For anyone entering the Star Citizen universe, the very first purchase is the starter pack. This bundle unlocks the game and provides the basic tools to begin your journey. While Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) has streamlined its offerings over the years, starter packs still vary in terms of value and long-term usefulness.
Back in 2019, comparing packs meant weighing digital goodies, bonus credits, and unique flair. Today, most packs are simplified: you get a ship, a hangar, a small amount of UEC (United Earth Credits), and short-term insurance. The real decision now comes down to which ship you want to begin with.
Why Starting Small Is Smart
The most reliable advice for new pilots is simple: start small. Choosing a low-cost entry ship like the Aurora MR or Mustang Alpha allows you to learn the basics without overcommitting. Both ships are versatile enough for early missions and offer room to grow later.
It’s easier to upgrade from an Aurora to an Avenger Titan or Nomad than to downgrade from an expensive starter you regret. Unless you find a special promotional deal that makes a higher-class ship worthwhile, the safest option is a base-level pack.
The Role of Discounts and Warbond Sales
Price is always a deciding factor, and promotions can heavily influence the choice. CIG often offers discounted “warbond” packs, which require real cash instead of store credit. These can save you money upfront but come with a catch: if you melt (trade-in) the pack later, you’ll lose the discount.
For new players, this isn’t a huge concern. But veterans looking to restructure their fleet should think carefully before swapping out discounted packs. Warbond deals are attractive, but they lock you into spending fresh money rather than reusing credits.
Extra Content: Insurance, Paints, and UEC
Starter packs sometimes include small bonuses. While these extras shouldn’t be your primary reason for purchase, they can tip the scales if two ships are otherwise similar.
- Extended Insurance – Most packs include 3–6 months of insurance. Occasionally, promotions offer longer terms, even Lifetime Insurance (LTI). While appealing, LTI isn’t essential. Once gameplay loops mature, renewing insurance will likely be part of normal progression.
- Exclusive Paints – Special liveries can make your ship stand out, but they’re tied to specific models. If you later upgrade to a different ship, the paint becomes useless unless you rebuy the original.
- Bonus UEC – Some packs grant extra credits to cover early expenses. Useful, but credits are easily earned in-game, so this shouldn’t be your deciding factor.
- FPS Gear – Occasionally, packs include armor, weapons, or a multi-tool. This is arguably the most practical perk, as it saves you an early shopping trip and gives you immediate survival gear.
The Ship Always Comes First
No matter the discounts or extras, the ship itself should drive your decision. Picking the wrong starter can affect your enjoyment far more than missing out on bonus credits or an exclusive paint. The right ship ensures smoother missions, better learning curves, and a more enjoyable introduction to the game’s mechanics.
Recommended Starter Packages
To help simplify the choices, here’s a breakdown of common starter packs available in 2025, along with their general strengths.
Aurora MR or Mustang Alpha
- Price: Around $45
- Best for: Beginners who want a budget entry point
- Why: Balanced, simple, and affordable. The Aurora is more versatile, while the Mustang is sleek but less practical.
Avenger Titan, Nomad, or 300i
- Price: $60–$100
- Best for: Players willing to spend a bit more for comfort
- Why: These ships offer more cargo space or flexibility. The Titan is a community favorite, the Nomad shines in versatility, and the 300i adds a luxury touch.
Small Alternatives (Cutter, Pisces C8X, 100i)
- Price: Under $60
- Best for: Those who want variety in style
- Why: While less efficient than Aurora/Mustang, they add flavor and still allow upgrades to better ships later.
Comparison Table: Entry-Level Packages
| Package | Price Range | Strengths | Drawbacks |
| Aurora MR | $45 | Versatile, reliable beginner ship | Limited cargo and firepower |
| Mustang Alpha | $45 | Sleek, agile, cheap entry | Less practical than Aurora |
| Avenger Titan | $60 | Excellent starter with cargo space | More expensive entry |
| Nomad | $85 | Versatile with extra storage | Higher cost than basic packs |
| 300i | $100 | Luxury-focused starter | Pricey for new players |
| Cutter / Pisces / 100i | $50–$60 | Unique designs and styles | Less efficient than mainline starters |
Mid-Tier Options: Freelancer and Cutlass Black
Once you’re ready to spend more than $100, the Freelancer and Cutlass Black become attractive starter packages.
