Understanding the Currency Systems
Embarking on your Star Citizen journey involves grasping the two primary currencies that dictate the economy of the ‘verse. They play different but interconnected roles in your ability to acquire ships and equip your character.
In-Game Currency is primarily represented by United Earth Credits, or UEC. This currency is the lifeblood of the game’s economy, earned through a variety of in-game activities. You can earn UEC by accepting missions, ranging from delivering cargo and escorting transports to engaging in intense combat encounters against pirates or completing bounties. Trading is another significant income source, buying goods low and selling them high across different star systems. Furthermore, the exploration of celestial bodies often uncovers valuable resources ripe for mining, adding further ways to acquire this important currency. Virtually everything in the game, from essential equipment and ammunition for your ship and personal gear, to food and the ever-important fuel, can be bought using your UEC.
Real-world currency, on the other hand, enters the equation through the purchase of pledge ships. These are spacecraft you can acquire directly from the developer, Cloud Imperium Games, using real-world money. These purchases offer immediate access to ships, often complete with special features. There are also game packages, which bundle a ship with access to the game itself.
Buying with real money allows you to bypass some of the initial grind, granting access to more powerful or specialized ships that may take a significant amount of time to obtain through in-game activities. However, it’s crucial to recognize that progress is perfectly attainable without spending any real currency. The option to play without spending real money remains a core tenet of Star Citizen, ensuring that gameplay remains accessible to all players.
In-Game Currency
United Earth Credits (UEC) are earned through in-game activities.
Activities such as missions, trading, mining and bounties.
Real-World Currency
Real-world currency is used to purchase ships directly.
Game packages offer bundled purchases.
Factors Shaping the Price of Ships
The price of any spacecraft in Star Citizen is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. Understanding these influences is paramount to making informed decisions about your in-game purchases.
A ship’s size and the class it belongs to directly impact its cost. Smaller ships, like dedicated fighters or nimble explorers, usually carry a more affordable price tag, making them accessible to newer players or those focusing on specific roles. These ships are often ideal for quick missions, skirmishes, and exploring the initial areas. Larger ships, on the other hand, encompass the capital ships, powerful vessels that can dominate the battlefield, or the massive trading ships designed to ferry massive amounts of cargo across the star systems. These ships command a premium, reflecting their capabilities, size, and operational costs.
The manufacturer of a ship and the role it fulfills also play a significant role. Different manufacturers, like Aegis, Anvil, Drake, and Roberts Space Industries (RSI), each have their own design philosophies and product lines, leading to price variations. Some manufacturers specialize in combat-focused vessels, while others focus on mining, exploration, or trading. A specialized mining ship, for example, might cost more than a general-purpose cargo hauler of similar size. Similarly, the ship’s role within the game – combat, transport, exploration, etc. – will affect the value.
The components and upgrades a ship is equipped with also play a critical role in influencing its cost. Some ships come with stock components, while others are packed with upgraded weapons, shields, and engines. The cost of these upgrades directly reflects on the ship’s total value. Over time, as you play, you may find yourself wanting to tweak your ship’s equipment to match your style of play. Swapping out parts or upgrading entire systems requires UEC, adding to the long-term investment you make in your ship.
Rarity and availability also can directly affect the price. Concept sales and limited-time ships, released during special events, often come at a premium. These ships may offer unique aesthetics, cutting-edge features, or even limited quantities, driving up their value due to their scarcity. This is especially true if a ship is only available for a limited time or if it has unique components or designs.
Ship Size and Class
Smaller ships offer more affordable options.
Larger ships offer more capabilities and cost more.
Manufacturer and Role
Different manufacturers have different designs.
Specialized roles can impact the price of the ship.
Ship Components and Upgrades
Upgraded components impact the price of a ship.
Upgrading components can be costly.
Rarity and Limited Availability
Concept sales and limited time ships can have a premium.
Examples of Prices in the Current Verse
Navigating the price tags of the various ships is key to building your fleet. The following examples give a brief overview of what you can expect to pay.
