Cheapest Way To Play Star Citizen
The cheapest way to play Star Citizen is a Free Fly event (free) or the cheapest game package (~$45 Aurora Mk II). You never need an expensive ship.
Quick Answer
The cheapest way to play Star Citizen is a Free Fly event (free) or the cheapest game package (~$45 Aurora Mk II). You never need an expensive ship.
The cheapest way to play Star Citizen is to wait for a free Free Fly event (no purchase at all), and the cheapest way to own it permanently is the lowest-priced game package — currently the Citizen Starter Pack with the Aurora Mk II, around $45. You never need an expensive ship: almost everything can be earned in-game.
Last updated: June 13, 2026 Current game version: Star Citizen Alpha 4.8.1 (LIVE)
Whatever you buy, create your account with a referral code first for 50,000 free UEC.
Short Answer
There are two cheap paths:
- Free — play during a Free Fly event without buying anything.
- Cheapest permanent access — the lowest-priced game package, currently the Citizen Starter Pack (RSI Aurora Mk II) at around $45 USD (verify current price).
You only need one game package, and most ships can be earned in-game, so there’s no need to spend more than the minimum to experience the full game.
Key Takeaways
- A Free Fly event lets you play for free, with no purchase.
- The cheapest permanent option is the Citizen Starter Pack (Aurora Mk II), ~$45.
- You only need one game package.
- Expensive ships are optional — earn or rent them in-game.
- You can upgrade later with CCUs.
- Prices and packages change; verify on the RSI store.
How Much Does Star Citizen Cost?
Short Answer
You can play for $0 during a Free Fly event, or buy permanent access for around $45 with the cheapest game package. That’s the whole spectrum for getting in — anything above that is optional ship spending.
Required Table
| Option | Cost | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Free Fly Event | Free | Best for testing |
| Citizen Starter Pack (Aurora Mk II) | ~$45 (verify) | Recommended |
| Duelist (Avenger Titan) | ~$75 (verify) | Optional upgrade |
| Standalone Ship | Doesn’t include game access | Avoid as a first buy |
What Is The Cheapest Starter Package?
Short Answer
The Citizen Starter Pack with the RSI Aurora Mk II, around $45. It replaced the older, retired Aurora MR and Mustang Alpha packages and is currently the lowest-cost entry point.
Detailed Explanation
This package includes permanent game access, the Aurora Mk II, some starting aUEC, and insurance (terms vary — verify). It’s all you need to play the full game. Everything else — bigger ships, more cargo — can come later, either through in-game earnings or an optional CCU upgrade.
Required Table
| Package | Ship | Includes Game Access |
|---|---|---|
| Citizen Starter Pack | RSI Aurora Mk II | Yes |
| Standalone Ship | Varies | Usually No |
For a full comparison, see Best Star Citizen Starter Pack.
Can You Play Star Citizen For Free?
Short Answer
Yes — during Free Fly events. You create an account, download the launcher, and play for free for the duration of the event without buying anything.
Explain
- Free Fly events run several times a year (the next is the Foundation Festival, expected July 2026 — verify).
- Account creation is free; enter a referral code to lock in your bonus.
- Temporary access — when the event ends, free access ends, but your account remains.
Required Table
| Feature | Free Fly | Purchased Package |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | ~$45+ |
| Time Limit | Yes | No |
| Permanent Access | No | Yes |
| Referral Bonus | Eligible (verify) | Eligible (verify) |
See How Star Citizen Free Fly Works for details.
Do You Need An Expensive Ship?
Short Answer
No. Starter ships handle early gameplay, and you can earn or rent any other ship with in-game aUEC. Expensive ships save time, not skill.
Explain
- In-game ship purchases let you buy ships with aUEC you earn.
- Rentals let you try ships cheaply before committing.
- Overspending early is the most common beginner regret — you don’t yet know your preferred career.
Required Table
| Budget | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Minimal | Free Fly, then cheapest package |
| Moderate | Cheapest package (Aurora Mk II) |
| Large | Buy cheap, wait before upgrading |
Should You Wait For A Sale?
