Your First Bounty Contract

New Player Guide

Your First Bounty Contract

Bounty hunting is one of the most direct ways to make money in Star Citizen.

You accept a contract, track down a target, destroy the target, and get paid.

Simple.

At least, that is the idea.

Your first bounty contract is not about becoming a legendary combat pilot. It is about learning the basics of ship combat in a controlled, beginner-friendly way.

You will learn how to:

  • Find a beginner bounty contract
  • Track the target
  • Route to the target’s last known location
  • Approach carefully
  • Use ping to locate the enemy
  • Target the enemy ship
  • Use missiles
  • Fire your ship weapons
  • Understand the lead pip
  • Complete the contract
  • Avoid common beginner combat mistakes

This guide focuses on basic PvE bounty hunting.

Not PvP.

Not advanced dogfighting.

Not sweaty Arena Commander wizardry.

Just your first proper “go there and shoot that” contract.

What Is a Bounty Contract?

A bounty contract is a mission where you are paid to neutralise a target.

In beginner bounty missions, that target is usually a low-risk NPC pilot in a small ship.

The contract will give you a target location or last known location, and you will need to travel there, find the target, engage, and destroy them.

Completing bounty contracts can earn you:

  • Credits
  • Combat experience
  • Reputation
  • Access to more bounty opportunities over time

Bounty hunting is useful because it teaches ship combat while still giving you a clear objective.

You are not just flying around looking for trouble.

You are being paid to find trouble.

Much more professional.

Should New Players Try Bounty Hunting?

Yes, but start small.

Bounty hunting is a good beginner activity if you already understand:

  • How to retrieve your ship
  • How to take off
  • How to quantum travel
  • How to land
  • How to repair and refuel
  • Basic flight controls
  • SCM and NAV mode

If you are still crashing into hangar doors, maybe practise flying a little more first.

The bounty target can wait.

The hangar wall cannot.

What You Need Before Starting

Before taking your first bounty contract, make sure you have:

  • A combat-capable starter ship
  • Fuel for the trip
  • A repaired ship
  • Restocked missiles, if your ship uses them
  • Basic understanding of SCM and NAV mode
  • Enough confidence to survive mild chaos
  • Enough humility to run away if needed

You do not need a dedicated fighter for your first low-risk bounty.

Many starter ships can handle the easiest contracts.

But some ships are much better at combat than others.

If your ship is a pure industrial starter, mining ship, salvage ship, or cargo-focused runabout, be careful. You may be able to do very low-level combat, but it may not be pleasant.

A ship with weapons, shields, and decent handling will make this easier.

Repair, Refuel, and Restock First

Before accepting combat work, land somewhere with services and check your ship.

Open your MobiGlas and use vehicle services to:

  • Repair damage
  • Refuel hydrogen fuel
  • Refuel quantum fuel
  • Restock missiles
  • Restock ballistic ammo, if relevant

Do this before the fight, not after you realise your missile racks are empty and your right wing is mostly decorative.

A repaired and restocked ship gives you the best chance of surviving your first combat contract.

It also removes one excuse.

You will find new ones.

Finding a Beginner Bounty Contract

To find your first bounty contract:

  1. Open your MobiGlas
  2. Go to the Contracts tab
  3. Look for bounty hunting contracts
  4. Choose the lowest-risk or introductory bounty available
  5. Read the contract details
  6. Accept the contract
  7. Track the contract

Beginner bounty contracts may use wording such as low-risk, very low-risk, introductory, assessment, or certification-style language depending on the current patch and mission system.

The important thing is to start with the easiest option available.

Do not jump straight into higher-risk targets.

A bigger payout is not useful if your ship becomes confetti.

Read the Contract

Before accepting, check:

  • Who is the target?
  • Where is the target?
  • Is it in space, near a moon, near a planet, or near a facility?
  • Is it a ship combat bounty?
  • Is there risk of hostile turrets nearby?
  • Is the payout worth the trip?
  • Are you ready for combat?

Some targets may be near security posts, outposts, or other areas with turrets or restricted zones.

Do not tunnel vision so hard on the target that you fly into range of something much angrier than the bounty.

The target is the job.

The environment is the trap.

Tracking the Contract

After accepting the bounty, make sure you track it.

Tracking helps place mission markers on your HUD and map.

If you accept a contract and cannot see where to go, check whether it is tracked.

This is a common beginner issue.

