Star Citizen vs Elite Dangerous
Two philosophies of the space sim. An honest split to help you choose.
If you are choosing between Star Citizen and Elite Dangerous, you are really choosing between two philosophies: a finished, polished cockpit game versus an ambitious, unfinished, seamless universe. Here is an honest split to help you decide, with no fanboy spin.
| Star Citizen | Elite Dangerous | |
|---|---|---|
| State | Playable alpha, still in development | Released and polished |
| Feel | Seamless first-person: walk your ship, leave it, explore on foot | Primarily cockpit-focused, on-foot added later via Odyssey |
| Scale and detail | Highly detailed cities and ship interiors, smaller but denser | A vast 1:1 galaxy, broader but more sparse |
| Vibe | Social, crew-friendly, emergent | Often solitary, meditative |
| Cost to start | Buy-once from $45, no subscription | Buy-once, frequently on sale |
| Stability | Bugs and wipes (it is an alpha) | Stable |
Pick Star Citizen if...
You want the most ambitious, immersive version of the space-sim dream and you are OK trading polish for scope: getting out of your seat, walking through a station, crewing a ship with friends, and being part of something still being built. The detail and the on-foot-to-space seamlessness are unmatched.
Pick Elite Dangerous if...
You want a finished, stable game today, you love the pure flying and a calmer solo experience, and a galaxy you can get lost in. It respects your time and runs well now.
If you choose Star Citizen, start smart
Do not overspend. Try it free during a Free Fly first, then the cheapest way in is the Citizen Starter Pack at $45. Sign up with STAR-JTV7-FXLR and your account gets 50,000 UEC to kit out, at the same price. The honest worth-it take.
Both are good at different things. If Star Citizen is your pick, grab the 50,000 UEC bonus with code STAR-JTV7-FXLR at RSI signup. Same price, free in-game currency on top.
Frequently asked questions
Star Citizen or Elite Dangerous, which should I buy?
Choose Star Citizen for the most ambitious, seamless first-person space universe if you can tolerate an unfinished alpha. Choose Elite Dangerous for a finished, stable, calmer cockpit game today. If you pick Star Citizen, start with the Citizen Starter Pack at $45 and use code STAR-JTV7-FXLR for 50,000 UEC.
Is Star Citizen better than Elite Dangerous?
Neither is strictly better; they aim at different things. Star Citizen has deeper detail, on-foot play, and multi-crew, but is an unfinished alpha. Elite Dangerous is finished, stable, and great for solo flying. Try Star Citizen free during a Free Fly to judge.
How much does Star Citizen cost vs Elite Dangerous?
Both are buy-once. Star Citizen starts from $45 (the Citizen Starter Pack) with no required subscription, plus 50,000 UEC free with code STAR-JTV7-FXLR. Elite Dangerous is also buy-once and often discounted.
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