📖 Table of Contents

Getting Started - Account & Referral Code
Choosing Your First Game Package
Best Starter Ships Comparison
Your First Steps in the Verse
How to Spend Your 50,000 UEC Wisely
Best Money Making Methods for Beginners
Essential Tips & Tricks
Common Mistakes to Avoid

🎮 Getting Started - Account Creation

💡 Pro Tip: Always use a referral code when creating your account! You get 50,000 UEC free, and you have a 24-hour grace period if you forget.

Visit the Official Site
Go to Roberts Space Industries (this link includes the referral code)
Create Your Account
Enter your email, create a password, and choose your handle (username)
Enter Referral Code
Use code STAR-9L66-ZTDY in the referral field for 50,000 UEC bonus
Verify Your Email
Check your inbox and click the verification link
Set Up Two-Factor Authentication
Highly recommended to protect your account and purchases

⚠️ Important: If you forgot to add the referral code during signup, you have 24 hours to add it in your account settings!

📦 Choosing Your First Game Package

You need a game package to play Star Citizen. Here are the most popular starter options:

Mustang Alpha Starter Pack

$45 USD

✓ Most affordable entry
✓ Good combat capability
✓ Agile and fast
✓ Always available

Best for: Budget-conscious new players

Note: Aurora MR was discontinued in May 2025

⭐ RECOMMENDED

Avenger Titan Starter Pack

$70 USD

✓ #1 rated starter ship
✓ Bed + cargo space
✓ Excellent firepower
✓ Can do all mission types

Best for: Players wanting the best all-around start

Cutlass Black Pack

$115 USD

✓ Multi-crew capable
✓ Large cargo hold
✓ Versatile combat ship
✓ Great for groups

Best for: Players who want to start big

Nomad Starter Pack

$95 USD

✓ Excellent cargo capacity
✓ Very fast for its size
✓ Unique design
✓ Great for trading

Best for: Cargo and trading focus

💰 Money Saving Tip: You can always upgrade your ship later using the CCU (Cross-Chassis Upgrade) system. Start with Mustang Alpha and upgrade when ready! During IAE 2025 (Nov 20-Dec 3), watch for Warbond CCU discounts!

🌟 Your First Steps in Star Citizen

After Installing the Game:

Choose Your Starting Location
Area 18 (ArcCorp) - Industrial city, good for missions
New Babbage (microTech) - Beautiful snowy planet
Lorville (Hurston) - Large city with varied missions
Orison (Crusader) - Cloud city, stunning views
Wake Up in Your Hab
Take time to learn movement controls
Press F to interact with objects
Hold F for interaction wheel
Find the Spaceport
Follow signs or ask in chat (F12)
Take the train/shuttle to the spaceport
Spawn Your Ship
Use ASOP terminals at the spaceport
Request your ship and note the hangar/pad number
Take Your First Flight
Enter ship (hold F, select "Open" then "Enter")
Press R to flight ready
Hold Space to take off

Essential Keybinds to Know:

F - Interact / Inner Thought
R - Flight Ready
Space - Strafe Up / Takeoff
Ctrl - Strafe Down / Land
B - Quantum Travel
F1 - MobiGlas (Map/Missions)
F12 - Chat Window
Tab - Scan Mode

💰 Understanding Your 50,000 UEC Bonus

⚡ Important Update (2025): Your 50,000 UEC referral bonus will be available when Star Citizen officially launches. During the current alpha testing phase, you'll start with 20,000 aUEC (alpha credits) to use for gear and equipment. The bonus UEC is reserved for the final game!

Here's the smartest way to spend your starting aUEC during alpha testing:

Priority 1: Essential Gear (8,000 aUEC)

Undersuit (3,000-5,000 aUEC) - Novikov or Odyssey II for protection
Helmet (2,000-3,000 aUEC) - Match to your suit
Backpack (3,000-5,000 aUEC) - MacFlex Core for extra cargo capacity

Priority 2: Tools & Weapons (8,000 aUEC)

MultiTool (2,000 aUEC) - Pyro RYT essential for mining & tractor beam
Sidearm (2,000-3,000 aUEC) - LH86 or Arclight pistol
Primary Weapon (5,000-7,000 aUEC) - P4-AR rifle for FPS missions
Ammo & Magazines (1,000 aUEC) - Stock up

Priority 3: Medical Supplies (2,000 aUEC)

MedPens (50 aUEC each) - Buy 20-30 for emergencies
Med Gun (Optional) - ParaMed for serious injuries

Keep Reserve Funds (2,000 aUEC)

Save emergency funds for:

Ship insurance claims (currently free in alpha)
Fuel and repairs
Replacing lost gear after death
Initial cargo for trading

💡 Pro Tip: During alpha, death and bugs may wipe your gear. Always keep backup equipment stored in your ship! Buy essential items at major cities like Area 18 or Lorville for better prices.

💵 Best Money Making for Beginners

1. Delivery Missions (5,000-15,000 UEC)

Perfect for learning to fly and navigate. Pick up packages and deliver them to different locations.

✓ Low risk
✓ Good for learning locations
✓ No combat required

2. Bounty Hunting (10,000-25,000 UEC)

Start with "Very Low Risk Targets" and work your way up.

✓ Good money
✓ Improves combat skills
✗ Risk of ship destruction

3. Mining (Variable)

Rent a ROC mining vehicle (1,400 UEC/day) and mine gems on moons.

✓ Peaceful gameplay
✓ Can be very profitable
✗ Requires initial investment

4. Investigation Missions (7,000-12,000 UEC)

Find missing people or investigate crash sites.

✓ Interesting gameplay
✓ Explores game lore
✗ Can be time consuming

🎯 Essential Tips for New Players

Join an Organization: Find a group to play with for better experience
Ask for Help: The community is very helpful in global chat
Set Spawn Point: Always set your regeneration point at stations
Insurance is Free: Ship insurance claims cost nothing currently
Store Gear in Ships: Keep spare equipment in your ship's inventory
Learn to EVA: Practice zero-G movement in safe areas
Use Practice Arena: Arena Commander for combat practice
Take Screenshots: Print Screen key - the game is beautiful!

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these rookie mistakes:

❌ Not using a referral code - You miss out on 50,000 UEC!
❌ Forgetting to request landing - You'll get a crime stat
❌ Not setting spawn point - You'll respawn far away
❌ Ramming space stations - Instant death and crime stat
❌ Ignoring fuel levels - Getting stranded is not fun
❌ Fighting security - They will destroy you
❌ Quantum traveling into planets - Always aim for markers
❌ Not insuring ship upgrades - You'll lose them on claim

🚀 Ready to Start Your Adventure?

Don't forget to use referral code STAR-9L66-ZTDY for your 50,000 UEC bonus!

🚀 Create Account with 50,000 UEC Bonus

Need More Help? Check out our other guides:

🚀 Star Citizen New Player Guide 2025