SCRefCode - New player guide
Star Citizen Starter Packs
First game package - Referral $40 rule - Confirm live prices on RSI
Enlist with a referral code before you pledge
STAR-HBP4-QP46
Standard new-player bonus: 50,000 aUEC. Any valid STAR-XXXX-XXXX code grants the same amount.
Rules:
official Referral Program FAQ.
What a starter pack includes
A game package (starter pack) is what permanently unlocks Star Citizen's persistent universe for your account outside Free Fly events. Typical contents:
- Game access for the live alpha
- A starting ship (and often a small store UEC baseline - confirm on the pledge page)
- Insurance terms for that ship (varies by package and promotions)
You do not need a monthly subscription to play. Optional RSI subscriptions support development extras; they are separate from the game package.
Referral program and the $40 rule
| Who | What they get | What is required |
|---|---|---|
| You (new player) | 50,000 aUEC enlistment bonus | Valid referral code at signup (or within 24 hours) - any valid code, e.g. STAR-HBP4-QP46 |
| Your referrer | Recruitment Point -> ladder rewards | You spend >= $40 USD real money on a game package; store credit and gifted packages alone do not count |
Details: official Referral Program FAQ - full redeem guide.
With vs without a referral code
The ship and package are the same either way. The referral code adds the standardized 50k aUEC new-player wallet boost so you can kit up earlier (armor, weapons, repairs, ammo). See what 50k aUEC is worth on the guide. A pack that lists only Star Citizen Digital Download is not automatically a copy of Squadron 42. Check the includes line and your hangar game-access marks.
Quick comparison
| Focus | Example pack / ship | Ballpark | Meets ~$40 referral rule? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget citizen | Citizen - RSI Aurora Mk II | ~$45 sale / $60 list (live 25% off as of Oct 10) | Yes at typical list and current sale; watch deep sales under $40 | Lowest spend to learn flight and basic cargo |
| Best value daily | Generalist - Drake Cutter | ~$60 | Yes at list price | Multi-role first ship many beginners prefer |
| Combat | Duelist - Aegis Avenger Titan | ~$75 | Yes at list price | Fighting first with a useful interior |
| Cargo | Hauler - Crusader Intrepid | ~$80 | Yes at list price | Trading and hauling loops |
| Salvage | Salvager - RSI Salvation | ~$75 | Yes at list price | Wreck recovery careers |
| Mining | Miner - Drake Golem | ~$75 | Yes at list price | Resource extraction focus |
| Alien starter | Outsider - Gatac Syulen | ~$85 | Yes at list price | Agile Xi'an-style first ship |
| Crew / cargo | Privateer - Drake Cutlass Black | ~$125 | Yes at list price | Multi-crew with friends and more cargo |
Default pick: Generalist (Cutter) if you want one flexible daily driver, or Citizen (Aurora Mk II) if budget comes first. Role packs make sense when you already know you want combat, cargo, salvage, or mining as your main loop. For what is flyable beyond starters, and which named hulls are still in production, see the ship guide.
Package notes
Citizen - Aurora Mk II
Cheapest common path into the game. Expect a simpler ship and more learning curve; fine if you plan to earn in-game upgrades or CCU later.
Generalist - Drake Cutter
Often recommended as a first daily ship: small cargo, decent agility, multi-role friendliness without a huge outlay.
Duelist - Avenger Titan
Combat-leaning multi-role with interior space. A classic "I want to fight but still do odd jobs" starter.
Hauler / Salvager / Miner
Specialized loops. Great if that career is your plan on day one; less ideal if you only want to explore Free Fly and do not know your play style yet.
Official package links
- Citizen Starter Pack
- Generalist Starter Pack
- Duelist Starter Pack
- Hauler Starter Pack
- Salvager Starter Pack
- Miner Starter Pack
- All game packages (RSI)
Also on the store when listed: Outsider (Gatac Syulen) and Privateer (Drake Cutlass Black). Sales and Free Fly marketing can change list prices. Always buy on the official store; ignore third-party "key" sellers.
Buying tips
- Create the account with a referral code before you pledge when possible.
- During Free Fly, test performance and whether you enjoy the game before spending.
- If you care about someone's referral ladder, keep the package at/above the published $40 cash spend and avoid relying on store credit alone.
- Limited-time dual rewards (kits, ships) sometimes stack on top of 50k aUEC - check RSI banners during events.
- Alpha is unfinished: buy to support development and play early, not as a polished MMO promise.
Suggested order
- Create your account with a referral code.
- Optional: try a Free Fly before spending.
- Buy a package that fits your budget and role (links above).
- Install with the RSI Launcher; check system requirements.
- Spend referral aUEC on early armor and tools - see the referral guide.
Starter pack FAQ
New player guides
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