“How much does Star Citizen cost?” It’s the question every curious newcomer asks – and the answer ranges from $0 to several thousand dollars depending on how you play it. The good news: the actual cost to enjoy the full game is far lower than the internet’s horror stories suggest. This 2026 breakdown covers every option, from free trials to the priciest ships, so you know exactly what you need to spend (and what you don’t).
The Bottom Line Up Front
- To try it: $0 during Free Fly events.
- To own it permanently: roughly $45–$60 for the cheapest game package.
- Everything else – bigger ships, subscriptions – is 100% optional.
You never need to spend more than the price of a starter package. Ships that cost real money can all be earned in-game with time. Now let’s break down each cost.
1. Free: Free Fly Events ($0)
Several times a year, Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) runs Free Fly events where anyone can download and play Star Citizen completely free, often with a rotating roster of ships to test. Major 2026 windows include the Foundation Festival (July), Invictus Launch Week (May), and the huge Intergalactic Aerospace Expo (November). If you just want to see what the fuss is about, wait for one of these and it costs nothing.
2. The Game Package (~$45–$60)
To play permanently, you buy a game package, which includes the game access plus a starter ship. In 2026, the cheapest starter packages start at around $45–$60 (entry-level ships in the Aurora/Mustang class). That single purchase is genuinely all you need – it grants permanent access to the Persistent Universe and a ship capable of most starting activities.
A starter package typically includes: permanent game access, a starter ship, a small amount of in-game currency (aUEC), and a period of ship insurance. That's your complete entry ticket – you can play for years on it and never spend another cent.
Some packages bundle both Star Citizen and the single-player campaign Squadron 42 together. These combo packs run around $120 (and are sometimes discounted to roughly $90 during sales). If you’re interested in the story campaign too, a combo can be better value than buying separately.
3. Subscriptions (Optional – $10–$20/month)
Subscriptions are entirely optional and are not required to play. They mainly support development and add cosmetic/community perks:
- Centurion – $10/month (or ~$110/year): the monthly “Ship of the Month” to test-fly, 20,000 REC (rental currency), and community magazines.
- Imperator – $20/month (or ~$220/year): everything in Centurion plus more REC (40,000) and a bigger loyalty discount coupon.
Subscriptions are best for dedicated fans who want to try rotating ships each month – casual players can safely skip them.
4. Ships ($45 to $3,000+)
This is where the eye-watering numbers come from. Beyond starters, CIG sells individual ships for real money, ranging from around $45 for small ships to hundreds or even several thousand dollars for the largest capital ships.
Here’s the key thing: buying ships with real money is a convenience and support choice, not a requirement. Every ship in the game can be purchased with in-game currency (aUEC) that you earn by playing. Spending real money just skips the grind – it doesn’t unlock anything you can’t otherwise get.
The most common new-player mistake is buying an expensive ship before knowing if you'll enjoy the game. Don't. Start with the cheapest package, learn the ropes, and earn bigger ships in-game. If you later decide to invest, you'll know exactly which ship fits your playstyle.
5. Save Money: The Smart Spending Strategy
Want to spend the least and get the most? Follow this:
- Try it free during a Free Fly event first.
- Buy the cheapest starter package (~$45–$60) if you enjoy it – that’s your permanent entry.
- Use the referral bonus to start with extra credits (see below).
- Earn in-game rather than buying ships with cash.
- Shop sales (Invictus, IAE, anniversary) if you ever do want a specific ship, and look into CCU chains to upgrade cheaply over time.
New accounts receive a 50,000 UEC bonus when you sign up with referral code STAR-33Y6-YQX9. It's free starting currency toward rentals and gear – use it before you buy anything else.
So, How Much Does Star Citizen Really Cost?
| Option | Cost | Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Free Fly trial | $0 | To try |
| Cheapest game package | ~$45–$60 | ✅ All you truly need |
| Star Citizen + Squadron 42 combo | ~$90–$120 | Optional (adds campaign) |
| Subscription | $10–$20/month | ❌ Optional |
| Individual ships | $45–$3,000+ | ❌ Optional (earn in-game) |
For the vast majority of players, $45–$60 one time is the honest cost of Star Citizen – comparable to any full-price game. The thousand-dollar ships make headlines, but they’re a choice for enthusiasts and supporters, not a cost of entry. Start cheap, use your referral bonus, and let the ‘verse earn you the rest.
Get the Most for the Least
Start your Star Citizen journey with 50,000 free UEC using our referral code.
