This article is Part 2 of a 3 part series for getting started.
Back to Part 1 - Create A Player Account
Skip to Part 3 - Learning to play
Part 2 - Choosing a game package
So you've taken the plunge and decided to buy your first ship and game package! Like with most things Star Citizen, one does not simply buy a game package. The choices are varied and making the best choice will ultimately depend on your play style, preference and budget.
To begin you need to decide whether you want to purchase Star Citizen, Squadron 42 or both.
The differences are as follows:
Star Citizen
- Massively Multiplayer Persistent Universe
- Includes Arena Commander and Star Marine Simulations
- Does not include Squadron 42 single player campaign
Squadron 42
- Single Player Campaign
- Star studded cast including Mark Hamil, Gary Oldman, Gillian Anderson and others
- Includes Arena Commander & Star Marine Simulations (multiplayer)
- Does not include Massively Multiplayer Persistent Universe
Star Citizen & Squadron 42
Any game packages that include both Star Citizen and Squadron 42 will include both the single player and MMO universe as well as Arena Commander and Star Marine multiplayer battle arenas. Update March 2021: Currently the only Combo packages available are the Mustang and Aurora starter packages. For other packages Squadron 42 must be purchased as an-add on (approximately $20 during the checkout process).
The combo packages are as follows (2021):
- Aurora MR Combo Package
- Mustang Alpha Combo Package
Both packages cost the same with the difference being the ship that comes with the package (Mustang Alpha or Aurora MR).
Both combo starter packages feature:
- Star Citizen Digital Download (The MMO universe)
- Squadron 42 Digital Download (The single player campaign)
- SelfLand Hangar
- Digital Squadron 42 Manual
- Starting Credits: 1000 UEC (Get 5000 UEC extra by using the referral code: STAR-HM6K-5M7C)
- 3 month ship insurance
What Game Package Should I Buy?
The vanilla experience (the original vision) is for the player to start with a starter ship and work your way up doing missions, gaining more money (UEC is the currency in the Star Citizen universe) and buying better ships in the game as you grow your economy.
These are the following game packages include Star Citizen:
- Aurora MR Starter Pack - $45*
- Mustang Alpha Starter Pack - $45*
- Anvil C8X Pisces Starter Pack - $60*
- Drake Cutter Starter Pack - $60*
- Origin 100i Starter Pack - $65*
- Avenger Titan Starter Pack - $75*
- Anvil Arrow Starter Pack - $90*
- Nomad Starter Pack - $95*
These packages come with Star Citizen but not Squadron 42.
First time backers who are interested in both Star Citizen and Squadron 42 but want a more expensive ship pack than Mustang Alpha or Aurora MR should try to purchase and then look for the Squadron 42 popup during checkout. If the Squadron 42 popup appears during checkout.
*Note: Final prices may vary depending on region due to taxes.
Should I buy the Aurora MR Starter Package or the Mustang Alpha Starter Package?
So you’ve decided to buy a Star Citizen starter game package but you’re not sure what ship is right for you?
RSI Aurora MR vs Mustang Alpha
Read our Aurora MR vs Mustang Alpha breakdown here. Both the Aurora MR package and the Mustang Alpha package come with starting in game currency of 1000 UEC. Please view our referral page so you can create an account using this referral code: STAR-X9CM-QGRN before you purchase you can get an additional 5000 UEC starting currency with any game package.
Prices may vary!
Check to make sure what game(s) you're buying
In the Game Pack description it will say whether you purchasing Star Citizen or Star Citizen + Squadron 42.
Star Citizen Digital Download is the multiplayer game. Squadron 42 Digital Download is the single player campaign.
What About The Avenger?
The Avenger Titan is an extremely popular starting option. So much so that finally in January 2020 the Avenger Titan Starter Pack has been released.
