VIDEO GAME OF THE YEAR

 

STAR CITIZEN

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE WIKI SAYS..

 

The image you provided appears to be a table of contents for an article (likely Wikipedia) about Star Citizen, an ambitious and controversial space flight simulation game developed by Cloud Imperium Games (CIG).

Here is an overview of the key topics listed:

 

Gameplay

This section covers the different "modules" that make up the game's current playable state.

• Hangar Module: The first released component where players can view and interact with their purchased spaceships in a personal hangar.
• Arena Commander: A dogfighting and racing simulator that allows players to practice combat against AI or other players without risking their main game assets.
• Star Marine: The first-person shooter (FPS) module, focusing on on-foot combat mechanics and objective-based multiplayer matches.
• Persistent Universe (PU): The core of the game—a massive, multiplayer open world where players can mine, trade, fight, and explore a solar system.
• Squadron 42: The separate, single-player cinematic campaign starring high-profile actors like Mark Hamill and Gillian Anderson.

 

Development

This chronicles the game's historically long and complex production timeline.

• Background & Kickstarter: Created by Chris Roberts (famed for Wing Commander), the project launched as a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign in 2012.
• Delays: The game has faced significant criticism for missing numerous release dates, often attributed to "feature creep" (continually adding new mechanics rather than finishing the ones already promised).
• Funding: Discusses how the project has raised over $700 million, primarily through crowdfunding and the sale of virtual spaceships.
• Grey Market: Refers to the unofficial secondary market where players trade rare or limited-edition digital ships for real-world currency.

 

Reception & Legal Issues

Star Citizen is a polarizing project, reflected in its critical and legal history.

• Reception: While the press and public praise the game's unprecedented scale and visual fidelity, they also frequently criticize the monetization model and the lack of a finished, "1.0" release.
• Refunds: Covers the controversies surrounding players attempting to get their money back after years of development delays.
• Crytek Lawsuit: A legal battle with Crytek (the creators of the engine the game originally used) regarding licensing agreements, which was eventually settled.
• UK ASA Ruling: Pertains to a ruling by the Advertising Standards Authority regarding how CIG marketed concept ships that were not yet flyable in the game.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Building on those topics, 2026 is shaping up to be the most consequential year in the project's history. Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) is currently pushing toward several "make-or-break" milestones that aim to transition Star Citizen from a perpetual alpha into a commercially viable product.

 

Milestone Deep Dive

The "Squadron 42" 2026 Launch

The single-player campaign is the primary focus of 2026. After 14 years of development, CIG has announced that the game is "content complete" and playable from beginning to end.

• Scope: It features over 40 hours of gameplay and 70 missions, focusing on a narrative-driven experience with high-fidelity performances from actors like Mark Hamill and Henry Cavill.
• Status: The team is currently in the "polishing and optimization" phase, aiming for a release later this year to avoid competing with major titles like GTA VI.

Funding Surpassing $1 Billion

The project is on the verge of becoming the first video game to reach $1 billion in crowdfunding.

• Current Status: Total funding has already surpassed $930 million as of early 2026.
• Momentum: 2025 was the project's most successful year to date, raising over $155 million, proving that despite long delays, the community's financial support is actually accelerating rather than slowing down.

Persistent Universe (PU) & "Star Citizen 1.0"

The multiplayer side is moving toward what Chris Roberts calls "Commercial Release 1.0."

• Server Meshing: The "holy grail" of their tech, Server Meshing, saw massive breakthroughs in late 2025 (Alpha 4.0), finally allowing players to travel between star systems (Stanton, Pyro, and Nyx) without loading screens.
• New Mechanics: 2026 updates (Alpha 4.5 and 4.6) are introducing long-awaited core loops like Engineering (where players must physically repair ship components during combat) and Base Building/Crafting.

Ongoing Legal & Community Context

The "Grey Market" and "Legal Issues" mentioned in your list remain active topics. As the game nears $1 billion, scrutiny from consumer protection groups remains high, particularly regarding the marketing of "Concept Ships"—digital assets sold for hundreds of dollars before they are actually flyable in the game.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The image shows various categories or "Starter Packs" that players can choose from to begin their journey in Star Citizen. These categories represent different specialized career paths and the ships best suited for them.

