Before downloading
Check current system requirements
Star Citizen is demanding and changes during development. Confirm the official CPU, GPU, memory, storage, and operating-system requirements before buying.
Create the RSI account carefully
Add STAR-DVTZ-99Z4 during signup if you want the standard referral bonus. See the full referral walkthrough.
Install through the official launcher
Download only from RSI, allow ample SSD space, and expect large patches.
When you first enter the universe
- Choose a starting location deliberately. Your initial city affects the first trip to your ship. RSI's current Getting Started guide describes the available locations.
- Complete the tutorial if offered. Interaction mode, elevators, transit, terminals, and ship startup are less intuitive than in many games.
- Learn five controls first: interaction, mobiGlas, inventory, quantum travel, and landing gear.
- Set your regeneration location. Once you reach a convenient station, use its medical facility so a death does not return you to the starting city.
- Take a simple contract. Start with a low-risk delivery, investigation, or basic combat task appropriate to your ship.
Avoid the classic first-session mistakes
Do not wear everything you own
Death can mean losing carried equipment. Take inexpensive essentials while learning.
Do not spend all your credits
Keep a buffer for equipment, fuel, repairs, and recovery from mistakes.
Do not rush hangar doors
Request takeoff or landing clearance and wait for doors to open completely.
Expect alpha behavior
Servers and missions can fail. If something seems impossible, ask whether it is a known patch issue before repeatedly retrying.