How Much Does It Cost to Buy Everything in Star Citizen?
The burning question on many potential Star Citizen players’ minds is, “How much would it really cost to own everything in the game?”. The answer, while not definitive due to the ever-evolving nature of the game, is complex. At a rough estimate, acquiring every single purchasable ship and item in Star Citizen could set you back around $80,000 USD. This figure is staggering, and it’s important to break down why it’s so high and what this really means for players.
This $80,000 estimate isn’t a hard and fast number. It’s an approximation based on the current availability of ships and items, and it’s also assuming you’re trying to obtain every single ship variant and available item. Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) frequently releases new ships and items, and some older ones become rare or unavailable for direct purchase. This means that accessing everything requires navigating the grey market at times, which can add a premium to the cost.
Importantly, spending this amount is not required to fully enjoy the game. Star Citizen is designed to be a sandbox where you progress through gameplay, earning the ships and items you desire. Buying everything is more of a “completionist” goal, not a necessary step to enjoy the core experience. You can achieve just as much through in-game grinding and progression as someone who has purchased every single item, albeit with more time invested.
The Lure of the Grey Market
The term “grey market” in the Star Citizen community refers to the secondary market where players buy and sell in-game items and ships with real money, outside of the official CIG store. While CIG does not officially condone this, the grey market persists due to the high demand and limited availability of some items and ships.
This market allows individuals who have acquired limited-time ships or high-value items to sell them at a premium to players who missed out. Purchasing through the grey market can significantly increase the cost of acquiring everything, sometimes with prices several times the original value. It also introduces some risk, as there are no guarantees when dealing with unofficial sellers.
Why Are Star Citizen Ships So Expensive?
Star Citizen ships are undeniably expensive, and it’s easy to wonder why. The high price tags serve several purposes:
- Funding Development: CIG has primarily funded Star Citizen’s development through the sale of ships and other in-game content. The revenue from ship purchases directly supports the game’s ongoing development.
- Progression and Balance: Expensive ships are intended to be aspirational goals that players work towards within the game, either through in-game earnings or through direct purchase. If everyone had end-game ships right away, there would be no incentive for in-game progression.
- Exclusivity and Rarity: Some ships are designed to be rare and exclusive, which contributes to their high value. These ships often have unique features or are only available for limited periods.
- Advanced Tech and Features: More expensive ships typically have advanced technology, increased combat capability, or greater cargo capacity, justifying their higher cost.
The Path of a Free-to-Play Experience
While buying everything might be out of reach for most, it’s crucial to remember that you don’t need to spend that kind of money to fully experience Star Citizen. The game offers a wide range of opportunities, and players can enjoy the experience by earning ships and upgrades through gameplay.
The most affordable way to start playing is by purchasing a starter pack, which typically includes a basic ship and access to the game universe. This allows you to start playing and exploring and allows you to earn in game credits to upgrade to better ships and equipment. Many of the game’s most enjoyable loops can be experienced without spending a fortune. For example, cargo hauling, while requiring some initial preparation, is a profitable way to accumulate wealth in the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the cheapest way to start playing Star Citizen?
The cheapest way to start is to purchase a starter pack, which typically costs around £45 and includes a basic ship and access to the game.
2. What does a starter pack include?
A starter pack typically includes a basic ship, access to the game, and a limited amount of in-game insurance. The exact contents can vary.
3. Can you permanently buy ships in Star Citizen?
Yes, ships can be purchased with real money as “Pledges,” which are permanently tied to your account. They can also be purchased with in-game currency (aUEC), but progress is subject to wipes.
4. Is there a monthly fee to play Star Citizen?
No, there is no mandatory monthly fee to play. However, there is an optional subscription system that offers perks and benefits.
5. How can you earn money in Star Citizen without buying ships?
You can earn in-game currency through various activities, including cargo hauling, bounty hunting, mining, and completing missions.
6. Can you get ships for free in Star Citizen?
While not directly free, you can earn free gear, items, or ships through the referral bonus system by introducing new players to the game.
7. Do you lose your ship forever in Star Citizen?
If your ship is destroyed or stolen and not insured, it’s gone. You will then need to earn money to buy a new one through in-game activities.
8. What happens when you spend over $1000 in Star Citizen?
Spending over $1,000 on the official pledge store makes you a Concierge or Chairman’s Club Member, giving you access to a dedicated support system, in-game rewards, and exclusive offers.
9. What is the most profitable activity in Star Citizen?
Cargo hauling, although requiring some preparation, is one of the most profitable ways to make money in Star Citizen.
10. How much has Star Citizen raised through crowdfunding?
As of September 2022, Star Citizen had raised over US$500 million through crowdfunding, making it the highest-funded crowdfunded video game.
11. How big of a game is Star Citizen, in terms of storage space?
You need at least 80 GB of space for the installation and an additional 10-20 GB for the pagefile. An SSD is highly recommended for the best performance.
12. What is the cheapest multi-crew ship in Star Citizen?
The Drake Cutlass Black is one of the most affordable multi-crew ships both in-game and through the pledge store, and is accessible with most starter packs.
13. What is the most luxurious and expensive ship in Star Citizen?
The Origin 890 Jump is the most luxurious ship and costs over 32 million aUEC in-game, making it one of the most expensive.
14. Are there any microtransactions in Star Citizen?
Yes, there are microtransactions for some in-game items, but CIG has stated that anything purchased with real money can also be earned through gameplay.
15. Will my progress ever be wiped in Star Citizen?
Yes, during Star Citizen Alpha (and Beta), accumulated money, items, and reputation are subject to periodic wipes and resets.
Conclusion
While the idea of owning every single ship and item in Star Citizen might seem appealing to some, it’s important to remember that the game is designed to be enjoyed through a player’s unique journey and progression, without any pressure to spend exorbitant sums of money. With a good starter pack, patience, and some time dedicated to learning and playing, Star Citizen provides a vast, enjoyable and ever-growing universe for everyone.