 

The Main Roles

• Citizen: This is the standard entry point, often featuring the most basic ships (like the Aurora or Mustang) designed to give new players a taste of everything without specializing.
• Generalist: Focuses on "jack-of-all-trades" ships, such as the Drake Cutter or Aegis Avenger Titan. These ships have balanced combat, cargo, and living amenities, making them the most recommended starting point for players who want flexibility.
• Seeker: Primarily focused on Exploration and Scouting. Ships in this category, like the C8X Pisces, are designed for seeing the sights, finding new locations, and navigating efficiently between points of interest.
• Industrialist: Dedicated to the "heavy industry" of the stars, including Mining and Salvage. This path is considered one of the most profitable and stable ways to start making money in the universe.
• Duelist: A combat-focused role for players interested in dogfighting, bounty hunting, and mercenary work. These packs include ships with superior firepower and maneuverability but often sacrifice cargo space.
• Hauler: Focused on Cargo Transport and logistics. This role involves moving commodities between spaceports for profit, with ships like the Nomad or Freelancer offering significant cargo capacity.
• Outsider: Often features more unique or alien-designed ships that don't fit into standard human manufacturing styles. These are for players who want to stand out or experience different flight mechanics.
• Privateer: A specialized cargo role that emphasizes defensive capability. These ships are designed to haul valuable goods through dangerous space while being better equipped to fight off pirates than a standard hauler.

 

Summary of Career Progression

Role	Primary Loop	Key Ship Example
Generalist	Missions, Delivery, Light Combat	Drake Cutter
Industrialist	Mining, Salvage	MISC Prospector
Duelist	Bounty Hunting, PvP	Anvil Arrow
Hauler	Trading, Logistics	MISC Freelancer

 

 

 

Choosing a starter pack is the most important first step in Star Citizen, as it determines your initial gameplay loop and how you'll earn your first in-game credits.

The Generalist (The All-Rounder)

The Generalist path is designed for players who don't want to be locked into one career. These ships are "jacks-of-all-trades" that allow you to dabble in combat, delivery, and exploration.

• Primary Ships: Drake Cutter or Aegis Avenger Titan.
• Pros:
• Versatility: You can take a bounty hunting mission one hour and a delivery mission the next.
• Amenities: Most of these ships include a bed, which is vital for "bed logging" (saving your progress in deep space).
• Ease of Use: They are generally easy to fly and fit into most small hangars.
• Cons:
• Master of None: You won't be as efficient at mining as an Industrialist or as deadly as a dedicated Duelist.

The Industrialist (The Money Maker)

The Industrialist path skips general missions in favor of specialized professions like mining and salvage. This is often cited as the most stable and relaxing way to build wealth quickly.

• Primary Ships: Drake Golem (Mining) or RSI Salvation (Salvage).
• Pros:
• High Profit Potential: Mining and salvage are currently some of the most lucrative "loops" for solo players.
• Linear Progression: You can directly see your progress as you fill your hold with valuable materials like RMC (Recycled Material Composite) or raw ore.
• Cons:
• Vulnerability: These ships are slow and poorly armed. If you get jumped by pirates, your only real option is to try and jump away.
• Specialization: You cannot easily participate in combat-heavy missions or high-speed racing.

Quick Comparison: Which should you pick?

Feature	Generalist (e.g., Cutter/Titan)	Industrialist (e.g., Golem/Salvation)
Early Game Goal	Learn to fly and explore missions	Maximize credit per hour immediately
Combat Ability	Moderate to Good (Great for PVE)	Very Low
Cargo Space	Small (4–8 SCU)	Specialized pods/grid
Best For...	Players who want the "full" experience	Players who love "space trucking" or industry

 

 

 

 

Pro Tip: Many veteran players recommend starting with the Generalist path. Because you can earn enough credits in-game to buy or rent industrial ships like the Prospector or Vulture, the Generalist path gives you the widest variety of ways to earn that initial cash.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are several wiki resources for Star Citizen, though the community generally recommends one over the others due to how frequently the game is updated.

1. Star Citizen Tools (starcitizen.tools)

This is widely considered the standard community wiki. It is independently hosted and is usually the most up-to-date source for game data, ship statistics, and patch notes.

• Focus: Comprehensive guides on gameplay loops, detailed ship pages, and current development status.
• Why use it: It is cleaner and lacks the intrusive ads found on other platforms.

2. The Galactapedia (Official)

Hosted on the official Roberts Space Industries website, this is the "official" wiki provided by the developers.

• Focus: Deep in-universe lore, history of the UEE, and descriptions of alien species like the Xi'an and Banu.
• Why use it: If you want to know the backstory of a planet or a ship manufacturer from a narrative perspective.

3. Star Citizen Wiki (Fandom)

There is a Fandom-hosted wiki, but it is often outdated and heavily criticized by the community for its layout and advertisements.

• Status: Many players advise avoiding this version as it often contains information from several patches ago.

