Star Citizen Beginners Guide: How to Acquire Your First Spaceship from Scratch
Star Citizen, hailed as one of the most ambitious space simulation games ever created, has captivated countless players with its stunning visuals and deeply immersive gameplay. For newcomers, obtaining your first ship is often the biggest initial challenge. This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of various methods to acquire a ship, helping you get a solid start in this vast universe.
Initial Choice: Understanding Starter Ships
When you begin the game, every player receives one of the following basic ships:
β Aurora MR: A versatile light ship, suitable for basic missions.
β Mustang Alpha: A faster light ship with stronger combat capabilities.
It is recommended that new players choose one of these based on their preference. Both ships can handle early-game tasks such as delivery and reconnaissance missions.
Earning aUEC to Purchase a Ship
In Star Citizen, the main form of currency used by players is Star Citizen aUEC, or Alpha United Earth Credits. Whether you're looking to buy a ship, upgrade equipment, or invest in larger trading ventures, a stable income of aUEC is essential. Below, we explore three effective ways to earn Star Citizen aUEC and lay the foundation for purchasing your ideal ship.
π Mission-Based Earnings
The mission system is the most beginner-friendly way to earn Star Citizen aUEC. Different types of missions cater to various skill levels in flying and combat, making them suitable for players at different stages of the game.
π¦ Delivery Missions:
This is the simplest and safest type of mission. Players use their starter ships (such as the Aurora or Mustang) to transport packages between star systems. Although the reward per mission is relatively low, the minimal risk and fast pace make it an ideal method for accumulating initial funds when first starting.
π Reconnaissance Missions:
These tasks require players to travel to specific coordinates to conduct scans or investigations. They generally demand stronger flying skills and navigational awareness. The payout is higher than delivery missions, and efficiency depends largely on familiarity with star maps and routes. For players who have mastered basic flight, these missions offer a great opportunity to refine their techniques while earning more aUEC.
π« FPS Missions (e.g., Bunker Missions):
These are high-risk, high-reward operations that require proficiency in first-person shooter combat. Typical objectives include clearing hostile bunkers or defending valuable targets. Successful completion yields substantial aUEC rewards and may also drop rare weapons or armor. It is recommended that players attempt these only after acquiring suitable gear - such as body armor, ballistic helmets, and medium-to-long-range firearms.
βοΈ Mining for Profit
Mining is one of the most stable sources of aUEC for mid-to-late-game players.
π Renting a Mining Ship: The Prospector is a classic choice for solo mining, costing around 50,000 aUEC per day to rent. While not cheap, the returns far outweigh the costs.
βοΈ Identifying High-Value Ores: The core skill of mining is learning to distinguish between minerals. Quantanium is one of the most valuable ores, but it is unstable over time and requires quick refining. Other ores like Bexalite and Agricium also fetch good prices.
π° Earnings: A skilled solo miner can earn 100,000-200,000 aUEC per hour. With luck, finding a high-concentration Quantanium vein can yield hundreds of thousands in a single run. Mining offers not only great profits but also familiarity with the game's scanning, extraction, and refining economic cycle.
π¦ Trading Operations
Trading is a core aspect of Star Citizen's economy and a long-term goal for many players looking to purchase larger ships.
β’ Starting Small: Use your starter ship's limited cargo space for low-cost trades, such as transporting medical supplies or scarce food items. Profits may be modest, but the barrier to entry is low.
β’ Scaling Up: As your capital grows, upgrade to medium or large cargo ships (e.g., Freelancer, Caterpillar, or C2 Hercules). This allows for bulk commodity trading, significantly increasing profit margins.
β’ Risks and Strategies: The key to trading is monitoring market trends and avoiding impulsive purchases. Be cautious of pirate activity, especially in the outer routes of the Stanton system. Consider teaming up or hiring escort players to protect high-value shipments.
Ship Purchase Guide
Recommended Starter Ships:
β’ Avenger Titan: The best all-round starter ship.
β’ Arrow: A dedicated combat ship.
β’ Cutlass Black: A versatile multi-role ship.
Where to Buy:
β’ New Deal: Located on the planet Lorville.
β’ Astro Armada: Located in the Area 18 space station.
Advanced Tips for Earning aUEC
π₯ Team Up:
β’ Join other players' mining operations.
β’ Participate in multi-player cargo missions.
β’ Tackle high-difficulty bounty missions as a group.
π Participate in Events:
Keep an eye on special in-game events.
Join holiday events for exclusive rewards.
Complete event tasks to earn unique items.
π Investment Advice:
β’ Upgrade ship components before buying a new ship.
β’ Prioritize better weapons and shields.
β’ Test ships by renting them first.
Important Tips and Recommendations
β οΈ Safety First:
β’ Avoid carrying large amounts of aUEC during high-risk activities.
β’ Purchase ship insurance to mitigate losses.
β’ Conduct trades in secure areas.
π Efficiency Tips:
β’ Focus on one money-making method to improve efficiency.
β’ Use trading websites to analyze market prices.
β’ Join a guild for support and guidance.
For players looking to acquire a ship quickly, consider buying Star Citizen aUEC through reputable third-party platforms like MmoGah. However, keep the following in mind:
β’ Choose trustworthy suppliers.
β’ Familiarize yourself with the game's terms of service.
β’ Prioritize in-game earning methods where possible.
Conclusion
Acquiring your first ship is just the beginning of your Star Citizen journey. By planning your earning strategies wisely and making the most of the game's systems, you'll quickly expand your fleet and uncover the mysteries of this vast universe. Remember, the destination isn't what matters most - it's the joy of every flight and discovery along the way.
Whether you choose to progress gradually through missions or accelerate your journey with platforms like MmoGah, may you find your own unique adventure in the universe of Star Citizen!