Star Citizen Referral Bonus: Your Guide for 2023

The Star Citizen referral bonus for 2023 provides valuable in-game rewards to both the referrer and the referee (the new player) when the referee uses a valid referral code to create their account and purchases a Game Package worth at least $40 USD. The referrer receives a Recruitment Reward, typically a unique in-game item, and potentially contributes toward milestone rewards. The referee gains 5,000 United Earth Credits (UEC) to spend in-game on items like weapons, armor, and ship components.

Understanding the Star Citizen Referral Program

The Star Citizen referral program is designed to encourage existing players to bring new people into the ‘verse. It’s a win-win system: established players are rewarded for their efforts, and new players get a little boost to kickstart their journey. However, navigating the specifics of the program can be tricky. This guide aims to clarify the ins and outs of the referral system in 2023.

How the Referral Program Works

The core principle is simple:

• Referrer: An existing Star Citizen player with an account.
• Referee: A new player who has never had a Star Citizen account.

The referee needs to use the referrer’s unique referral code when creating their Star Citizen account on the Roberts Space Industries (RSI) website. Crucially, the referee must then purchase a Starter Pack or Game Package (which includes the game and a ship) worth at least $40 USD within a specific timeframe.

The Benefits: What You Get

The benefits are tiered, offering increasing rewards as you refer more players. The current benefits and milestone rewards are subject to change, but the fundamental structure usually remains similar.

• Immediate Referee Benefit: As mentioned, the referee receives 5,000 UEC, the in-game currency, upon account creation and successful purchase. This gives them a head start in acquiring essential equipment or customizing their starter ship.
• Immediate Referrer Benefit: The referrer receives a unique Recruitment Reward. The specific reward changes periodically (often quarterly), providing incentive to refer new players consistently. These rewards have historically included unique weapons, armor sets, and decorative items for your hangar.
• Milestone Rewards: Beyond the immediate reward, referring multiple players unlocks milestone rewards. These rewards can include exclusive ships, in-game flair, physical merchandise, and even access to special events. The rewards and thresholds vary, so checking the official RSI website for the most up-to-date information is crucial.

Claiming Your Rewards: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ensuring you receive your deserved rewards requires careful attention to detail. Here’s a breakdown of the claiming process:

1. Referee Account Creation: The referee must use the referrer’s referral code during the account creation process on the RSI website. This code can be found on the referrer’s account page. It’s a string of characters, often alphanumeric.
2. Game Package Purchase: The referee needs to purchase a Game Package worth at least $40 USD. Remember, Standalone Ships do NOT qualify for the referral bonus. The package must include access to the Star Citizen Persistent Universe.
3. Reward Delivery: The 5,000 UEC for the referee is usually automatically credited to their account shortly after the Game Package purchase.
4. Recruitment Reward Delivery: The referrer’s reward is typically delivered a short time (days to weeks) after the referee’s qualifying purchase. These rewards are usually delivered in-game and may require you to log in and retrieve them from your hangar or inventory.
5. Milestone Reward Tracking: Keep track of your referrals and monitor your progress toward milestone rewards on your RSI account page. Milestone rewards may require manual claiming through the website or in-game after reaching the necessary referral count.

Important Considerations

• Referral Code Placement: Emphasize to the referee the absolute necessity of entering the code during account creation. It cannot be added later. If they forget, they’ll need to create a new account using the code.
• Game Package vs. Standalone Ship: A standalone ship purchase, no matter the price, does not trigger the referral bonus. Only Game Packages that grant access to the Star Citizen Persistent Universe qualify.
• Time Sensitivity: The referral program is subject to change. While the basic structure is consistent, specific rewards and milestones can be updated or replaced. Always check the official RSI website for the latest information.
• Multiple Accounts: While you can have multiple Star Citizen accounts, you can only refer from one primary account.
• Trading & Selling: Selling or trading referral codes is generally prohibited by RSI’s Terms of Service. Focus on genuine referrals to avoid potential account penalties.

FAQs: Your Referral Questions Answered

Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the Star Citizen referral bonus, designed to cover common points of confusion and provide further clarity:

1. What is the minimum purchase required for the referral bonus to activate? The referee must purchase a Game Package that includes access to the Star Citizen Persistent Universe and is worth at least $40 USD.
2. Can I add a referral code after creating my account? No, the referral code must be entered during account creation. If you forgot, you’ll need to create a new account.
3. Do Standalone Ship purchases count towards the referral bonus? No, only Game Packages that include access to the Star Citizen Persistent Universe trigger the referral bonus.
4. How long does it take for the referee to receive their 5,000 UEC? The UEC is usually credited to the referee’s account shortly after the qualifying purchase.
5. How long does it take for the referrer to receive their Recruitment Reward? The referrer’s reward typically arrives within a few days to a few weeks after the referee’s qualifying purchase.
6. Where can I find my referral code? Your referral code can be found on your account page on the RSI website.
7. Can I refer myself using a different email address? No, referring yourself is against RSI’s Terms of Service and may result in penalties.
8. What happens if the referee refunds their Game Package? If the referee refunds their Game Package, the referrer’s Recruitment Reward may be revoked, and progress towards milestone rewards could be reduced.
9. Are there any geographical restrictions on the referral program? Generally, no. However, regional pricing differences may affect the $40 USD minimum purchase requirement.
10. How do I track my progress towards milestone rewards? You can track your referral count and progress towards milestone rewards on your RSI account page.
11. What kind of rewards can I expect from milestone achievements? Milestone rewards vary but can include exclusive ships, in-game flair, physical merchandise, and access to special events.
12. Is there a limit to the number of people I can refer? No, there’s typically no limit to the number of people you can refer, allowing you to accumulate milestone rewards indefinitely.
13. What is UEC used for in Star Citizen? UEC (United Earth Credits) is the in-game currency used to purchase weapons, armor, ship components, and other items within the game.
14. Does the current referral bonus ever change? Yes, the Recruitment Reward (the immediate referrer bonus) changes periodically, often quarterly. Always check the RSI website for the latest information.
15. Where can I find the official rules and regulations for the Star Citizen referral program? The official rules and regulations can be found in the Terms of Service and other relevant documentation on the Roberts Space Industries (RSI) website. Be sure to review these documents to ensure compliance.