 

A Note for New Players

Because Star Citizen is in active development, even the best wikis can sometimes have incorrect ship statistics.

• Verify with game files: For the most precise, real-time data on weapon damage or ship health, many veterans use sites like starcitizendb.com, which pulls data directly from the game's code.
• Watch community videos: YouTube guides are often more reliable for seeing how a ship actually "feels" or performs in the current patch compared to a text description.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHIPS

 

In Star Citizen, ships are broadly classified by their primary function and then further divided into specialized sub-roles. As of 2026, there are over 220 unique ships categorized across several major families.

 

Combat & Military

These are specialized for offensive and defensive operations.

• Fighters: Sub-divided into Snub (e.g., Fury), Light (e.g., Arrow, Gladius), Medium (e.g., Hornet, Sabre), and Heavy (e.g., Vanguard, Ares, F8C Lightning).
• Bombers: Designed to carry heavy payloads of torpedoes, including Stealth (e.g., Eclipse) and Heavy (e.g., Retaliator) variants.
• Gunships: Massive damage dealers like the Hammerhead (Heavy Gunship) and the Redeemer.
• Dropships: Built for troop transport and tactical insertions (e.g., Valkyrie, Vanguard Hoplite, Asgard).
• Capital Ships: The largest naval vessels, including Frigates (Idris), Destroyers (Javelin), and Corvettes (Polaris).

Transport & Logistics

The backbone of the universe's economy, focused on moving goods, data, or people.

• Freight/Cargo: Includes Light (e.g., Avenger Titan, Cutter), Medium (e.g., Freelancer, Spirit C1, Zeus MK II CL), and Heavy/Super (e.g., Caterpillar, Hercules C2, Hull C, Ironclad).
• Passenger Transport: Vessels designed for ferrying NPCs or players (e.g., Genesis Starliner, MPUV Personnel).
• Data Running: Fast ships for transporting sensitive digital information (e.g., Drake Herald, Mercury Star Runner).

Industrial & Support

Ships that focus on resource gathering and fleet maintenance.

• Mining: Ranges from light solo (Prospector) to heavy multi-crew (Mole) and massive scale (Orion).
• Salvage: Scraping and structural reclamation (e.g., Vulture, Reclaimer, and the 2026-released Argo Moth).
• Medical: Flying hospitals and ambulances (e.g., C8R Pisces, Cutlass Red, Apollo).
• Refuel/Repair: Mobile service stations such as the Starfarer (Refuel) and the Vulcan or Crucible (Repair).

Exploration & Discovery

Vessels equipped with advanced sensors and long-range capabilities.

• Pathfinders/Scouts: Small ships for finding new routes (e.g., 315p, Terrapin, Syulen).
• Expedition: Large, self-sufficient mobile bases (e.g., Carrack, Odyssey, Constellation Aquila).
• Touring/Luxury: High-end vessels for comfortable travel (e.g., 890 Jump, 600i, 400i).

Competition & Other

• Racing: High-performance, low-armor speedsters like the M50, Razor, and Sabre Peregrine.
• Science: Specialized for information analysis and research (e.g., MISC Endeavor, Reliant Sen).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEAPONS

 

 

 

 

 

In Star Citizen, weapons are broadly divided into two categories: Ship/Vehicle Weapons and Personal (FPS) Weapons. These are further classified by their damage type (how they affect targets) and their mechanical delivery (how they fire).

 

Ship & Vehicle Weapons

Ship weapons are categorized by Damage Type and Firing Behavior.

By Damage Type

• Laser (Energy): The most common type. They use a ship's power plant to recharge, providing unlimited ammunition as long as you manage your weapon capacitors.
• Ballistic: These fire physical projectiles that partially bypass shields to damage the hull directly. They have limited ammunition and require restocking at stations.
• Distortion: These deal no physical damage to hulls but excel at draining shields and disabling a target ship's components (power plants, thrusters) for non-lethal subduing.
• Neutron / Plasma / Tachyon: Rarer energy types that offer specialized trade-offs in velocity, damage penetration, or heat generation.

By Firing Behavior

• Cannons: Low rate of fire but high damage per shot. Best for long-range precision and attacking large, slow-moving targets.
• Repeaters: A balanced option with a moderate rate of fire. Most effective at mid-range and versatile for various target types.
• Gatlings: Rapid-fire weapons designed for close-quarters dogfighting, providing sustained pressure but with significant bullet spread.
• Scatterguns: Essentially space shotguns that deliver massive damage within a wide spread area at very close range.

 

Personal (FPS) Weapons

Personal weapons follow similar damage types (Ballistic, Laser, Plasma, Electron) but are categorized by their tactical role.

