[Top 7] Star Citizen Best Starter Ships (2023)

If you're interested in Star Citizen, chances are you're looking for a good ship to start with. Use this guide to find the best starter ships for your play style.

If there is one aspect of Star Citizen that goes above and beyond, it is the space ships. Every ship in Star Citizen is meticulously detailed inside and out. And while not every design might be your cup of tea, there’s no denying that a lot of work has been put into each ship.

While you might have your sights set on a massive cargo hauler or a mid-size exploration vessel, everybody has gotta start somewhere. There are quite a few choices for starter ships in Star Citizen, but each ship has its own advantages. This guide will help you figure out which starter ship in Star Citizen Alpha 3.7 is the ultimate best ship for any beginner.

7. Roberts Space Industries Aurora MR (Most Affordable Starter)

The Aurora MR is a great ship to take flying around the system in groups.

The Roberts Space Industries Aurora MR is the basic workhorse of the Star Citizen universe. It is small, reliable, and affordable. Everything you could want out of a starter ship. And affordable is no joke, this is the cheapest ship in Star Citizen. You can buy this ship combined with the entire game for $45.

Why the Aurora MR is a great beginner ship:

• This ship will not cost you anything additional to the base price of the game and will allow complete access to earn other ships at your own pace.
• This ship can hold its own in a firefight, despite its small and unwieldy shape.
• The Aurora hull features multiple component compartments for a vast amount of upgrade options.

Aurora MR Details:

• 3 Standard Cargo Units (SCU)
• 155 m/s SCM speed
• 1,212 m/s max speed
• Maximum crew: 1
• Bed: Yes
• S1 fixed ballistic repeaters
• S2(x2) laser (not included stock)
• S1(x2) missile
• Shield HP: 14,400 (270 hp/s regen)
• S1 power plant
• S1(x2) cooler
• S1(x2) shield generator

How to get the Aurora MR:

• Use your quantum drive to make the journey to the New Deal ship shop at Lorville on planet Hurston. The ship price is 184,900 aUEC.
• This ship is available to purchase on the official website. This is also a method of supporting the development of the game and will cost $25.
• This ship can be purchased with a game package, providing the full Star Citizen experience and the ship for $45.
• Upgrade to this ship from another ship via the online store.

6. CNOU Mustang Beta (Best Long Distance Starter)

The aerodynamic shape of the Beta will help pilots control the ship while flying in atmosphere.

The Mustang line of ships provided by CNOU is a stylish reliable line of ships that have a great reputation as starter ships. The Beta is a standout among the Mustang line, as it is the only variant with an interior, providing multi-day trip capabilities. With a solid armament, decent beginner-level systems, and a low price point, the Beta is a great option for somebody looking to avoid logging on and off at space stations.

Why the Mustang Beta is a great beginner ship:

• In Star Citizen, players have the ability to log off by sleeping in a bed and log back on right where they were. The Mustang Beta is one of the only starter ships available with a bed, which will allow you to wake up floating in space wherever you desire.
• Having an interior with a kitchen, bathroom, and bed is a valuable aspect of the Mustang Beta, but you miss out on storage due to this. While you can store personal items in the interior of the ship, landing zones will not be able to load cargo on your ship for you.
• The Mustang has additional weapons mounts for upgrades While it only comes equipped with 2 size 2 lasers, there are 2 empty mounts for size 1 lasers as well.

Mustang Beta Details:

• 0 Standard Cargo Units (SCU)
• 195 m/s SCM speed
• 1,216 m/s max speed
• Maximum crew: 1
• Bed: Yes
• S1(x2) laser (not included stock)
• S2 laser cannon turret
• s1(x2) missile
• Shield HP: 6,840 (324 hp/s regen)
• S1 power plant
• S1(x2) cooler
• S1(x2) shield generator

How to get the Mustang Beta:

• Use your quantum drive to make the journey to the New Deal ship shop at Lorville on planet Hurston. The ship price is 404,000 aUEC.
• This ship is available to purchase on the official website. This is also a method of supporting the development of the game and will cost $40.
• Upgrade to this ship from another ship via the online store.

5. Roberts Space Industries Aurora CL (Best Cheap Cargo Starter)

With double the cargo capacity of a normal Aurora, the CL is a great ship for the budding cargo hauler.

While the Roberts Space Industries line of ships is meant mostly for combat and transport, the CL has a little more capability. The Aurora CL is a solid upgrade from the Aurora MR in terms of function. It doesn’t have the sound amount of firepower, but a group of Aurora CLs together can move a substantial amount of valuable cargo. With the recent addition of hand mining to the Star Citizen Alpha, the Aurora has become a great cheap gem transport, capable of racking up 10s of thousands of credits towards buying another ship!

