Can You Explore in Star Citizen? A Deep Dive into the Vast Universe
Yes, absolutely! Exploration is a core pillar of the Star Citizen experience. This ambitious space simulator offers players an unparalleled opportunity to traverse a vast, detailed universe filled with planets, moons, space stations, and countless points of interest. Forget static backdrops; Star Citizen’s environments are dynamic, explorable, and often breathtaking, inviting players to chart their own courses and discover hidden secrets. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a curious newcomer, the game’s massive scale and sandbox nature mean there’s always something new to uncover. It’s not just about flying around; it’s about truly living in a virtual galaxy, making choices, forging your own path, and being rewarded for your adventurous spirit.
Exploring the Stanton System: A Starting Point
Star Citizen currently focuses on the Stanton system, a diverse and rich environment serving as the main play area. It consists of four distinct planets and their twelve accompanying moons, each offering unique biomes, cities, outposts, and activities. You can seamlessly transition from bustling metropolises to desolate landscapes, discovering everything from bustling spaceports to serene mountain ranges, treacherous cave systems, and hidden settlements. The unmatched beauty and diversity of these locations ensure that no two explorations are ever quite the same.
What Makes Exploration in Star Citizen Unique?
The true magic of exploration in Star Citizen lies in its freedom. There’s no forced narrative pushing you along; instead, you’re given the keys to your ship and the freedom to explore at your own pace. You’re not just an observer, but an active participant, and the universe reacts to your actions. You can:
- Fly anywhere: The freedom to quantum jump to any location within the system allows for truly unrestricted exploration.
- Discover hidden locations: From derelict ships to secluded outposts, the game is packed with secrets waiting to be discovered.
- Interact with the world: You can land at settlements, explore the interiors of buildings, and interact with NPCs.
- Participate in activities: Discover mining sites, cargo hauling opportunities, bounty hunting targets, and more, making exploration more than just a sightseeing tour.
The Challenges of Exploration
Exploration in Star Citizen is not without its challenges. Players must be mindful of:
- Dangerous environments: Some locations are hazardous, featuring extreme weather or hostile wildlife.
- Risks in space: Pirate attacks and malfunctions can threaten your journeys.
- Resource management: Fuel, ammunition, and repair materials are crucial for long expeditions.
These challenges add a layer of realism and excitement to the exploration experience, forcing players to think strategically and adapt to unexpected situations. It’s not just about seeing new places, but surviving in them.
Beyond the Stanton System
While the Stanton system is currently the main focus, the ultimate goal for Star Citizen is to incorporate hundreds of star systems connected through jump points. This means players will eventually be able to travel to other star systems, encountering new planets, moons, and experiences. This expansion of exploration will add another layer of depth, turning the universe into a truly vast and limitless playground.
100% Exploration
Reaching 100% exploration progress in a zone indicates you’ve found all the collectibles. While it doesn’t unlock achievements, it’s a goal for those who want to fully experience every corner of a location.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Exploration in Star Citizen
1. How do I know where to land?
An icon appears in your HUD designating the location of your landing pad, bay, or hangar. Lower your landing gear as you approach, and follow the prompts to land safely.
2. How big are the planets and moons?
Earth-like planets (Hurston, ArcCorp, microTech) are scaled down to roughly 2000km in diameter, while moons average about 600km.
3. What can I do while exploring?
You can mine ore, haul cargo, hunt bounties, become a mercenary, or even embrace a life of crime. The choices are yours.
4. Can I keep stolen ships?
Unfortunately, you cannot keep stolen ships permanently. They will disappear when you log off.
5. Do I need to pay to play Star Citizen?
Yes, you need to purchase a Game Package, which includes a digital download of Star Citizen, a ship, and other assets.
6. What’s the most profitable activity in the game?
Cargo hauling is currently one of the best ways to make money, though it requires preparation and logistics.
7. Can I buy everything in Star Citizen?
While you can technically acquire nearly everything through purchases and trading, it could cost approximately $80,000 for a full collection.
8. How many people play Star Citizen?
Estimates suggest a daily player count of around 392,995, with a total player base of over 20 million.
9. Can I go to other solar systems?
Yes, inter-system travel is possible via jump points, which are wormholes connecting neighboring systems.
10. What’s a good starter ship?
The Aegis Avenger Titan, priced at $70, is often considered the best starter ship for its all-around capabilities.
11. How many planets are there in Star Citizen?
In the overall game universe, there are 324 planets, 74 moons, 50 space stations, and 76 asteroid formations. Note that a vast majority of these locations aren’t yet accessible in the current version of the game.
12. Can I play as an alien?
Currently, only humans are playable. The upcoming Squadron 42 game might introduce playable alien races.
13. Is exploration important in Star Citizen?
Yes, exploration is incredibly important as it is one of the key game pillars and a means to discover many different opportunities and experiences in the game. It also allows players to enjoy a sense of freedom and discovery.
14. Is Earth in Star Citizen?
Yes, Earth is the capital of the United Empire of Earth, and the seat of power in the game’s lore.
15. How much free space does Star Citizen need on my computer?
You need at least 80 GB of space for the game install, plus an additional 10-20 GB for the pagefile. An SSD is highly recommended for a smoother experience.
Conclusion
Exploration in Star Citizen is far more than just a simple game mechanic; it’s an integral part of the experience. It’s about freedom, discovery, and carving your own path through a vast and beautiful universe. Whether you’re a seasoned spacefarer or a newcomer, the possibilities are endless. With countless planets, moons, and mysteries to uncover, Star Citizen promises a truly immersive and rewarding exploration experience. So, strap in, fire up your quantum drive, and embark on your own interstellar adventure!