Lowest-cost baseline
RSI Aurora
A compact entry ship for learning basic flight, small contracts and everyday travel without paying for capability you may not use.
Star Citizen New Player Guide
Best Star Citizen Starter Packages
Choose a Game Package that gives you access to Star Citizen and a useful first ship. You do not need an expensive pledge to start playing.
Creating a new RSI account? Check the optional referral code before opening the package store.
Written and maintained by Taavi Spectre · Last verified 11 October 2026
Quick Answer
What package do you need?
You need a Game Package that explicitly includes Star Citizen Digital Download. A standalone ship does not provide game access on its own. For most new players, the least expensive available package is enough to learn the game and earn other ships in the Persistent Universe.
Do not buy on ship size alone
Start with a ship you can comfortably fly, land and replace. Bigger ships often need more crew, more operating money and more experience.
Sensible Starting Points
Starter ships worth comparing
Package availability, regional taxes, currencies and Warbond discounts change. The options below describe useful roles, not a promise that a specific package is currently on sale.
All-round choice
Aegis Avenger Titan
A practical step up with an interior, useful cargo space and enough combat ability to sample several early careers.
Cargo and interior
Crusader Intrepid
Worth comparing when you value a walkable interior, cargo utility and a more lifestyle-focused daily ship.
Premium starter
Drake Cutlass Black
A larger multi-role option with cargo room and space for a friend, but substantially more ship than a beginner needs.
| Option | Best for | Why consider it | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora family | Lowest sensible entry | Learn the full new-player loop without a premium pledge. | Verify in the RSI store |
| Avenger Titan | General solo play | Balanced combat, cargo and interior access. | Verify in the RSI store |
| Intrepid | Cargo and touring | Comfortable interior and useful everyday space. | Verify availability |
| Cutlass Black | Premium multi-role | More capacity and multicrew flexibility at a higher cost. | Verify availability |
Decision Guide
How to choose your package
- Confirm that the listing says Game Package and includes Star Citizen Digital Download.
- Choose for the activities you expect to try first, not for an imagined end-game fleet.
- Prefer a manageable solo ship unless you already have regular crewmates.
- Compare the final checkout price in your region, including tax.
- Treat temporary Warbond discounts as optional savings, not a reason to rush.
Before Checkout
Three things to check first
Can your PC run it?
Star Citizen is demanding and requires an SSD. Check the official minimums and practical recommendations before spending money.
Check the Star Citizen system requirements →
Can you try it for free?
Free Fly events let you test the current Alpha without owning a Game Package. They are the best low-risk option when you are unsure.
Check the next Star Citizen Free Fly →
Are you creating a new account?
A referral code is optional and does not discount the package. If you have a friend who plays, use their code. Otherwise, the referral guide explains the current bonus transparently.
FAQ
Starter package questions
Do I need a Star Citizen Game Package?
Yes, for normal access to the Persistent Universe. During an official Free Fly, the temporary trial access replaces that requirement for the event window.
Is a standalone ship enough to play?
No. A standalone ship does not include game access unless the listing explicitly identifies the pledge as a Game Package containing Star Citizen Digital Download.
Do I need an expensive starter ship?
No. A basic package is enough to begin, learn the systems and earn in-game currency. Paying more changes your starting ship, not your entitlement to a better version of the game.
Why are prices not hardcoded here?
RSI changes package availability, regional pricing and promotions. The official store is the reliable source for the current checkout price.
Official Sources
Information checked against RSI
Already chose your package?
Prepare your PC and install the RSI Launcher before your first flight.