Understanding the Differences Between Pledge, Standalone Ship, and Backer Status
Star Citizen is a massively multiplayer online game that has been in development since 2011. The game has gained a huge following, and as a result, there are many different options available for players to back the development of the game. In this article, we will explore the differences between Pledge, Standalone Ship, and Backer Status in Star Citizen.
What is a Pledge in Star Citizen?
A pledge is a contribution made to the development of Star Citizen that grants the contributor access to the game upon its release. When a player pledges, they are essentially pre-ordering the game. Pledges can come in different tiers, each offering different rewards and benefits, such as in-game credits, ships, and other bonuses. Pledges are a one-time purchase, and once the game is released, the player will have access to all the content they have pledged for.
Star Citizen, while currently testable during development, is not a finished and comercially released game. Not all pledges give access to the game universe. Here are some different types of pledges available in Star Citizen:
- Game Package - Grants access to either the single player game Squadron 42, the multiplayer universe Star Citizen, or both (combo packs or as add ons).
- Subscriptions - Grants items, temporary access to vehicles and other goodies.
- Items - Weapons, armor, in game currency (UEC) and hangar flair are considered pledge items.
- Standalone Ships - Buying ships or vehicles from the pledge store.
- Concept Sale Ships - Pledging ships upon initial reveal often years before they are flight ready.
What is a Standalone Ship in Star Citizen?
A standalone ship is a ship that can be purchased without a game package. Standalone ships are available for purchase with real money or store credit. Standalone ships do not grant access to the game itself, and players will still need to purchase a game package to gain access to the game. Standalone ships can be upgraded to other Standalone ships.
What is the Difference Between a Pledge and a Standalone Ship?
A standalone ship is a also a pledge if fresh funds were used to purchase it. If store credit was used then this does not count towards backer status or funding. A pledge is any item including standalone ships where the player has purchased directly with the company instead of using Store Credit. Having an active pledge (non-refunded) grants Backer Status. Buying a Standalone ship with Store Credit does not grant Backer Status and is also not considered a pledge. Buying a Standalone Ship directly with fresh funds counts as a pledge and grants backer status. If you are new and want Backer Status and also to be able to play the game then you need to purchase a Game Package without using Store Credit.
What is the Difference Between a Pledge and Backer Status?
Backer status is tied to a player's account and provides additional benefits and rewards, such as early access to game updates and access to special forums. Pledges, on the other hand, are one-time purchases that grant access to the game upon its release. Backer status is maintained by having an active pledge or owning a game package, while a pledge is a one-time purchase.
What is Backer Status in Star Citizen?
Backer status is granted to players who have made a pledge to the development of Star Citizen. Backers receive various benefits and rewards, such as access to special forums and early access to game updates. Backer status is tied to a player's account and is not transferable. To maintain backer status, a player must have an active pledge or own a game package.
Example of backer rewards
Here is an example of attributed periodic rewards to backers that a non backer would not get. Please note that there are several ways people can end up with a game package without being a backer. A game package could be gifted, or a player could receive another gift such as a standalone ship, then melt the ship and buy a game package with store credit. Store credit alone does not grant backer status. A backer must use fresh funds to make a pledge in order to be considered a backer. In simple terms, a backer account has spent money funding the game directly with the company.
Concierge Status in Star Citizen
Concierge is a special type of backer who has spent $1000 or more on Star Citizen. Backers who spend this much money and significantly beyond are awarded with special titles, privileges and items. For example, Concierge backers do not need a game package to play Star Citizen. There might be a delay from when the backer becomes concierge and when the game package is attributed.
Example of concierge rewards
- Access to the persistent universe even without a Star Citizen game package
- Access to the Chairman's Club
- High Admiral Status
- Top Hat and Monocle (In game items)
- Radegast Whiskey 2947 Homeward Limited-Edition (In game)
- Arclight II Laser Pistol Executive Edition
- Star Citizen Soundtrack Sample
- Star Citizen Digital Download
- Squadron 42 Digital Download
What is the Difference Between a Pledge and Backer Status?
Backer status is tied to a player's account and provides additional benefits and rewards, such as early access to game updates and access to special forums. Pledges, on the other hand, are one-time purchases that grant access to the game upon its release. Backer status is maintained by having an active pledge or owning a game package, while a pledge is a one-time purchase.
Why does Store Credit not count towards Backer Status?
It is possible to have an account with store credit that is not a considered a backer. Store Credit does not count towards actual funding because it is recycled funding. Only new funds (paid with credit / debit card or paypal or other options available at the time) count as new funding and therefore grant backer status and count as pledges.
What is the Difference Between a Pledge and Backer Status?
Backer status is tied to a player's account and provides additional benefits and rewards, such as early access to game updates and access to special forums. Pledges, on the other hand, are one-time purchases that grant access to the game upon its release. Backer status is maintained by having an active pledge or owning a game package, while a pledge is a one-time purchase.
Popular Questions and Answers:
Can I purchase a standalone ship and still gain access to the game?
No, standalone ships do not grant access to the game itself. Players will still need to purchase a game package or pledge to gain access to the game. However, if the value of the ship or account total spends exceeds $1000 then access to Star Citizen Persistent Universe is automatically granted.
What happens to my pledge if the game is never released?
If the game is never released, the developers have stated that they will refund all pledges made to the project. Also, pledges can be reclaimed at any time for effectively a refund. Another thing to consider when backing is that you are contributing to the funding of a project that has been described as stuck in development hell. It might be many years before what you pledged for is actually playable in the Persistent Universe.
Can I upgrade my standalone ship to a pledge?
Yes, players can upgrade their standalone ships to a pledge. The cost of the upgrade will depend on the value of the standalone ship and the desired pledge tier. You can check upgrade costs at the official Pledge Store or read more about Cross Chassis Upgrades on this site.
Sources for this article
Pledges FAQS (Official) (2021)
Reclaim A Pledge (Official) (2022)
Concierge Levels and Rewards (2022)