- The Freelancer remains one of the few packs that still includes digital goodies and 5,000 UEC, making it more appealing than many newer bundles.
- The Cutlass Black, once considered one of the best all-rounder starters, has lost value over time. Its price has risen, and the extras that made it compelling have been stripped away. Today, the only reason to buy this pack is for the ship itself. If you want a Cutlass, it’s usually smarter to buy a discounted pack and upgrade into it.
Packages to Avoid
Not all starter packs are worth the price. Some look impressive but don’t offer fair value.
Constellation Andromeda Pack
The Constellation Andromeda is a powerful multi-crew ship, but its starter package is overpriced. You end up paying far more just to gain access to extra digital content, which is unnecessary for beginners. Unless you’re specifically hunting the bundled goodies, skip this pack.
Ultimate Explorer Pack
The Ultimate Explorer bundle is another trap. It includes the highly coveted Carrack, alongside other ships, but the price is extremely high. In reality, patient players can build toward the same fleet at a lower cost using CCU chains (Cross-Chassis Upgrades). Unless you have money to burn, this isn’t the smart way in.
Concierge-Level Packs
For high-spending backers (known as Concierges), CIG once offered special packages priced under $700. These included access to both Star Citizen and Squadron 42, large amounts of UEC, LTI insurance, and premium hangars.
While most of these packs were retired, they’re worth mentioning:
UEE Exploration 2948
- Price: $695
- Contents: Carrack (with Pisces C8 and URSA Rover), Terrapin, Freelancer DUR, Cyclone RN, Dragonfly Black
- Why it mattered: The Carrack’s later price increase made this bundle one of the best-value packs ever released. If you can find someone willing to sell it at its original price, it’s a fantastic deal.
Scoundrel Pack
- Price: $695
- Contents: Caterpillar, Mercury Star Runner, Cutlass Black, Hawk, Dragonfly, Ranger CV
- Notes: Not as strong as the UEE Exploration pack, but still appealing thanks to the MSR and Caterpillar.
Entrepreneur Pack
- Price: $600
- Contents: Vulcan, Prospector, Vulture, Hull-B, URSA Rover
- Notes: The weakest of the three, but still useful due to ships like the Vulcan and Vulture, which are expected to rise in price.
What About Squadron 42?
A recurring question is whether to buy Squadron 42 (CIG’s single-player campaign) bundled with a starter pack or separately. Since access is occasionally included in Concierge-level packs or awarded at certain pledge milestones, it’s not essential to grab it upfront. For most players, waiting until Squadron 42 is officially re-released makes more sense.
Choosing Your Starter
To make the decision easier, here are the principles to keep in mind:
- The ship matters most. Don’t let extra credits, paint, or hangars distract you from picking the right vessel for your playstyle.
- Start small. A $45 Aurora MR or Mustang Alpha is more than enough to test the game. Upgrade later if needed.
- Use promotions wisely. Warbond discounts can save money but require real cash. Don’t rely on melted packs if you want to preserve discounts.
- Extras are nice, but optional. LTI, UEC, and digital flair are bonuses. They won’t make or break your experience.
- Avoid overpriced bundles. Packs like the Constellation Andromeda or Ultimate Explorer look tempting but rarely justify the cost.
Recommendation
For most new players in 2025, the Aurora MR or Mustang Alpha starter packs remain the best entry points. They’re cheap, effective, and allow you to learn the game without financial overcommitment. If you already know you’ll be spending more time and want a comfortable step up, the Avenger Titan or Nomad are excellent mid-tier options.
Veteran backers looking for collector’s value should keep an eye on rare concierge packs if they surface on the secondary market, though patience and knowledge of CCU strategies often lead to better outcomes.
In the end, the right starter pack is the one that matches both your budget and your intended playstyle. Whether you’re here to haul cargo, dogfight, or explore the edges of the verse, your first ship sets the tone for your journey. Choose wisely, and let the adventure unfold.