Short Answer
Sometimes. CIG runs ship sales and Free Fly events tied to seasonal happenings, so if you’re patient you can test for free or catch a promotion.
Notable recurring events include Invictus-style military showcases (replaced by Defensecon in 2026), the Intergalactic Aerospace Expo (IAE) around November, and festival Free Flys. For timing your purchase, see Should You Buy Star Citizen Or Wait For Free Fly.
Common Mistakes
Buying A Standalone Ship
Standalone ships usually don’t include game access. Beginners need a game package. See Account vs Game Package.
Assuming Expensive Ships Are Required
They aren’t. A starter ship lets you experience the entire game.
Skipping Free Fly Events
Free Fly is the cheapest possible way to try the game — don’t overlook it.
Spending Too Much Too Early
Learn the game first, then decide whether to invest.
Mistakes Summary
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Buying a standalone ship | Buy a game package |
| Thinking you need a big ship | A starter ship is enough |
| Ignoring Free Fly | Test for free first |
| Overspending early | Buy cheap, upgrade later if you want |
Our Recommendation
- Lowest cost overall: wait for a Free Fly and play for free.
- Cheapest permanent access: the Citizen Starter Pack (Aurora Mk II), ~$45.
- Who should spend more: only players who already know they want a specific career ship — and even then, consider earning it in-game.
Always pair your purchase with a referral code for 50,000 free UEC.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way to play Star Citizen?
A free Free Fly event, or the cheapest game package (~$45, the Citizen Starter Pack with the Aurora Mk II).
How much does Star Citizen cost?
$0 during Free Fly, or around $45 for the cheapest permanent game package.
Can I play Star Citizen for free?
Yes, during Free Fly events. Account creation is free.
Do I need a large ship?
No. Starter ships handle early gameplay; bigger ships can be earned in-game.
Are expensive ships worth it?
They save time and add capability, but they aren’t required to enjoy the game.
Can I earn ships in-game?
Yes, with aUEC — and you can rent ships cheaply too.
Is a starter pack enough?
Yes. One starter package gives you the full game.
What happens during Free Fly?
You get temporary free access to selected ships for the event’s duration.
Should I wait for a sale?
If you’re unsure, wait for a Free Fly to test the game first.
Can I upgrade later?
Yes, via CCUs or by earning aUEC in-game.
Related Guides
- Best Star Citizen Starter Pack — package comparison.
- Account vs Game Package — what you’re buying.
- Star Citizen Referral Code — 50,000 free UEC.
- Free Fly Referral Code — playing for free.
- Should You Buy Or Wait For Free Fly — timing.
- Star Citizen Beginner Guide — your first hours.
Sources
Official Sources
- RSI Game Packages Store — current packages and prices.
- RSI Comm-Link — sales and Free Fly announcements.
Additional References
- Star Citizen Wiki — List of ship packages — package history.
- r/starcitizen on Reddit — beginner cost discussions.
Author Note
The cheapest way to play is also the smartest way to start: try it free during a Free Fly, and if you like it, buy the cheapest pack. I’ve never seen anyone regret spending too little to start — but plenty of people wish they hadn’t dropped real money on a big ship before they understood the game.
Changelog
June 2026
- Updated cheapest package to the Citizen Starter Pack (Aurora Mk II), ~$45.
- Noted retirement of the Aurora MR and Mustang Alpha packages.
- Updated current game version to Alpha 4.8.1.
Future Updates
- Re-verify the cheapest package and price monthly.
- Update Free Fly references as events are announced.
Fusion Thunder
Founder & EditorI'm Fusion Thunder, the founder of Beyond Max Level. I'm a lifelong gamer and content creator who doesn't just play games — I like to push them to their absolute limits. This site is the written extension of my YouTube channel, @BeyondMaxLevel, where I break down the open-world epics and big RPGs worth going deep on into clear, no-fluff guides you can actually follow.
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