For players starting out, some of the most affordable options provide a good entry point. Ships like the Aurora and the Mustang, both offered within the game’s initial packages, offer a starting point, allowing you to begin exploring and participating in missions. These ships can range from a more affordable price point.
As your ambitions grow, so might your need for more powerful vessels. More expensive ships come with expanded capabilities, allowing for bigger cargo holds, more potent weapons, or improved exploration tools. These may include ships like the Cutlass Black or the Freelancer, offering a balance of functionality, combat potential, and cargo capacity. They provide a great step up from the starting vessels.
At the high end of the spectrum lie the flagship vessels of Star Citizen. These include massive cargo haulers, capital ships such as the Idris, or specialized craft like the Carrack. These ships reflect their size, specialized roles, and rare availability, carrying a significant cost.
Checking prices is fairly straightforward. You can view the current ship prices directly within the game, once you have access to the ship purchasing kiosks at various landing zones and spaceports. The official RSI website also provides comprehensive details of all available ships, including their costs and specifications.
Affordable Ships
Aurora and Mustang offer a good entry point.
Mid-Range Ships
Cutlass Black and Freelancer balance of function and capabilities.
High-End Ships
Idris and Carrack reflect their size and role.
Advice for Managing Your Ship Investments
Successful ship ownership in Star Citizen means more than just choosing the right vessel; it’s about managing your resources effectively.
Acquiring a substantial amount of UEC requires developing efficient strategies. Missions are the bread and butter of in-game income, but certain missions pay better than others, and mastering them can lead to significant gains. Trading can be quite profitable, but requires knowledge of the markets and risk assessment. Mining provides another potential source, offering the chance to extract valuable resources.
Many players set financial goals for their ideal ships and track their progress towards these goals. Budgeting in-game currency is crucial to avoiding impulse buys. Plan your purchases, prioritize your needs, and make smart decisions based on current market conditions.
A critical decision is the choice between buying or renting ships. Renting allows you to try out different vessels before committing to a full purchase. This is especially useful for experimenting with different roles and playstyles. Once you’ve decided on a ship that suits your style, buying usually provides long-term benefits.
Earning UEC
Completing missions, trading, and mining are ways to earn UEC.
Planning and Saving
Setting goals and budgeting will help with saving.
Buying vs Renting
Renting allows trying out the ships.
Buying is often better in the long term.
Potential Risks and Considerations
Owning and operating ships in Star Citizen is not without its risks and costs.
Ship insurance, one of the most important considerations, helps protect your investment. There are several types of insurance that covers damage or loss of your ship. Beyond insurance, the ongoing maintenance costs – fuel, repairs, and component replacements – add to the expenses.
The potential for game wipes, the periodic resets of the game world, is a factor to consider. While the developer has policies regarding ships purchased with real money, the possibility of losing in-game assets is always a risk.
The Star Citizen economy is a living, breathing entity. Prices can change due to gameplay updates, shifts in supply and demand, or even the introduction of new features. Staying informed about these changes is essential.
Insurance and Maintenance
Ship insurance helps protect the investment.
Fuel, repairs, and component replacements can add to the cost.
Game Wipes
Game wipes can reset the progress.
Economic Changes
Prices can change due to updates or shifts in supply.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Ship Costs
As the game evolves, the dynamics of ship costs are sure to change.
The introduction of new ships, features, and gameplay mechanics can influence prices. The developer is always working on the game, adding content and improving its systems. It will be interesting to observe how the Star Citizen economy evolves over time and what kind of changes this brings.
The impact of game updates and economic shifts will be interesting to watch. Players should always be ready to adapt their play styles and investment strategies to stay competitive in the ‘verse.
Conclusion
Understanding Star Citizen ship costs is a fundamental aspect of your experience. By understanding the currency systems, the factors that influence ship prices, and the methods to acquire these vessels, you can make informed decisions. From mastering the art of earning UEC to navigating the nuances of insurance and maintenance, a strategic approach to ship ownership will allow you to enjoy the freedom that Star Citizen offers. So, explore the ‘verse with confidence, and discover the ships that are right for you!
