Star Citizen beginner resources
Account setup, first-session help, controls, rentals, equipment and practical resources for getting started.
These Star Citizen beginner resources cover the essentials without trying to teach everything at once. Set up the account and launcher correctly, learn how to leave a hangar and return safely, then choose one straightforward activity and build from there.
Start here
Referral Bonus
Read this before creating a new RSI account so the 50,000 UEC bonus is not missed.
Official Welcome Hub
CIG’s introductory videos, written guidance and routes into the Guide System.
Free Fly
Check whether the game is currently free to try and follow the account and download steps.
Help & Troubleshooting
Use this when the launcher, login, download or first connection is not working.
Guide System
Ask an experienced player to meet you in game and teach a chosen activity.
RSI Server Status
Check current maintenance and incidents before troubleshooting your own setup.
Controls, equipment and ships
StarBinder
Organise keybinds for keyboard, mouse, HOTAS or HOSAS and keep a clear record of your control layout. StarBinder currently labels its defaults as 4.8, so check changed bindings against Alpha 4.9.
CornerStone Item Finder
Find where armour, weapons, tools, medical supplies and ship components are sold. Shop data is community-maintained.
Ship Renting Reference
See which ships can be rented in game before spending real money or saving for a permanent purchase.
Star Citizen Tools Wiki
Look up ships, locations, careers, components and terminology when a name means nothing yet.
Armory
Plan a sensible FPS loadout with compatible armour, weapons, magazines and attachments.
Linux Users Group
Community installation and troubleshooting help for Linux users. Windows remains the normal supported route.
Before creating the account
A referral code must be entered during registration or within 24 hours of account creation and gives an account 50,000 UEC and any separate limited-time promotion (at that time). It cannot be changed later. The referral page explains the active code, Game Package access, the standard $40.00 USD recruitment requirement.
Buying is not the first step
A Free Fly is the lowest-risk way to see how Star Citizen performs on your PC and whether the current alpha experience suits you. Outside a Free Fly, make sure a purchase includes a Star Citizen Game Package; a standalone ship does not automatically include game access. Many ships can be rented or bought with in-game currency, so you can explore different activities before considering a larger pledge fleet.
A practical first session
- Choose a starting location, wait for the first load and learn the route from the hab to the spaceport.
- Retrieve the starter ship, request permission to leave and practise taking off, landing and storing it again.
- Set the regeneration location at a suitable medical clinic when you understand where you want to return after death.
- Buy only basic supplies: a multi-tool when the activity needs it, a medical device, food, drink and an appropriate suit.
- Try a low-risk delivery, investigation, arena or training activity before putting most of your credits into cargo or equipment.
- Return and store the ship before logging out whenever possible.
Learn one career at a time
Mining, hauling, salvage, combat and crafting each have their own equipment, risks and terminology. Pick one activity, prepare with its current resources and try the full loop before moving to another. This is more useful than trying to memorise the entire game from one long video.
Expect an alpha, not a finished release
Progress, balance and locations can change. Bugs can interrupt a successful session, especially around a new deployment or busy event. Do not take the most expensive cargo you can afford on the first run, and do not assume an old YouTube route still pays the same amount.
What should I do first?
Learn to reach the spaceport, retrieve a ship, leave the hangar, quantum travel, land and store the ship. Those basics support almost every career.
Do I need an expensive ship?
No. Starter ships, rentals, borrowed ships and in-game purchases are enough to explore the main activities. Choose by the work you enjoy rather than the pledge price.
Where should I ask for live help?
Use the official Guide Hub to arrange one-to-one help with another player. When a guide accepts, a private Spectrum conversation begins so you can organise the session. Use Spectrum Helpdesk for current discussion and the Help page for launcher or technical problems.
Related Star Citizen resources
Referral Bonus · Free Fly · Help & Troubleshooting · Ships & Fleet.