Which starter package should you buy?
There are seven game packages under $125 in the RSI store. Each comes with a different ship built for a different career. Here is the full comparison, plus a clear recommendation for most new players.
Not sure what you want to do yet? Get the Citizen Starter Pack. It is $45 on sale, 25% off its $60 list price as of September 2026, and it is the cheapest way in. It comes with the Aurora Mk II and six months of hull insurance. The full comparison below covers all seven packages if you already know your career.
What every package includes
Every game package in this list gives you the same base access:
- The Star Citizen digital download
- Full access to the live Persistent Universe alpha
- A starter ship with at least six months of hull insurance
- A self-land hangar to store your ship
- 10,000 starting UEC — the in-game currency you spend at shops and terminals
During sale events, some packages carry a Warbond price — a steeper discount available only when paying with real money. Store credit cannot be used for Warbond purchases. Warbond discounts are short-lived — they usually end with the event, so treat any Warbond figure you see as temporary.
The recommendation for most new players
If you are not sure what you want to do yet: get the Citizen Starter Pack, $45 on sale ($60 list).
It is the cheapest way into the game. It comes with the Aurora Mk II — a forgiving starter ship with six months of hull insurance — plus a full armor set, an undersuit, and a weapon. That kit lets you play ground missions from your very first session. Learn the game first, then upgrade via a CCU later for the price difference. Why the Aurora is the right first ship gets its own honest write-up.
Already know your career? Get the role pack that matches it.
If you tried the Free Fly and found a gameplay loop you loved, the six role packs at $75–$125 give you a purpose-built ship from day one. They cost more, but you will not need to upgrade as quickly.
All seven packages at a glance
| Package | Ship | Price | Insurance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citizen Starter | Aurora Mk II | $45 on sale ($60 list) | 6 months | Most new players ★ |
| Salvager | RSI Salvation | $75 | 6 months | Salvagers |
| Miner | Drake Golem | $75 | 24 months | Miners |
| Duelist | Avenger Titan | $75 | 6 months | Combat + light cargo |
| Hauler | Crusader Intrepid | $80 | 6 months | Delivery + hauling |
| Outsider | Gatac Syulen | $85 | 6 months | Alien-tech fans |
| Privateer | Cutlass Black | $125 | 6 months | Combat + piracy |
All prices in USD. ★ = recommended pick.
The role packs in detail
If you tried the Free Fly and found a loop you enjoyed, these six packs give you a purpose-built ship from day one. They cost more than the Citizen Starter, but you will not need to upgrade as quickly.
Miner Starter Pack — $75
Ship: Drake Golem · Insurance: 24 months · Starting money: 20,000 UEC
The Drake Golem is Drake’s dedicated solo mining ship — built to break ore in deep space and haul it back alone. This pack comes with twenty-four months of insurance, double the starting money of most other packs, a full mining-themed armor set, and a tractor beam tool. If mining is your career plan, nothing here needs to be bought separately.
Salvager Starter Pack — $75
Ship: RSI Salvation · Insurance: 6 months · Starting money: 10,000 UEC
The RSI Salvation — RSI’s purpose-built solo salvage ship — is designed to let a single pilot strip wrecked hulls for parts and materials. Salvage is a patient, methodical career. It requires no combat. It earns steady money from wreckage that other players fly past.
Duelist Starter Pack — $75
Ship: Aegis Avenger Titan · Insurance: 6 months · Starting money: 10,000 UEC
The Avenger Titan is a retired military ship re-fitted for civilian use, with its combat hold expanded for maximum cargo space. It handles delivery missions well and fights back when attacked. At the same price as the Salvager and Miner packs, the Titan is widely considered the best value ship at the $75 mark — versatile enough to try multiple careers before committing.
Hauler Starter Pack — $80
Ship: Crusader Intrepid · Insurance: 6 months · Starting money: 10,000 UEC
The Crusader Intrepid — a single-seat freighter by Crusader Industries — focuses on short-range hauling and courier work. Its two cargo holds can each be loaded from inside or outside the ship. It has a small visible footprint, which helps when navigating crowded landing zones. It also includes living quarters for longer trips.