The mission might not be broken.

You may simply not have tracking enabled.

Although, yes, sometimes the mission is also broken.

Star Citizen enjoys ambiguity.

Routing to the Target

Once the contract is tracked, use your map to route to the target’s last known location.

A basic route process looks like this:

  1. Open the MobiGlas map
  2. Find the bounty marker or last known location
  3. Set route
  4. Return to your cockpit
  5. Enter NAV mode
  6. Aim at the quantum marker
  7. Wait for calibration
  8. Engage quantum travel

If your ship is still trying to route to a previous destination, clear the old route first.

This can happen if you recently travelled somewhere else and the map still has an old route selected.

If quantum is not calibrating, check:

  • Are you in NAV mode?
  • Are you pointing at the right marker?
  • Is an old route still active?
  • Are you too close to a planet or obstruction?
  • Is the destination behind another body?
  • Is the map being the map?

The last one is not helpful, but it is real.

Travelling to the Bounty Area

Once routed, quantum travel to the bounty location.

You may need to jump in stages, especially if the target is near a moon or planetary location.

For example, the route may take you:

  • From a station to a moon
  • Around a moon
  • To the target’s last known location
  • Then closer to the actual target once the objective updates

When you arrive, slow down and pay attention.

You are entering a combat area.

Do not come screaming in at full speed like a missile with insurance.

Be Aware of PvP Hotspots

Some moons, stations, and locations are more popular than others.

Popular areas can attract other players, including PvPers.

As a new player, be aware that even if your bounty contract is PvE, the wider world is still shared with other players.

That means another player could appear.

They may ignore you.

They may help you.

They may shoot you.

They may do something confusing that becomes a story later.

If you are not ready for PvP, avoid hanging around popular combat locations longer than needed.

Get in, do the contract, get out.

The bounty is the mission.

Loitering is how the universe notices you.

Approaching the Target Area

When you reach the target’s last known location, the objective may update.

You may need to:

  • Move closer
  • Scan or ping
  • Wait for the target to appear
  • Travel to a new nearby marker
  • Approach a facility or security post
  • Identify the correct ship

Move carefully.

Do not immediately boost into the middle of everything.

Use your HUD, markers, and radar to understand what is around you.

If visibility is poor, use ping.

Using Ping

Ping helps reveal objects and ships nearby.

A common key is:

Tab

Use ping when:

  • You cannot see the target
  • You are on the dark side of a moon
  • You are near terrain
  • You are approaching a facility
  • You need to locate ships or structures
  • The target marker is vague

Ping does not magically win the fight, but it helps you understand what is around you.

Information is good.

Especially before firing weapons near a place that may have turrets.

Targeting the Enemy

Once close enough, you should be able to target the enemy ship.

A common targeting key is:

T

Targeting the enemy helps your ship display useful combat information, such as:

  • Target location
  • Distance
  • Ship type
  • Direction
  • Lead pip
  • Missile lock
  • Shield or status information, depending on the interface

Do not fire until you are sure you have the correct target.

This is especially important near friendly ships, security, or populated areas.

Shooting the wrong thing is how a bounty mission becomes a crime stat speedrun.

Understanding Distance

Distance matters in ship combat.

If you are too far away:

  • Your guns may not hit
  • The lead pip may disappear
  • Missiles may be harder to use effectively
  • You may waste shots
  • The target may move out of range

If you are too close:

  • You may overshoot
  • You may collide
  • You may struggle to track
  • You may fly into terrain
  • You may enter turret range near facilities

For your first bounty, try to keep a controlled distance.

Close enough to hit.

Far enough to react.

That sweet spot takes practice.

At first, you will probably either be too far away or accidentally inside the target’s personal space.

This is normal.

Using Missiles

Many ships have missiles.

Missiles can be useful for opening a fight or damaging a target before switching to guns.

A common input for missile mode may involve the middle mouse button, depending on your keybinds.

The general missile process is:

  1. Target the enemy
  2. Enter missile mode
  3. Keep the target in view
  4. Wait for missile lock
  5. Wait for target acquired or a full lock cue
  6. Fire
  7. Switch back to guns

Do not fire the moment you see a target.

Wait for a proper lock.

Missiles can be buggy, miss, take strange paths, or get defeated by countermeasures.

They are useful, but they are not magic.

Sometimes they fly beautifully.

Sometimes they leave like they had somewhere else to be.