Why the Aurora CL is a great beginner ship:

• The Aurora CL is an easy and quick upgrade from the basic ships of the game.
• The additional storage of the Aurora CL, while currently not functioning, will allow the ship to hold higher economic value than its counterparts.
• The Aurora CL contains several component compartments allowing for great upgrade potential.

Aurora CL Details:

• 6 Standard Cargo Units (SCU)
• 145 m/s SCM speed
• 1,093 m/s max speed
• Maximum crew: 1
• Bed: Yes
• S1(x2) fixed ballistic repeater
• S1(x2) laser (not included stock)
• S1(x2) missiles
• Shield HP: 14,400 (270 hp/s regen)
• S1 power plant
• S1(x2) cooler
• S1(x2) shield generator

How to get the Aurora CL:

• Use your quantum drive to make the journey to Teach’s Ship Shop at Levski on the asteroid, Delamar or the New Deal ship shop at Lorville on planet Hurston. The ship price is 487,600 aUEC.
• This ship is available to purchase on the official website. This is also a method of supporting the development of the game and will cost $25.
• This ship can be purchased with a game package, providing the full Star Citizen experience and the ship for $45.
• Upgrade to this ship from another ship via the online store.

4. CNOU Mustang Alpha (Best Combat Starter)

The Mustang Alpha’s nose turret can be very useful in a dogfight.

The Mustang Alpha is one of the most common first ships in Star Citizen. It allows you to take advantage of Star Citizen’s loaner system. Certain ships will come with a loaner ship if the ship you purchase is not currently available in-game or, as in the Mustang’s case, the alternative ship is degraded in gameplay due to a glitch. This way, when you buy the Mustang starter package, you will receive the alternative ship, the RSI Aurora MR, as well. Unfortunately, both ships deal with some alpha-level bugs that make cargo hauling unrealistic, so you will need to rely on combat to earn your money. The Mustang Alpha also lacks a bed, which means you will have to respawn at space stations or cities whenever you decide to load back into the game. Though there are some distinct advantages to the Mustang.

Why the Mustang Alpha is a great beginner ship:

• Compared to the utilitarian “brick” shape of the Aurora series, the Mustang is a sleek, attractive looking “space plane”, if you will. Not only is it pretty, but this shape also makes it easier to fly in atmosphere.
• The Mustang is equipped with heavier weaponry than the Aurora, making it better suited for combat missions which are important for the current state of starter ships. While it only comes equipped with 2 size 2 lasers, there are 2 empty mounts for size 1 lasers as well.
• The Mustang is also naturally much faster and more nimble than the Aurora, even in space, again adding to its superior combat capabilities.

Mustang Alpha Details:

• 4 Standard Cargo Units (SCU)
• 255 m/s SCM speed
• 1,160 m/s max speed
• Maximum crew: 1
• Bed: No
• S1(x2) laser (not included stock)
• S2 laser cannon turret
• Shield HP: 6,840 (324 hp/s regen)
• S1 power plant
• S1(x2) cooler
• S1(x2) shield generator

How to get the Mustang Alpha:

• Use your quantum drive to make the journey to the New Deal ship shop at Lorville on planet Hurston. The ship price is 251,400 aUEC.
• Use your quantum drive to make the journey to Vantage Rentals in at Lorville on planet Hurston or Traveler rental shop at Area 18 on planet ArcCorp. The ship rental price starts at 5,028 aUEC per day.
• This ship is available to purchase on the official website. This is also a method of supporting the development of the game and will cost $30.
• This ship can be purchased with a game package, providing the full Star Citizen experience and the ship for $45.

3. MISC Reliant Kore (Best Multicrew Starter)

The Xi’An manufactured alien thrusters on the Reliant series of ships are very valuable in-game.

The Reliant series of ships is the most unique starter ship you can find in Star Citizen. The ships feature a transforming shape, changing from a vertical flying mode, to a horizontal landing orientation. With heavy firepower, the room for two pilots, and some cargo space to top it off, the Reliant Kore is a great, well-rounded starter ship. Though, it is expensive due to the use of alien materials.

Why the Reliant Kore is a great beginner ship:

• If you find yourself jumping into the game with a friend, the Reliant Kore is the only starter ship that will give you both a seat, if you can stand each other.
• Advanced Xi’An metal composites were used in the construction of this ship, lending to its increased armor rating.
• The Reliant Kore features omnidirectional thrusters, allowing VTOL capabilities and better low-velocity flight in gravity.

