Choosing Your Starter Ship

New Player Guide

Choosing Your Starter Ship

Buying your first ship is probably the biggest decision you'll make before even launching Star Citizen—but it doesn't have to be a stressful one.

The good news is that every starter ship can get you into the game and earn enough credits to buy more ships in-game. Your first ship isn't a permanent decision. Think of it as choosing your starting class, not your forever home.

Our advice is simple:

Buy the cheapest ship that matches how you want to play.

If you're unsure, choose a versatile all-rounder and start flying.

Do You Need to Buy More Ships?

No.

To play Star Citizen, you only need one Starter Package, which includes:

  • A copy of Star Citizen
  • A starter ship
  • A starting amount of aUEC (credits)
  • A personal hangar
  • Basic insurance (currently not a major gameplay factor)

Everything else can be earned in-game.

While many players enjoy collecting ships or supporting development through pledges, there is no requirement to spend more money after buying your starter package.

Which Starter Ship Is Right For You?

There isn't a single "best" starter ship.

Instead, there are ships that are better suited to different playstyles.

🟢 RSI Aurora Mk II

Best for: Most new players

The Aurora Mk II is one of the strongest value starter ships available.

It has:

  • Small cargo capacity
  • Decent combat capability
  • Interior cabin
  • Bed
  • Room to grow

It lets you try almost every beginner activity without feeling heavily restricted.

Recommended if you don't know what you want to specialise in.

🔵 Aegis Avenger Titan

Best overall starter (if your budget allows)

If you're willing to spend a little more, the Avenger Titan is widely considered the gold standard for starter ships.

It offers:

  • Excellent combat performance
  • Larger cargo space
  • Interior with a bed
  • Space for small ground vehicles
  • Great upgrade potential

Many veteran players still regularly fly an Avenger Titan years after starting.

If it's within your budget, it's difficult to go wrong.

🟡 Drake Cutter

Best for exploration and casual gameplay

The Cutter trades combat performance for comfort.

It offers:

  • Interior cabin
  • Bed
  • Cargo space
  • Long range
  • Excellent fuel economy

It's an easy ship to live out of while exploring Stanton.

If you're more interested in wandering the 'verse than chasing bounties, it's a fantastic choice.

🟠 Drake Golem

Best for mining

The Golem is designed around one thing:

Mining.

If your goal is to make money through mining from day one, it's an excellent starter.

Outside of mining, however, its combat capability is limited.

🟣 RSI Salvation

Best for salvaging

If salvaging interests you more than mining, the Salvation is the equivalent specialist starter.

You'll be able to:

  • Salvage wrecks
  • Produce Recycled Material Composite (RMC)
  • Learn the salvage gameplay loop immediately

Like the Golem, it's designed for a specific profession rather than being an all-round ship.

⚪ Crusader Intrepid

Best for players who love the design

The Intrepid is a capable little ship with a unique interior and plenty of personality.

While it can perform several roles, it doesn't excel enough in any particular area to beat the Aurora or Avenger as a first recommendation.

If you love the look of it, though, don't let that stop you.

🟤 Gatac Syulen

Best for experienced flight game players

The Syulen is one of the most unique starter ships in Star Citizen.

It looks incredible—but it also lands vertically, making takeoffs and landings more challenging than traditional ships.

We generally wouldn't recommend it as a first ship unless you're specifically buying it because you love the alien aesthetic.

⚫ Drake Cutlass Black

Best premium starter

Calling the Cutlass Black a "starter ship" is stretching the definition a little, but it's often sold as a starter package.

It can:

  • Carry significant cargo
  • Transport vehicles
  • Fight effectively
  • Support multiple crew members
  • Handle almost every gameplay loop

It's one of the most versatile ships in Star Citizen and remains popular even among long-time players.

If you're comfortable spending more upfront, it's an outstanding long-term ship.

Our Recommendations

On a budget?

✅ RSI Aurora Mk II

Want the best all-round starter?

✅ Aegis Avenger Titan

Want to explore?

✅ Drake Cutter

Want to mine?

✅ Drake Golem

Want to salvage?

✅ RSI Salvation

Have a larger budget?

✅ Drake Cutlass Black

Don't Overthink It

One of the biggest mistakes new players make is spending weeks trying to find the "perfect" starter ship.

There isn't one.

Within a few weeks of regular play, you'll have enough credits to rent or purchase other ships in-game and discover what you actually enjoy.

Your first ship is simply the one that gets you started.

The adventures—and the fleet—come later.

Up Next

Now that you've picked your starter ship, it's time to create your character and choose where you'll begin your journey.

➡️ Next Guide: Creating Your Character and Choosing a Home Location