Star Citizen price: how much does it actually cost?
Buy-once, from a Starter Pack. The expensive ships are optional. Here is the real number.
Short answer: Star Citizen is buy-once, no subscription required. The cheapest way in is the Citizen Starter Pack at $45 (regularly $60). That is the whole cost to start playing. Sign up with STAR-JTV7-FXLR and your account also gets 50,000 UEC of in-game currency, free.
The internet makes Star Citizen sound like it costs thousands. It does not have to. You can ignore the expensive ships entirely. Here is what it actually costs a new player, and what is optional.
What you actually have to pay
| Item | Cost | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| A Game Package (your way in) | from $45 | Yes, once |
| Monthly subscription | $0 | No, optional only |
| Expensive ships | $0 | No, earn them in-game |
| DLC / expansions | $0 | No, there are none |
The package tiers
- Citizen Starter Pack, $45 (regularly $60): RSI Aurora Mk II + 10,000 UEC. The cheapest and the right choice for most.
- Duelist, $75: Avenger Titan. A tougher all-rounder.
- Privateer, $125: Cutlass Black. Multi-crew. Not sure? Use the finder.
Why people think it costs thousands
Star Citizen sells high-end ships for real money (some cost hundreds), and that is what makes headlines. But those are optional pledges for people who want to fund development. You never need them: every ship can be bought or rented in-game with UEC, and your starter plus the 50,000 UEC referral bonus gets you flying immediately. Spending more than a Starter Pack is a choice, not a requirement.
So the real new-player cost is one Game Package, from $45, once. Add STAR-JTV7-FXLR at signup and you also get 50,000 UEC to kit out your character, at the same price. How to use the code.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Star Citizen cost?
Buy-once, from $45 for the cheapest Game Package (the Citizen Starter Pack, regularly $60). No subscription is required and there are no paid expansions. Expensive ships are optional and can be earned in-game. Sign up with STAR-JTV7-FXLR for 50,000 UEC on top.
What is the price of Star Citizen?
The starting price is $45 for the Citizen Starter Pack (regularly $60), a one-time purchase. Higher tiers are $75 (Duelist) and $125 (Privateer). There is no mandatory subscription. With code STAR-JTV7-FXLR you also get 50,000 UEC free.
Is there a monthly subscription for Star Citizen?
No. Subscriptions exist but are entirely optional (they give cosmetic and magazine perks). You only need a one-time Game Package, from $45, to own and play the game.
Do I need to buy expensive ships?
No. Every ship can be bought or rented in-game with UEC. A Starter Pack plus the 50,000 UEC referral bonus is enough to start. Expensive pledges are optional support for development.
What is the cheapest way to play Star Citizen?
The Citizen Starter Pack at $45, plus referral code STAR-JTV7-FXLR for 50,000 UEC of in-game currency. You can also try it free during a Free Fly event before buying.
Ready to claim the 50,000 UEC?
One click pre-fills STAR-JTV7-FXLR into the RSI signup form. Finish the account, buy a $40 or larger Game Package, the bonus is yours.
Enlist with code STAR-JTV7-FXLR