Star Citizen Buying Guide - Experience Star Citizen

Getting Started:

Create an Account: First, you’ll need to make an account on the Star Citizen website. You can do that here: https://robertsspaceindustries.com/enlist
Buy a Game Package: Unlike standalone ships, a game package includes the “Star Citizen Digital Download.” This is necessary to actually play the game. These packages are typically about $15 more than their standalone ship counterparts.

A Quick Note Before We Dive In

The best way to start your Star Citizen journey is with a simple $45 game package—and nothing more. This gives you full access to the game and the most flexibility to explore everything it has to offer without overcommitting.

Many players own massive ships but need crew members to operate them. There’s always demand for pilots, gunners, engineers, and marines. Even with just a starter ship, you can easily find a role in large-scale operations and experience the game just as much as someone who bought an expensive $1,000+ fleet.

Bottom line: You don’t need to spend more to have a great time.

Overview of Starter Ships

Here’s a simple guide to the starter ships in Star Citizen, focusing on what each ship does best, and why you might choose one:

Key Features to Consider:

Beds:
- Function: Allows you to log out in your ship. When you log back in, you’ll wake up in the same spot.
Cargo Space:
- Measured in: Standard Cargo Units (SCU). More SCU means more cargo you can haul.
DPS:
- Function: How many damage points per second the guns of a ship can sustain.
- Measured in: Points per second sustained incorporating recharge of energy weapons capacitors into the math.
Missile Payload:
- Function: Missiles allow you to apply damage over longer range but a ship can only carry so many missiles.
- Measured in: Total potential points of damage from all the missiles the ship carries.
Shield HP:
- Function: Shields provide a rechargeable layer of damage absorption which surrounds your ship in a barrier. Shields start recharging after not taking damage for a period of time.
Hull HP:
- Function: Each ship is composed of various parts such as wings, nose, cockpit, etc. Each part section has a Hull HP value. In this table the Hull HP value is a combination of all those numbers. If a section loses all hitpoints it generally falls off the ship – if you lose a core structural section of your ship the ship explodes.
Max Speed:
- Function: The fastest speed a ship can achieve with sublight propulsion in a straight line in meters per second.
Maneuverability:
- Function: The rate at which the ship can pitch (nose up/down), yaw (turn left/right), and roll in degrees per second without boost.

Note: The DPS, Missile Payload, and Shield HP values are based on the stock component loadout of each ship. Components can be changed to adjust these numbers.

Name	Role	Package Price	Cargo Capacity	Bed	DPS	Missile Payload	Shield HP	Hull HP	Max Speed	Maneuverability
Mustang Alpha	Light Freight	$45	4	No	350	0	2800	9231	1200	72 / 54 / 205
Aurora MR	Transport / Light Fighter	$45	3	Yes	234	2280	3700	5740	1200	46 / 46 / 140
C8X Pisces Expedition	Pathfinder	$60	4	No	400	2280	1280	6250	1150	60 / 60 / 150
Cutter	Transport / Light Freight	$60	4	Yes	350	4304	1500	17000	1010	36 / 36 / 100
100i	Multi-role	$65	2	Yes	582	4115	1500	3900	1425	50 / 50 / 195
Avenger Titan	Multi-role	$75	8	Yes	1414	9515	3700	11900	1425	53 / 49 / 180
Intrepid	Transport / Light Freight	$80	8	Yes	436	2280	1500	15350	1225	48 / 48 / 145
Syulen	Multi-role	$85	6	Yes	873	28544	3000	11740	1175	42 / 42 / 135
Arrow	Light Fighter	$90	0	No	854	14337	1730	8680	1210	74 / 55/ 189
Nomad	Multi-role	$95	24	Yes	708	16460	4500	9800	1100	45 / 45 / 120

And the same data but in a pros/cons analysis format:

Mustang Alpha ($45)

Roles: Light Freight / Light Fighter
Pros:
- Good maneuverability, making it ideal for dogfighting.
Cons:
- Limited cargo space (4 SCU) restricts trading opportunities.
- No bed – cannot log out on the ship.
Ranking: A solid choice for those interested in combat and basic cargo hauling but limited in versatility due to lack of bed.