Outsider Starter Pack — $85
Ship: Gatac Syulen · Insurance: 6 months · Starting money: 10,000 UEC
The Gatac Syulen is a Human-Xi’an hybrid ship — built using Xi’an design principles by Gatac Manufacture for Human pilots. It handles differently from every other ship in the store and introduces alien technology to a broader Human audience. If you want to fly something that looks and flies unlike anything else from day one, this is the only starter that delivers that.
Privateer Starter Pack — $125
Ship: Drake Cutlass Black · Insurance: 6 months · Starting money: 10,000 UEC
The Cutlass Black is Drake’s most well-known ship: fast, heavily armed for its size, and roomy enough to carry whatever you take from others. At $125 it is the most expensive starter pack by a wide margin. Only buy this if you are certain that combat and piracy is your path — the Avenger Titan does much of the same work for $50 less.
Which pack fits your plan?
| I have no idea yet | Citizen Starter Pack ($45 on sale, $60 list) — cheapest entry, most bonus gear |
| I want to fight and fly | Duelist (Avenger Titan, $75) for value, or Privateer (Cutlass Black, $125) if budget is not a concern |
| I want to haul cargo | Hauler (Intrepid, $80) |
| I want to mine | Miner (Golem, $75) — the only dedicated mining starter in the store |
| I want to salvage wrecks | Salvager (RSI Salvation, $75) — the only dedicated salvage starter in the store |
| I want something alien and unique | Outsider (Syulen, $85) — Human-Xi’an hybrid tech, unlike anything else here |
What NOT to buy on day one
The RSI pledge store sells hundreds of ships at prices ranging from $50 to well over $1,000. Resist the temptation to spend more than you need to. Here is why:
- You do not yet know which career you will enjoy. Mining, hauling, combat, and salvage each need entirely different ships. Buy for the role you actually end up playing — not the one that looks good in a video.
- Many mid- and high-end ships need a crew to operate well. A solo player in an under-crewed large ship is often less effective than a solo player in a smaller, agile one.
- Ships can be bought in-game with earned aUEC. The in-game ship market gives access to most working ships without spending more real money — how earning ships works is covered here.
- Standalone ship purchases do not include game access. Do not accidentally buy only a ship. Make sure your purchase is a full game package — or that you already own one.
Buying during IAE or the Anniversary sale
A sale is a bonus, not a deadline. In 2014, CIG wrote that nothing beyond a starter package will ever be necessary for the full Star Citizen experience. Official RSI blog post One starter Game Package is all a new player needs.
When the sale window is
Two November events matter here. CIG has held an Anniversary sale in late November since 2013. Official RSI blog post The Intergalactic Aerospace Expo, a ship show, is also held in November. CIG has said ships and merchandise return for sale at events such as IAE. Official RSI blog post
We have not seen official dates for IAE 2956 or a 2026 Anniversary sale yet. Last year, CIG published the IAE 2955 dates on November 6, 2025. Official forum post For this year’s dates, see when the next Free Fly is.
Try it free first
IAE has run as a Free Fly in each of the last four years. During a Free Fly, anyone with a free RSI account can play the live game. No purchase is needed. Official RSI blog post The 2955 event ran from November 20 to December 3, 2025. The earlier three are here: 2954, 2953, and 2952. No one can promise a Free Fly this year, so check before you buy.
What to buy, and what to skip
If you buy, buy only a starter Game Package. The Citizen Starter Pack lists at $60 and was on sale for $45 as of September 2026. It comes with the Aurora Mk II, six months of ship insurance, and 10,000 UEC. Official RSI store page Starter packs do get discounted at times. We cannot say when, or by how much, so check the RSI store for today’s price.
Here is what to skip while you are new:
- A big ship bought in sale hype. You do not know yet which career you will enjoy. Play first, then decide. How earning ships works is covered here.
- Upgrades before you know what you like. A CCU is priced at the gap between two ships, so it can wait until you know which ship you want. Official RSI support article
Still unsure the game is for you? Read whether Star Citizen is worth buying.
The referral code during a sale
Signing up during a sale? Use the code the usual way. Enter STAR-GCQJ-N6NC when you create your account, or within about twenty-four hours in your account settings. It cannot be added after that. Official RSI referral page New accounts created with a code receive 50,000 UEC. The referral code page has the full steps.