Switching Back to Guns

After firing a missile, switch back to your normal weapons mode.

You will then use your ship guns to finish the target.

Energy weapons and ballistic weapons behave differently, but for a beginner bounty, focus on the basics:

  • Keep the target in front of you
  • Watch the lead pip
  • Fire when aligned
  • Manage distance
  • Avoid crashing
  • Stay aware of terrain and structures

Do not stare only at the target.

Combat is not just shooting.

It is also not flying into the moon while shooting.

The moon is very patient.

It will win.

Understanding the Lead Pip

When targeting an enemy, you may see a lead pip.

This is an aiming indicator that helps you fire where the target will be, not where it currently is.

To hit the target, point your ship’s nose or aiming reticle toward the lead pip.

If the pip turns green or shows a valid firing solution, your shots are more likely to land.

If you do not see the pip, you may be:

  • Too far away
  • Not properly targeted
  • Out of weapon range
  • Losing radar contact
  • Pointed too far away from the target
  • Experiencing interface weirdness

Beginner version:

Target the ship. Look for the pip. Put your aim on the pip. Fire in controlled bursts.

Do not just spray into space and hope the target feels guilty.

Fire Discipline

It is tempting to hold the trigger forever.

Try not to.

Depending on your weapons, firing constantly may:

  • Drain weapon capacitors
  • Waste ammo
  • Overheat systems
  • Reduce accuracy
  • Make you panic harder

Fire when you have a good shot.

If using energy weapons, give the weapons time to recover if needed.

If using ballistic weapons, remember you may have limited ammunition.

Controlled fire is better than heroic flailing.

Heroic flailing is fun, but expensive.

Stay in SCM for Combat

SCM is the combat-focused flight mode.

Use SCM when engaging the bounty target.

SCM gives you better control for fighting and keeps you in the mode intended for weapons and shields.

NAV mode is for travel.

Do not try to dogfight in travel mode unless you enjoy making everything harder for no reason.

Simple rule:

  • NAV: get to the fight
  • SCM: fight the fight
  • NAV: leave after the fight

A beautiful little murder sandwich.

Watch Your Speed

In combat, speed control matters.

If you go too fast, you may overshoot the target constantly.

If you go too slow, you may become easier to hit.

Try to avoid:

  • Charging directly at the target
  • Boosting past them repeatedly
  • Fighting too close to the ground
  • Tunnel visioning on the pip
  • Losing track of your surroundings

Your first bounty target may be weak, but that does not mean you should ignore basic flying.

The enemy may not kill you.

Terrain might.

Watch for Terrain and Facilities

Some bounty targets appear near moons, outposts, security posts, or other facilities.

This adds risk.

Be careful around:

  • Ground terrain
  • Security posts
  • Outpost turrets
  • Restricted areas
  • Armistice or no-fire zones, depending on location
  • Other ships nearby

If a target is near a facility, do not get too close unless you know it is safe.

Turrets can ruin your day quickly.

A bounty contract is not permission to annoy every defensive gun in the postcode.

What If the Target Does Not Fight Back?

Very low-risk targets can sometimes be simple.

They may fly poorly, respond slowly, or barely fight back.

That does not mean every bounty will be like that.

Beginner targets are there to teach the loop.

Later targets may be more aggressive, better armed, tougher, faster, or supported by other ships.

Do not let one easy fight convince you that you are now the terror of the system.

Confidence is good.

Overconfidence is how you become wreckage with opinions.

What If You Start Losing?

If your shields drop, your ship takes damage, or you feel outmatched, disengage.

You can:

  • Boost away
  • Create distance
  • Switch to NAV when safe
  • Break line of fire
  • Leave the area
  • Return to a station
  • Repair and restock
  • Abandon the contract if needed

Running away is not failure.

Exploding because pride was driving is failure.

A living pilot can try again.

A dead pilot gets to enjoy the clinic ceiling.

Completing the Contract

Once the target is destroyed, the mission should complete.

You should receive:

  • Contract completion notification
  • Payment
  • Reputation progress
  • Access to further bounty opportunities over time

After the fight:

  1. Move away from dangerous areas
  2. Check your ship damage
  3. Check fuel
  4. Return to a station if needed
  5. Repair, refuel, and restock
  6. Decide whether to take another contract

Do not sit around the target area longer than necessary.

Especially if it is near a facility, moon surface, or popular PvP location.