Aurora MR ($45)

Roles: Transport / Light Fighter
Pros:
- Limited cargo space (2 SCU) restricts trading opportunities.
- Features a bed, allowing for log-out in space.
Cons:
- Less agile than the Mustang, not as combat-effective.
- Basic functionality with minimal versatility.
Ranking: A versatile starting point but excels in no particular area.

C8X Pisces Expedition ($60)

Roles: Pathfinder
Pros:
- Designed for exploration with good fuel efficiency.
- Can carry cargo (4 SCU).
- Has two jump seats for passengers.
Cons:
- Lacks in combat capabilities.
- No bed – cannot log out on the ship
Ranking: Great for those beginning with an exploration focus but not for ship combat enthusiasts. Makes a great pocket troop carrier for 3-person ground assault teams.

Cutter ($60)

Roles: Transport / Light Freight
Pros:
- Excellent utility for its price, can carry small ground vehicles like the Dragonfly.
- Has a small but functional interior including a bathroom and bed.
Cons:
- Not a combat ship; can’t hold its own in a fight.
- Only 4 SCU of cargo space.
Ranking: A surprisingly capable starter for those wanting utility over combat.

100i ($65)

Roles: Multi-role
Pros:
- Luxurious interior with good speed and handling.
- Bed for logging out.
- One of the fastest ships in the game in a straight line.
Cons:
- Limited cargo (2 SCU), not great for trading or hauling.
- The cost is higher for what it offers compared to other starters.
Ranking: For those who value aesthetics and a bit of luxury in their gameplay.

Avenger Titan ($75)

Roles: Multi-role
Pros:
- Versatile with significant cargo space (8 SCU) and combat capabilities.
- Good balance of speed, armor, and firepower.
- One of the fastest ships in the game in a straight line.
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive for a starter package.
- Not as specialized in any single role as some other ships.
Ranking: Often hailed as the best all-around starter due to its balance of combat and utility.

Intrepid ($80)

Roles: Transport / Light Freight
Pros:
- Generous interior with beds and living quarters.
- More cargo capacity (8 SCU) than some competitors.
- Has a single large gun instead of several smaller guns giving it an ability to punch above its weight class.
Cons:
- Cargo capacity is split into two 4×1 sections.
Ranking: A niche choice for those focused on exploration and light combat.

Syulen ($85)

Roles: Multi-role
Pros:
- Strong hull and good quantum range, making it durable in combat.
- Has cargo space (6 SCU) for small-scale hauling.
- Has a bed and other interior amenities.
Cons:
- The unique design might not appeal to everyone.
- More expensive than some similar capability ships.
Ranking: Competitive in combat but the price might not justify the features for everyone.

Arrow ($90)

Roles: Light Fighter
Pros:
- One of the best dogfighters in this price range due to its speed and agility.
- Good for PvP engagements.
Cons:
- No cargo space, limiting its use outside of combat.
- Single-seater, no option for a co-pilot or passengers.
Ranking: Top choice for pure combat-focused players.

Nomad ($95)

Roles: Multi-role
Pros:
- Can carry larger cargo (24 SCU) and small vehicles like the ROC for mining.
- Decent speed with good shields.
- Has a generous interior including a bed, weapon racks, and other amenities.
Cons:
- Its size and speed make it less of a fighter than some smaller ships.
- Higher cost for a starter ship, might be overkill for new players.
Ranking: Excellent for those looking to start with a focus on cargo and utility.

Conclusion: Choosing your starter package in Star Citizen should align with your gameplay preferences. If you’re into combat, the Arrow or Avenger Titan might be your best bets. For those interested in trading or hauling, the Nomad or Cutter provides good value. Exploration fans might lean towards the C8X Pisces or Intrepid. Remember, these are starting points, and you can upgrade or buy other ships in-game as you progress.