The Avenger Titan offers a lot of versatility (including 8 SCU of cargo capacity). Also important to note that the Avenger Titan package comes with 2000 UEC starting currency while the Mustang Alpha comes with 1000. Since the Avenger is a more expensive ship to operate, those players upgrading from the Mustang to the Avenger Titan should be sure to use the referral code for the additional 5000 UEC.
The Avenger Titan makes up for many of the shortcomings of the Aurora MR and Mustang Alpha starter packs. Highly recommended for players who prefer to have a stronger starting option than the two weaker base starting ships.
What About The Arrow Starter Pack?
The Arrow is a starter combat ship released end of 2018. The Arrow game package costs $90* and comes with 1000 UEC starting credits. A popular new addition to the starting ship lineup, the Anvil Arrow is a very agile light fighter with no cargo capacity.
This ship has a good weapons loadout for its size and can be further upgraded to pack a more powerful punch. For starting combat pilots this ship is a good option as the Aurora MR and Mustang Alpha are quite weak in combat at double the price.
Pros & Cons of the Anvil Arrow Starter Pack
The Arrow has some benefits over the Aurora MR and Mustang Alpha starter packs which are as follows:
Pros
- Capable weapons loadout
- Very agile
- 6 months insurance (instead of 3 months)
- Fast & maneuverable
- Excellent performance in atmosphere
Cons
- No cargo
- Very short range
- Cannot carry mission boxes
- Combat only
What About The Anvil C8X Pisces Starter Pack?
The Anvil C8X Pisces offers another great option for players starting with Star Citizen.
Offering most of the versatility of the Avenger Titan but with half the cargo and a much smaller size, the Pisces is a great option for players looking to get around swiftly. Additionally, the Pisces offers two jump seats where 2 additional players can sit.
The small form factor makes the C8X Pisces exceptionally well suited to be transported by larger ships. This makes the C8X Pisces a very powerful yet tiny starter ship.
Pros & Cons of the Anvil C8X Pisces Starter Pack
The Pisces has some benefits over the Aurora MR and Mustang Alpha starter packs which are as follows:
Pros
- Small form factor fitting easier into other ships
- Can carry 2 passengers
- 6 months insurance (instead of 3 months)
Cons
- Poor weapons loadout / weaker in combat
- Offers less than the Avenger Titan which is only $5 more
What About The Origin 100i Starter Pack?
The newly released starter packages for the origin 100 series offer more options for players starting with Star Citizen.
The 100 series from Origin presents the following contenders
- 100i - Exploration
- 125a - Combat
- 135c - Cargo
These ships have a very small form factor while still having a bed. Read more about the 100 series.
Pros & Cons of the 100 series
The 100 series offers more luxurious ships than the Aurora or Mustang, however the cost is also higher.
Pros
- Small form factor fitting easier into other ships
- Ships have a bed for logging out also
- Stylish
- Stronger weapons loadout
- Pairs nicely with other Origin motherships
Cons
- Could be overpriced
Buying other game packages
Other game packages above the Starter Ships start from about $60* for the Origin 100i and come with Star Citizen but not Squadron 42.
Options include:
- Origin 100i Package $60*
- Anvil C8X Pisces Starter Package $60*
- Drake Cutter Package $60*
- Avenger Titan Starter Package $70*
- Origin 125a Package $70*
- Avenger Stalker Package $75*
- Origin 135c Package $75%
- Reliant Kore Starter Package $85*
- Anvil Arrow Starter Package $90*
- Nomad Starter Package $95*
- Cutlass Black: $115*
- Hornet F7C: $125*
- Freelancer: $125*
- Constellation Andromeda: $275*
*Prices quoted are in USD (without VAT). RSI ship prices and taxes vary by location so please check. The point of presenting the price is to show the relative difference in price between ship packages strictly for comparison purposes.
*game package does not include squadron 42.
Please note that purchasing a game package with a ship more expensive than the Starter packages does not necessarily make a better gaming experience. The game is intended to be played by starting from the “starter” ships and working your way up.
On to part 3...
Please proceed to Part 3 - Learning to play Star Citizen
