What Area Should I Start In Star Citizen?
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The best starting area in Star Citizen depends entirely on what you want to get out of the game. For players prioritizing easy access to a variety of missions and a relatively stable economy, Area18 on ArcCorp is often recommended. However, if you’re drawn to exploration and mining in less populated areas, New Babbage on MicroTech might be a better fit. Finally, for those who prefer bounty hunting and combat-oriented gameplay, Lorville on Hurston could be your ideal starting point.
Choosing Your Starting Location: A Deep Dive
Star Citizen offers players a choice between several starting locations, each with its unique atmosphere, resources, and opportunities. The three main options are Area18, New Babbage, and Lorville. Let’s explore each of these in detail to help you make the best decision for your playstyle.
Area18: The Urban Jungle of ArcCorp
Area18 is a vibrant, bustling metropolis located on the city-planet ArcCorp. It’s known for its dense urban environment, towering skyscrapers, and a thriving market.
- Pros:
- Variety of Missions: Area18 offers a diverse range of missions, including delivery, investigation, and even some combat-related tasks. This makes it a great place to get a feel for different aspects of the game.
- Easy Access to Shopping: ArcCorp is a major commercial hub. You’ll find a wide selection of ships, weapons, armor, and other equipment available for purchase.
- Good Starting Economy: The economy in Area18 is relatively stable, offering decent payouts for completing missions.
- Dynamic Events: Area18 often hosts dynamic events, like ship shows and festivals, adding to the immersive experience.
- Cons:
- High Population: The high population density can lead to server performance issues, especially during peak hours.
- Confusing Layout: Navigating the city can be challenging due to its complex layout and numerous levels.
- Criminal Activity: While not as prevalent as in some other locations, Area18 does have its share of criminal activity, so be cautious.
New Babbage: The Frozen Jewel of MicroTech
New Babbage is a futuristic city nestled in the frozen mountains of MicroTech. It offers a stark contrast to the bustling urban environment of Area18.
- Pros:
- Beautiful Scenery: The snow-covered mountains and futuristic architecture create a visually stunning and immersive experience.
- Mining Opportunities: MicroTech is rich in valuable minerals, making New Babbage a great starting point for aspiring miners.
- Less Crowded: New Babbage is generally less populated than Area18, which can lead to better server performance.
- Focus on Exploration: The surrounding environment encourages exploration and discovery.
- Cons:
- Limited Mission Variety: The mission selection in New Babbage is somewhat limited compared to Area18.
- Cold Weather Hazards: Players need to be mindful of the cold weather and ensure they have appropriate clothing to avoid hypothermia.
- Long Travel Times: Traveling to other locations from New Babbage can be time-consuming.
Lorville: The Industrial Heart of Hurston
Lorville is a sprawling industrial city on the polluted planet of Hurston. It’s known for its gritty atmosphere, heavy industry, and focus on resource extraction.
- Pros:
- Bounty Hunting Opportunities: Hurston is a hotbed of criminal activity, making Lorville a good starting point for bounty hunters.
- Combat-Oriented Gameplay: Many missions in Lorville involve combat, providing ample opportunities for players who enjoy fighting.
- Resource Rich: Hurston is abundant in valuable resources, offering potential for mining and trading.
- Cons:
- Polluted Atmosphere: The polluted atmosphere of Hurston can be oppressive and visually unappealing.
- Security Concerns: Lorville is known for its high crime rate, so players need to be cautious.
- Depressing Environment: The gritty and industrial environment may not appeal to all players.
- Stricter Rules: Landing and taking off require more formalities and approvals compared to the other locations.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing
Before making your decision, consider these key factors:
- Your Playstyle: Do you prefer exploration, combat, trading, or mining?
- Your Tolerance for Risk: Are you comfortable operating in high-crime areas?
- Your Technical Preferences: Are you looking for a location with good server performance?
- Your Aesthetic Preferences: Do you prefer a vibrant urban environment, a serene snowy landscape, or a gritty industrial setting?
Making the Final Choice
Ultimately, the best starting location in Star Citizen is the one that aligns with your personal preferences and gameplay goals. Experimentation is key! You can always relocate to a different starting location after your initial playthrough. Consider starting with Area18 if you’re new and want to explore all facets of the game. For a beautiful and less crowded environment, choose New Babbage. And if you’re looking for more excitement and bounty hunting opportunities, then Lorville might be the best place to go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I change my starting location after character creation?
Yes, you can change your starting location. This is done by visiting the hospital at a location you’d like to set as your new respawn point and setting your primary residence in their system. Then when you die, you will respawn at the new location. Be prepared to make your way back to your starting location to retrieve any equipment you may have left there.
2. Which starting location is best for making money early on?
Area18 and Lorville typically offer the most lucrative early-game missions, especially for beginners. Delivery missions and some security contracts can provide a steady income stream.
3. Is it safe to leave my ship unattended in any of the starting areas?
While Star Citizen has made improvements to its security, it’s generally not advisable to leave your ship unattended for extended periods, especially in high-crime areas like Lorville. Other players can steal your ship.
4. Does my starting location affect my reputation with different factions?
No, your starting location doesn’t directly affect your initial reputation with factions. Your reputation is determined by the missions you complete and the actions you take throughout the game.
5. Are there any free ships available in the starting areas?
Every player receives a starter ship upon creating their character. The choice of ship depends on the package purchased. You will be able to acquire additional ships as you progress.
6. Which starting location is best for beginners who are new to PC gaming?
Area18 is often recommended for beginners due to its diverse mission set and relatively stable economy. The urban environment can be a bit overwhelming, but it offers a good introduction to the game’s mechanics.
7. Can I store my gear and items at my starting location?
Yes, you can store items in your personal inventory, at a designated inventory location in your habitation, or in ship storage. Ensure you understand the storage capacities of your ship and personal inventory.
8. Which starting location has the best public transportation system?
Area18 has a well-developed public transportation system, including trains and trams, which makes it easier to navigate the city.
9. How do I find missions in my starting location?
Missions can be found by opening your Mobiglass (F1) and navigating to the Contract Manager app. You can filter missions by type and location.
10. What should I do if I get lost in a starting location?
Use your Mobiglass map to orient yourself. Ask for help from other players in the chat. Also, familiarize yourself with the key landmarks in each city.
11. Which starting location is closest to the Crusader system?
All starting locations are more or less equidistant to the Crusader system, the location of the city of Orison, so travel time between them is about the same.
12. Can I buy a penthouse in my starting location?
While you can’t buy a penthouse immediately, you can eventually purchase apartments and other real estate as you progress in the game.
13. Are there any unique items or resources that can only be found in certain starting locations?
While some resources are more abundant in certain areas, there aren’t typically any items or resources that are exclusively found in a single starting location.
14. How does server performance differ between the starting locations?
Server performance can vary depending on player population and server load. Generally, New Babbage tends to have the best server performance due to its lower population density.
15. If I’m looking to get into racing, is there a recommended starting location?
There are no official starting locations for racing. Any of the locations will do if you intend to be a racer. You can travel to different locations and planets with a racing track.