To get started with Star Citizen, begins with the’Aurora MR or the Mustang Alpha.
These are the two best starter vessels : affordable, versatile, and perfect for getting started with the game before you specialize. The right choice depends mainly on your playing style.
Which ship should I choose in Star Citizen ?
Star Citizen offers more than 150 pilotable ships, each tailored for a specific role: combat, trade, exploration, mining, or bounty hunting.
To get started in this space-themed world, there's no need to unlock everything at once. You earn aUEC as you play, and you buy or rent new ships directly in the game over time.
The real question: Which ship fits your playstyle and budget?
Starter ship or specialized ship?
A starter ship in Star Citizen is a versatile and affordable craft, designed to handle a little bit of everything: small-scale trade, light combat, and modest cargo transport. It’s ideal if you’re playing as solo or if you're not sure yet what career path to pursue in space.
A specialized vessel, on the other hand, excels at a single role (mining, salvaging, bounty hunting, exploration), but it’s much more expensive. The best approach: start with a versatile starter ship, then expand your fleet based on the activities you really enjoy.
Aurora MR vs. Mustang Alpha : Which one should I choose?
This is the most common debate among beginners in Star Citizen. Both starter ships are affordably priced, but their designs differ:
- Aurora MR : more versatile, it carries 3 SCU cargo ship, can take a beating better, and offers good visibility from the cockpit. Its cargo capacity makes it the best starter ship if you're still on the fence.
- Mustang Alpha : Faster and more maneuverable thanks to its ultralight alloys, but less armored. Perfect if you like the speed and precise spatial navigation.
If you really don't know what to choose, go to the’Aurora MR : Its versatility and cargo capacity make it useful for almost any mission originating from Star Citizen.
Which ship is right for your player profile?
Each ship has a specific role and gameplay mechanic in Star Citizen. Here are the best values by activity (prices change with each game update):
| Profile / Activity | Recommended Ship | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Versatile Beginner | Aurora MR | Starter, admission price |
| A beginner who loves speed | Mustang Alpha | Starter, admission price |
| Cargo and Freight Transport | Avenger Titan | Mid-range price |
| Lightweight Division | Arrow Where Gladius | Mid-range price |
| Bounty Hunt | Avenger Stalker | Mid-range price |
| Versatile Freight Transport | Cutlass Black Where Freelancer | High prices |
| Space Exploration | Terrapin Where 315p | Mid-range to high-end prices |
| Group Play (Multicrew) | Constellation Andromeda | High prices |
Two useful points about these ships Star Citizen. The’Avenger Titan is an excellent first step toward the freight transport thanks to its large cargo area and greater cargo capacity than entry-level models.
the Cutlass Black is valued for its versatility, but it isn't a pure cargo ship: for large-scale trade, you're better off choosing a Freelancer depending on your budget.
Also, watch out for a common pitfall: the C8X Pisces is not an autonomous exploration spacecraft in Star Citizen.
The concept of Pisces is that of an onboard shuttle, designed to be carried by a larger aircraft such as the Carrack.
For those who are curious, there is also a most expensive ship for the game, which far exceeds those prices.
Choose a ship based on your budget
Price is often the first consideration in Star Citizen. Here's how to navigate the different categories:
- Starters (entry-level prices) : vessels such as the’Aurora MR and the Mustang Alpha. Perfect for getting to Star Citizen without breaking the bank and learn the basics.
- Mid-range price : more comprehensive vessels such as the’Avenger Titan or a light fighter (Arrow, Gladius) for more specialized gameplay.
- High prices : specialized or multicrew aircraft such as the Cutlass Black, the Freelancer or the Constellation Andromeda, to be used when you know exactly what role you want to play in the space.
Reducing Costs: The CCU System
The system of CCU (Cross Chassis Upgrade) lets you upgrade a starter ship to a more expensive model by paying only the price difference. You start from the’Aurora MR and you gradually make your way up toward a ship Star Citizen be more selective, rather than buying everything all at once. That's the best way to make the most of your budget in the long run.
Which ship is best for group play?
If you're playing with friends in Star Citizen, look for a ship multicrew, that is, a vehicle whose gameplay requires multiple pilots and gunners.
The Constellation Andromeda is a solid choice for team play: a large, multi-role vessel with manned turrets, substantial armament, and a crew of Serves 3 to 4 people. It combines combat, transport, and versatility to form a well-rounded team in space.
For a small group just starting out, the Cutlass Black It handles very well whether flown solo or with a co-pilot. Its cargo capacity and versatility make it a good compromise without having to invest too much in Star Citizen.
How to enter Star Citizen ?
To get started, you'll need an account and a starter pack. This pack contains your first starter ship—the one you'll fly during your very first hours in space.
Here are the steps to join the game:
- Create an account on the official website Roberts Space Industries, the studio behind Star Citizen.
- Choose a starter pack based on the included starter ship and the price that fits your budget.
- Download the launcher and install the game (including the’disk space, the installation is cumbersome).
- Start the game, create your character or keep the default template.
- Pick up your ship at the hangar, then start exploring space.
A tip from a pilot: Make sure you have a good internet connection and a little patience. Star Citizen is in phase alpha, so bugs are just part of the deal.
Take the time to practice flying and landing before you start on missions.
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