What Does “Pledge” Mean in Star Citizen?
A pledge is a purchase made on the Roberts Space Industries (RSI) store that directly funds Star Citizen’s development. Unlike a typical game purchase, you’re backing the project — and you get a ship, package, or item in return.
The Quick Answer
In Star Citizen, pledge = purchase that funds development. When you “pledge” for a ship or a starter package, you’re providing real money to Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) to help build the game. In exchange, you receive access to the game and whatever ship or items were included in your package.
The term comes from crowdfunding roots — Star Citizen started on Kickstarter in 2012 where backers “pledged” money to support development. The language stuck even as the game moved to its own store.
Pledge vs. Buy — What’s the Difference?
Pledging (in Star Citizen)
- →You fund ongoing development of an unfinished game
- →Ships and items can be reclaimed if lost in-game
- →Store credit (aUEC) and upgrade paths available
- →Some pledges include Lifetime Insurance (LTI)
Buying (a traditional game)
- →You purchase a finished product
- →In-game items are tied to the game’s economy only
- →No upgrade or exchange path
- →No insurance concept
What Can You Pledge For?
Ships
The most popular pledges. Ranges from starter fighters (Mustang Alpha, Aurora) to massive capital ships. Each has a role: combat, exploration, mining, cargo, and more.
Example: The Avenger Titan is a popular pledge for new players who want a combat-capable starter.
Game Packages
Bundles that include game access plus a starter ship. Required if you don't already own the game. The cheapest way to get into Star Citizen.
Example: The Mustang Omega package includes game access + the starter Mustang ship.
Gear & Weapons
Armor sets, personal weapons, multi-tools, and accessories for your character. Smaller pledges, often part of bundles or limited events.
Example: The Lightspeed helmet is available as a standalone gear pledge.
Do You Need to Pledge to Play?
To play permanently: yes, you need at least one game package pledge to get a persistent account with a ship. The minimum entry is a starter package — these start around $45 USD.
To try for free: Cloud Imperium Games runs Free Fly events several times a year. During these events, anyone can create an account and play Star Citizen for free for a limited time, with access to a rotating selection of ships.
Free Fly events are a great way to try the game before pledging. Keep an eye on dayonecitizen.com for announcements.
What Is a Starter Package?
A starter package is the recommended first pledge for new players. It includes:
- 1.Full game access to Star Citizen (and sometimes Squadron 42)
- 2.A starter ship (typically the Aurora MR or Mustang Alpha)
- 3.Starting aUEC (in-game Alpha UEC currency)
- 4.3-month insurance on your ship
Starter ships are capable vessels — don’t let the “starter” label put you off. Many veteran players keep an Aurora as a utility ship for years.
The Referral Bonus
When you create a new Star Citizen account using a referral code, you receive a bonus of 5,000 UEC added to your account. More importantly, when you make your first pledge (buy a game package), both you and the referrer earn additional rewards.
Using our referral code STAR-GCQJ-N6NC when you sign up maximizes the value of your first pledge — you get up to 50,000 UEC in total bonuses, which gives you extra in-game currency to spend on upgrades, equipment, and trading.
Related Star Citizen Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'pledge' mean in Star Citizen?
In Star Citizen, a pledge is a purchase made on the Roberts Space Industries (RSI) store that funds the game's development. In return for your pledge, you receive game access and whatever ship, package, or item you pledged for.
Is pledging the same as buying a game?
Not exactly. Traditional game purchases buy a finished product. Pledging in Star Citizen means you're funding an ongoing development project. Your ships can be reclaimed if lost, upgrades are available via CCUs, and some pledges include Lifetime Insurance (LTI).
Do I need to pledge to play Star Citizen?
To play persistently you need at least one starter package pledge. However, Cloud Imperium Games runs Free Fly events several times a year where anyone can try the game for free for a limited time.
What is a starter package pledge?
A starter package is the minimum pledge to access Star Citizen. It includes game access, a starter ship (Aurora MR or Mustang Alpha), starting aUEC, and 3-month ship insurance. Starter packages typically start around $45 USD.
What is the referral bonus for new pledges?
When you create a new account using a referral code like STAR-GCQJ-N6NC, you receive a 5,000 UEC signing bonus. When you make your first pledge (game package purchase), both you and the referrer earn additional rewards — up to 50,000 UEC total.
Can I upgrade my pledge later?
Yes. You can upgrade your pledge using Cross-Chassis Upgrades (CCUs) — these let you pay the price difference to move from one ship to a more expensive one. Your insurance status, including LTI, transfers to the new ship.
Ready to Make Your First Pledge?
Use our referral code to get 50,000 UEC free when you create your account and make your first pledge. It costs nothing extra.
Create Your Account — Get 50,000 UEC Free