citizen exploration screenshot on an alien planet

Explorer

Discover moons, planets, outposts, landscapes, and remote locations built for adventure and screenshots.

Star Citizen pirate gameplay with outlaw ships and high-risk encounters

Pirate

Live outside the law, intercept cargo, take risks, and create high-stakes encounters where reputation and consequences matter.

Star Citizen refuel and repair gameplay with support ships

Refueler & Mechanic

Support other pilots with fuel, repairs, and recovery services, turning logistics and field support into a valuable career path.

Star Citizen base building and crafting gameplay concept

Pioneer & Craftsman

Prepare for future settlement, production, and crafting gameplay by building toward long-term progression and player-driven industry.

What do I need to play Star Citizen?

To play Star Citizen, you first need account . In the current live build, Star Citizen Alpha 4.8.0 , you primarily need a Star Citizen starter package. A starter package is a game package purchased through the official Roberts Space Industries website, often called the RSI store, and it includes access to the Persistent Universe (PU) plus at least one starter ship.

For a Star Citizen beginner, the best first package is usually not the most expensive one. A balanced Star Citizen starter ship helps you learn flying, landing, missions, cargo, combat basics, and travel without locking you into one playstyle. You can earn many ships in-game, rent ships, join friends, use a Star Citizen referral code during account creation, and upgrade later once you know whether combat, trading, exploration, mining, salvaging, or cooperative gameplay fits you best. From time to time, you may also be able to win Star Citizen game packages through my Giveaways.

Legal notice: The starter recommendation below is not a product sold, processed, fulfilled, or supported by this website. It is an informational recommendation only and links to the official Star Citizen / Roberts Space Industries shop. Any purchase, price, tax, refund, account, or delivery matter is handled exclusively by Roberts Space Industries and is subject to their current terms.

Not sure which starter to choose? Take a short quiz for your personal suggestion

Recommended Extensions

You do not need special hardware to start playing Star Citizen. Keyboard and mouse are enough. But if you want deeper immersion, better control, and a more cockpit-like experience, these tools can upgrade your setup.

Disclosure: Tobii and GameGlass links may be affiliate or partner links. Discounts, codes, and promotions can change over time. Star Citizen can be played without additional hardware.

Tobii Eye Tracker 5 for Star Citizen head and eye tracking
Affiliate offer

Tobii Eye Tracker 5

Add head and eye tracking to Star Citizen for more natural cockpit awareness, smoother camera control, and stronger immersion while flying.

Save 5% with code TAAVI
GameGlass Star Citizen touchscreen controls and cockpit interface
Affiliate offer

GameGlass

Use your tablet or phone as a Star Citizen control surface for ship systems, cockpit actions, mining, combat, and utility functions.

Save 10% with code TAAVI
VIRPIL flight sticks and throttle controls for Star Citizen
Advanced setup

VIRPIL Controls

High-end flight sticks, throttles, and control panels for players who want precise dual-stick or HOTAS control in space combat and ship handling.

View VIRPIL Gear
WinWing cockpit hardware and MFD displays for Star Citizen
Cockpit upgrade

WinCTRL

Cockpit panels, displays, and flight sim hardware for players who want a more physical, tactical, and immersive command station.

View WinCTRL Gear