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.

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 4x1 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.