Get paid.

Get safe.

Then get cocky somewhere else.

Reputation and Higher-Risk Bounties

Completing beginner bounty contracts may open up more bounty work.

As you build reputation, you may see:

  • More targets
  • Better payouts
  • Higher-risk missions
  • Tougher ships
  • Group bounties
  • More dangerous locations

Do not rush into higher-risk contracts.

Your ship, skill, weapons, and experience all matter.

If the next contract pays much more, ask why.

The answer is usually “because it would like to kill you harder.”

Progress gradually.

Beginner Combat Checklist

Before accepting:

  • Is this a low-risk bounty?
  • Is my ship repaired?
  • Do I have fuel?
  • Are missiles restocked?
  • Is my ship suitable for combat?
  • Do I know where the target is?

Before engaging:

  • Am I in SCM?
  • Is the target locked?
  • Am I at a sensible distance?
  • Is there terrain nearby?
  • Are there turrets or security posts nearby?
  • Do I have a way to escape?

During combat:

  • Keep the target in front
  • Aim at the lead pip
  • Fire in controlled bursts
  • Use missiles if available
  • Watch shields
  • Watch speed
  • Avoid terrain

After combat:

  • Leave the area
  • Check damage
  • Repair if needed
  • Refuel and restock
  • Check payout and reputation

Common Bounty Hunting Mistakes

Taking a Contract Too Hard Too Early

Start with the lowest-risk bounty.

Do not skip straight to bigger threats because the payout looks better.

The payout is higher because the problem is larger.

Forgetting to Track the Contract

If you cannot find the marker, check whether the contract is tracked.

This is an easy mistake.

Staying in NAV Mode

Use NAV to travel.

Use SCM to fight.

Trying to fight in the wrong mode makes everything harder.

Firing Before Target Lock

For missiles, wait for a proper lock before firing.

For guns, make sure you are targeting the correct ship and using the lead pip.

Ignoring the Lead Pip

The lead pip exists to help you hit moving targets.

Aim at it.

Not at where the ship was a second ago.

Flying Too Close to the Ground

Moon combat can be beautiful.

It can also end with you slamming into the surface while staring at a target marker.

Look where you are going.

Getting Too Close to Security Posts

If the target is near a facility, watch your distance.

Turrets and restricted areas can become bigger problems than the bounty.

Not Repairing After the Fight

Even if you survived, check your ship.

Damage can carry into the next mission.

Do not stack problems.

Star Citizen will happily help you stack them anyway.

What If the Mission Bugs?

Sometimes bounty missions bug out.

Possible issues include:

  • Target does not spawn
  • Marker does not update
  • Target appears in a weird location
  • Contract does not complete
  • Target crashes or disappears
  • The game refuses to behave like a serious product

If this happens:

  1. Wait a moment
  2. Recheck the contract
  3. Recheck the marker
  4. Use ping
  5. Move closer to the objective area
  6. Leave and return if needed
  7. Ask in chat or SCANZ Discord
  8. Abandon the contract if it is clearly broken

Do not spend an hour fighting a broken marker.

There are other contracts.

There is only so much sanity.

SCANZ Recommendation

For your first bounty, keep it simple.

Take the lowest-risk bounty available.

Use a ship with basic combat ability.

Repair and restock before leaving.

Travel to the target.

Use ping if needed.

Target the enemy.

Use a missile if you have one and can get lock.

Switch to guns.

Aim at the lead pip.

Stay in SCM.

Watch your speed.

Avoid terrain and security posts.

Once the target is down, leave the area and repair if needed.

Do not chain higher-risk bounties until you understand how your ship handles combat.

Your first bounty is not a test of greatness.

It is a controlled introduction to shooting something without shooting yourself into the moon.

That is enough.

Final Advice

Bounty hunting is one of the clearest combat loops in Star Citizen.

Find target. Travel to target. Lock target. Shoot target. Get paid.

But underneath that simple loop are skills you will use everywhere:

  • Flight control
  • Targeting
  • Speed management
  • Situational awareness
  • Weapon use
  • Shield awareness
  • Knowing when to leave
  • Recovering after damage

Start small.

Do not rush.

Do not take every bigger contract the moment it appears.

A good bounty hunter survives the job, gets paid, repairs the ship, and comes back better prepared next time.

The first kill is nice.

The first clean return to station is better.

Next Guide

Next: Your First Bunker Mission