Is There a Lot to Do in Star Citizen? A Deep Dive into Gameplay and Activities
Yes, absolutely. Star Citizen offers a vast and ever-expanding universe packed with diverse activities, designed to cater to a wide range of player preferences. From exploring breathtaking planets and moons to engaging in intense combat, undertaking profitable trading routes, or even pursuing a life of crime, the game presents a plethora of options for players to immerse themselves in. While still in its alpha development phase, Star Citizen’s breadth of gameplay is undeniably impressive, and with continuous updates and expansions, there’s always something new to discover.
A Galaxy of Opportunities: Exploring the Core Gameplay Loops
Star Citizen isn’t just a single game; it’s an ambitious project combining elements of space simulation, first-person shooter (FPS), and massively multiplayer online (MMO) genres. This blend creates a unique gameplay experience where players have the freedom to carve their own path within the sprawling universe. The game’s core activities can be categorized into several key areas:
Exploration and Discovery
The sheer scale of Star Citizen is one of its greatest draws. Players can traverse 95 known star systems with 324 planets, 74 moons, 50 space stations and 76 asteroid formations, with even more content continuously being added. This includes diverse environments, from lush forests and bustling cities to desolate wastelands and treacherous ice fields. The freedom to spool up your quantum drive and explore wherever and however you want is a core aspect of the game. Players can spend countless hours just visiting locations, discovering new sites and taking in the beauty of its universe.
Combat: Space and Ground
For those who crave action, Star Citizen provides intense combat both in space and on the ground. Space combat is a major draw, with players engaging in dogfights, capital ship battles, and skirmishes across various environments. Ground combat is also a feature, with FPS battles that unfold in ship interiors, derelict outposts, or the streets of urban sprawl. The level of detail in both combat aspects is quite impressive, making for exciting and often unpredictable engagements.
Commerce: Trade, Mining, and Salvaging
Players looking to make a profit can engage in various commercial activities. Cargo hauling involves purchasing goods at one location and selling them at another, navigating risks like pirates and unpredictable markets. Mining allows players to extract valuable resources from asteroids and planets, which can then be sold for profit. Salvaging is another avenue, where players can recover parts from destroyed ships and derelicts, which can be used for materials or traded for resources.
Careers: Bounty Hunting, Mercenary Work, and More
Star Citizen allows players to pursue different career paths, each with its own set of missions and rewards. Bounty hunting and mercenary missions are popular ways to earn credits, engaging in both combat and tracking. Players can also join the criminal underworld, undertaking illicit missions and engaging in smuggling operations. These career paths provide the structure to explore various playstyles, which creates varied experiences for different individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Star Citizen Activities
Here are some of the most common questions people have about the gameplay and activities in Star Citizen:
1. What is the most profitable activity in Star Citizen?
While it fluctuates with updates, mercenary work and bounty hunting are currently among the most profitable ways to earn in-game currency (UEC). These activities, while demanding, offer high payouts for completed missions.
2. Are there missions in Star Citizen?
Yes, there are numerous missions available through the Contract Manager app in your mobiGlas. Missions range from procedurally generated tasks to predefined storylines and can reward players with credits and reputation.
3. Does Star Citizen have combat?
Absolutely. Star Citizen is well-known for its robust combat system, featuring both engaging space combat and FPS ground battles. The game is effectively a playground for those who enjoy intense action.
4. What can you do in Star Citizen besides combat?
Aside from combat, you can mine ore, haul cargo, salvage ship wrecks, explore planets, participate in races, and pursue careers like bounty hunting, merc work or even engage in criminal activities. There is a vast array of opportunities to keep you engaged.
5. Is there Earth in Star Citizen?
Yes, Earth is the capital of the United Empire of Earth, and it holds significant political and economic power in the lore. However, it’s not a directly accessible planet in the current build of the game.
6. How many planets are in Star Citizen?
The current game features four key planets in the Stanton system and with 324 planets across 95 star systems within the overall lore. The accessible regions of the Stanton System are constantly being expanded upon and updated with new areas to explore.
7. Is Star Citizen in a playable state?
Star Citizen is currently in Alpha, which means the game is playable but incomplete. Expect bugs, glitches, and ongoing development. While it is a very playable state, remember that it is still incomplete.
8. Do I lose my ship forever if it gets destroyed?
No, ships in Star Citizen come with insurance policies, which, when maintained, allows you to respawn a replacement ship without any permanent penalty.
9. What are the benefits of spending over $1000 in Star Citizen?
Players who spend over 1,000 USD in the official pledge store become Concierges or Chairman’s Club Members, gaining access to a dedicated support system, in-game rewards, exclusive offers, and other benefits.
10. Is Star Citizen a subscription-based game?
While not required to play the game, there are optional monthly or annual subscription plans available that provide additional perks, such as in-game currency, items, and access to an exclusive in-game forum.
11. How do you walk in Star Citizen?
You can adjust your walk speed by using your mouse wheel to increase or decrease it. This controls the various speeds of walking, jogging and running.
12. What are some alternatives to Star Citizen?
If you’re looking for games with similar themes, consider Elite Dangerous, Star Conflict, Homeworld Remastered Collection, X4: Foundations, Freelancer, EVE Online, Dual Universe, and Starpoint Gemini 2.
13. How many players are active in Star Citizen?
While exact numbers are fluctuating, estimates indicate a large and active community, with a total player base reaching into the millions.
14. What is the most heavily armed ship in Star Citizen?
The Aegis Redeemer is renowned for its immense firepower, boasting numerous turrets and missiles, making it a formidable opponent in combat scenarios.
15. How did Star Citizen get so much funding?
Star Citizen is primarily funded through crowdfunding, having raised hundreds of millions of dollars through backer pledges, highlighting its massive popularity and the high level of support from its community.
Conclusion
Star Citizen truly does offer a wealth of content and activities. Despite being in Alpha, the game provides an incredibly expansive and engaging experience. From detailed explorations and adrenaline-fueled combat to fulfilling trading routes and the pursuit of various careers, there’s something for almost every player. The constant updates and expansion of the game continue to build upon its already impressive foundation, making Star Citizen a game with enormous potential and a universe worth getting lost in. If you’re looking for a game that provides vast freedom and a multitude of experiences, Star Citizen might be the spacefaring adventure you’ve been waiting for.