Common questions
What is the best starter package?
For most new players, the Citizen Starter Pack — $45 on sale, $60 list — the cheapest way in, with the Aurora Mk II, six months of hull insurance, and a full armor kit. Upgrade later via a CCU for the price difference.
How much does a starter package cost?
Packages start at $45 on sale ($60 list), and all seven options in this guide are under $125. During sale events, check for a Warbond price if you are paying with new money — it is usually the better deal.
What does every package include?
The game download, full access to the live alpha, a starter ship with at least six months of hull insurance, a self-land hangar, and 10,000 starting UEC.
What does Warbond mean?
A discount that applies only when paying with real money — store credit cannot be used. Buying fresh? Always check for a Warbond version first.
Should I wait for a sale to buy Star Citizen?
You do not have to. Starter packs are sometimes discounted, but nobody can promise when. Buy only a starter Game Package, and skip big ships bought in sale hype. If you want to try the game first, watch for a Free Fly. The Intergalactic Aerospace Expo has had one in each of the last four years. More on buying during a sale
When is the Star Citizen Anniversary sale?
CIG has held an Anniversary sale in November since 2013. We have not seen official 2026 dates yet. Dates for the Intergalactic Aerospace Expo, which is also held in November, are on freeflyevent.com.
Already enlisted? Join the DayOneCitizen Discord for starter help and ship advice.
Sources
Where these facts come from
Every factual claim on this page is checked against official Cloud Imperium Games sources. Dates and figures are verified against the primary RSI blog post or support article linked below — not third-party trackers.
CIG has held an Anniversary sale in late November since 2013.
A Ship Upgrade / Cross-Chassis Upgrade (CCU) changes a pledge to a higher-value ship; the CCU item is priced at the gap between the two ships, not the full price of the new ship.
The Citizen Starter Pack includes 10,000 UEC (account currency) and six months of hull insurance on the Aurora Mk II — not Lifetime Insurance.
The Crusader Intrepid is a single-seat starship designed by Crusader Industries for short-range hauling and courier work.
The Duelist Starter Pack ($75 USD) is a game package that includes the Aegis Avenger Titan as the starter ship and full game access.
Intergalactic Aerospace Expo 2952 ran as a Free Fly event 18–30 November 2022 (UTC).
Intergalactic Aerospace Expo 2953 ran as a Free Fly event 17–30 November 2023 (UTC).
Intergalactic Aerospace Expo 2954 ran as a Free Fly event 22 November – 5 December 2024 (UTC).
Intergalactic Aerospace Expo 2955 ran as a Free Fly event 20 November – 3 December 2025 (UTC); the RSI Perseus made its flyable debut on Day 1.
Free Fly events are free to play for anyone with a free RSI account — no purchase required during the event window.
The Hauler Starter Pack ($80 USD) is a game package that includes the Crusader Intrepid as the starter ship and full game access.
CIG first announced IAE dates with a Spectrum 'Save the Date' post on November 7, 2024 (IAE 2954, Nov 22 – Dec 5) and November 6, 2025 (IAE 2955, Nov 20 – Dec 3).
CIG has said ships and merchandise will return for sale at later events, such as Invictus Launch Week and the Intergalactic Aerospace Expo.
The Miner Starter Pack ($75 USD) is a game package that includes the Drake Golem as the starter ship and full game access.
The Privateer Starter Pack ($125 USD) is a game package that includes the Drake Cutlass Black as the starter ship and full game access.
A referral code must be applied at account signup or within ~24 hours in account settings — it cannot be added after that window.
New RSI accounts created with a referral code receive a 50,000 UEC enlistment bonus.
The Salvager Starter Pack ($75 USD) is a game package that includes the RSI Salvation as the starter ship and full game access.
The cheapest Star Citizen game package, the Citizen Starter Pack (RSI Aurora Mk II), lists at $60 USD and was on sale for $45 (25% off) as of September 2026; no subscription is required to play.
In its 2014 Anniversary Sale post, CIG said purchasing additional ships is not necessary, and that nothing beyond a starter package will ever be necessary for a backer to get the full Star Citizen experience.