Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about Star Citizen.
What is Star Citizen?
Star Citizen is an ambitious, crowdfunded space simulation MMO currently in development that aims to combine first-person shooter combat with deep spaceship customization and planetary exploration. It serves as the multiplayer component of a larger project called Universe Sandbox, which also includes a single-player campaign known as Squadron 42.
Who are the key figures behind the game?
Chris Roberts, the creator of the classic Wing Commander series, founded Cloud Imperium Games and leads the development vision for Star Citizen. The project relies heavily on community funding from backers who have contributed over $600 million to date.
Where should a newcomer start playing?
New players should begin by downloading the free Alpha Access program from the official website, which allows them to play the current build without purchasing any ships immediately. Once in-game, completing the 'Arrival' tutorial on Stanton is the best way to learn basic controls and mechanics.
Is Star Citizen a finished game?
No, Star Citizen is currently in an alpha state of development and is not considered a final release product. While it features vast content and playable systems, players should expect bugs, incomplete features, and frequent updates that can alter gameplay significantly.
What is the difference between Alpha Access and Squadron 42?
Alpha Access grants entry to the persistent multiplayer universe where thousands of players interact freely in a massive open world. In contrast, Squadron 42 is a separate, single-player narrative campaign with a structured story that has not yet been released.
How does the game's economy work?
The in-game economy relies on player-driven trade, resource extraction, and combat bounties rather than real-money transactions for gameplay advantages. Players earn credits by completing contracts, mining asteroids, or delivering cargo to populate their wallets for ship purchases.
What is the significance of the Stanton system?
Stanton serves as the primary starting region for all new players, featuring four distinct planets and a moon that introduce core mechanics like landing and docking. It acts as a sandbox environment where developers test new features before rolling them out to the wider universe.
Can I play Star Citizen on console or PC?
Currently, Star Citizen is exclusively available for Windows-based PCs and requires a relatively high-end computer to run smoothly due to its complex graphics engine. There are no official plans for a PlayStation or Xbox version at this time.
What was the most notable moment in the game's history?
The release of the 'Alpha 3.17' update marked a major milestone by introducing persistent universe features like full planetary landing and improved physics that defined modern gameplay. Another historic event was the successful launch of the first large-scale community-driven ship, the Carrack, which set new standards for interior detail.
How often is the game updated?
Cloud Imperium Games releases major updates roughly every six to eight weeks during the year, introducing new ships, systems, and bug fixes. Between these large patches, smaller 'hotfixes' are frequently deployed to address critical issues or balance changes immediately.