Reliant Kore Details:

• 3 Standard Cargo Units (SCU)
• 175 m/s SCM speed
• 1,151 m/s maxspeed
• Maximum crew: 2
• Bed: No
• S1(x2) fixed laser cannon
• S2 laser cannon turret
• S3 laser cannon (not included stock)
• Shield HP: 14,400 (270 hp/s regen)
• S1 power plant
• S1(x2) cooler
• S1(x2) shield generator

How to get the Reliant Kore:

• Use your quantum drive to make the journey to the New Deal ship shop at Lorville on planet Hurston. The ship price is 744,700 aUEC.
• This ship can be purchased with a game package, providing the full Star Citizen experience and the ship for $85.
• Upgrade to this ship from another ship via the online store.

2. Origin 300i (Best Luxury Starter)

Fly, fight, and haul in style with the luxury single-seater touring vessel, the 300i.

Some players don’t like rough and tough, some of us just like the nicest things in life. Origin is here to provide that. The Origin 300i is the beginner’s luxury ship. It is equipped with the highest-end amenities, a high-quality interior space, top of the line components, and even champagne glasses for when you’d like to celebrate your first successful landing. The 300i is a great luxury starter for combat and delivery missions and is also a good choice for touring around the star system in your free time.

Why the 300i is a great beginner ship:

• Even with a suggested minimum crew size of 2, the Freelancer MAX is absolutely a soloable ship, allowing you to keep more of that sweet sweet cash for yourself.
• If you do decide to bring along a friend, this ship features a manned size 2 turret in the cargo hold.
• The cargo hold is wide enough for most of the available ground vehicles, making it one of the smallest reliable vehicle transportation in the game.
• The 300 series is currently the only ship series that can be customized upon purchase with various exterior, interior, material, weapon, and amenity options.

300i Details:

• 8 Standard Cargo Units (SCU)
• 204 m/s SCM speed
• 1,188 m/s maxspeed
• Maximum crew: 1
• Bed: Yes
• S3 fixed laser cannon
• S3(x2) fixed ballistic repeater
• S2(x2) missile
• S1 power plant
• S1(x2) cooler
• S1(x2) shield generator

How to get the 300i:

• Use your quantum drive to make the journey to the Astro Armada ship shop at Area 18 on planet ArcCorp. The ship price is 767,200 aUEC.
• Use your quantum drive to make the journey to the Traveler rental shop at Area 18 on planet ArcCorp. The ship rental price starts at 23,016 aUEC per day.
• This ship is available for purchase on the game’s website for $55, this is also a method of supporting the development of the game.
• Upgrade to this ship from another ship via the online store.

1. AEGIS Avenger Titan (Best Cargo Hauling Starter)

The sleek Avenger Titan is a capable fighter, with a huge amount of storage space. Pick your career.

The stylish Aegis Avenger ship series are diverse and easily obtainable, but one, in particular, is considered to be the absolute best starter ship in the game. This is due in large part to the seemingly low price of a very capable ship which recently saw a size increase, but no price increase. The Avenger Titan is a nimble, spacious, combat-ready single-seater that has plenty of room for cargo as well. It is the best way to get the full Star Citizen experience straight from the word go.

Why the Avenger Titan is a great beginner ship:

• Cargo running is currently a very lucrative career option in Star Citizen given the right trade routes, and the Titan has the most cargo and highest cruise speed of any Avenger variant in the game (there are 3), which means you’ll make plenty of money fast.
• You can completely ignore the cargo capabilities of this ship, and still use it as a dedicated dogfighter.
• It’s a beautiful penguin looking ship.

Avenger Titan Details:

• 8 Standard Cargo Units (SCU)
• 260 m/s SCM speed
• 1,115 m/s max speed
• Maximum crew: 1
• Bed: Yes
• S3 gimbaled ballistic repeater
• S2(x2) gimbaled laser repeater
• S2(x4) missile
• S1 power plant
• S1(x2) cooler
• S1(x2) shield generator

How to get the Avenger Titan:

• Use your quantum drive to make the journey to New Deal at Lorville on planet Hurston or Teach’s Ship Shop at Levski on Delamar. The ship price is 785,600 aUEC.
• Use your quantum drive to make the journey to the Traveler rental shop at Area 18 on planet ArcCorp or Vantage Rentals at Lorville on planet Hurston. The rental price starts at 15,712 aUEC per day.
• This ship is available for purchase on the game’s website for $50 in addition to the game.
• Upgrade to this ship from another ship via the online store.

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