• Pistols: Small sidearms like the ballistic Coda or laser Arclight.
• Assault Rifles: Versatile main weapons such as the P4-AR (Ballistic) and Gallant (Laser).
• SMGs: High-rate-of-fire weapons for tight corridors, like the P8-SC or Custodian.
• LMGs: Heavy support weapons like the FS9 or Pulverizer, capable of suppressing large groups of NPCs.
• Sniper/Marksman Rifles: For long-range engagements, including the P6-LR (Ballistic) and the high-damage Zenith (Laser).
• Shotguns: Deadly at point-blank range, such as the R97 or the Prism.
• Specialty/Utility: Includes Grenade Launchers, Rocket Launchers (Boomtube), and essential non-combat tools like the Medgun and Tractor Beam.

 

Ordnance (Missiles & Bombs)

• Missiles: Guided projectiles for engaging fast targets. Best fired in bursts to overwhelm enemy countermeasures.
• Torpedoes: Large, slow, but devastating projectiles designed for taking out Capital ships.
• Bombs: Unguided explosives dropped from ships like the A2 Hercules for atmospheric area denial or destroying ground structures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Star Citizen, items are categorized based on whether they are equipped by your character or installed on your ship. With the Alpha 4.7 Inventory Overhaul (Early 2026), the system has shifted toward a more organized, "natural language" search interface to manage these massive lists.

 

Personal Equipment (FPS)

These items are carried or worn by your character.

• Armor & Clothing: * Undersuits: The base layer required to wear armor or survive in a vacuum.
• Armor Pieces: Categorized by weight (Light, Medium, Heavy) and body part (Helmets, Torso, Arms, Legs).
• Civilian Clothing: Hats, jackets, shirts, and footwear for non-hazardous environments.
• Storage: * Backpacks: Essential for carrying extra loot, ammunition, and mining/salvage resources.
• Consumables:
• Medical: MedPens (various types for different injuries), Hemozal, and larger MedGuns.
• Sustenance: A wide variety of food and drinks required to maintain your character's hydration and nutrition.
• Tools & Gadgets:
• Multi-Tool: A Swiss-army-knife device with swappable attachments for Tractor Beams, Cutting, Mining, and Salvage.
• Utility Items: Hacking chips (Tigerclaws), flares, and the mobiGlas (your primary interface).

 

Vehicle Components

These are physical items that can be swapped out to improve ship performance.

• Core Systems:
• Power Plants: Generates energy for all other modules.
• Coolers: Dissipates heat generated by weapons and engines.
• Shield Generators: Provides protection against energy and ballistic fire.
• Quantum Drives: Determines your speed and fuel efficiency during long-distance travel.
• Specialized Modules:
• Mining Heads: Varying lasers for breaking or extracting ore.
• Salvage Heads: For scraping hulls or structural reclamation.
• Refueling Nozzles: Specialized equipment for tankers like the Starfarer.
• Sub-Components: Small "circuit board" style items that plug into larger components to provide niche stat buffs (e.g., faster shield reboot or lower heat signature).

 

Commodities & Loot

• Cargo (SCU): Standardized Cargo Units of ore, gas, or refined goods.
• Souvenirs & Flair: Decorative items for your persistent hangar or ship dashboard.
• Crafting Materials: (New for 2026) Raw materials gathered from salvage and mining used to build or repair items.

 

Item Grades & Classifications

Items are further categorized by their "market segment," which dictates their performance:

• Military: Best performance, but high power draw and heat.
• Civilian: Reliable and balanced.
• Industrial: High durability and output, but very inefficient.
• Stealth: Low performance, but minimal signature (harder to detect).
• Competition: Peak performance, but extremely fragile.

 

 

 

 

 

PALCES

 

In Star Citizen, the playable universe (the "Verse") is currently composed of three primary star systems, each with distinct planets, moons, and major landing zones.

As of 2026, here is a list of the primary locations you can visit:

 

1. Stanton System (UEE Space)

The most developed and "civilized" system, where the planets are owned by four mega-corporations.

• Hurston (Planet): An industrial wasteland.
• Major City: Lorville (Landing Zone).
• Moons: Aberdeen, Arial, Ita, Magda.
• Orbital Station: Everus Harbor.
• Crusader (Gas Giant): Known for its breathtaking floating platforms.
• Major City: Orison (Landing Zone).
• Moons: Cellin, Daymar, Yela.
• Notable Outpost: Grim HEX (Pirate/Outlaw station hidden in Yela's rings).
• ArcCorp (City Planet): A world entirely covered by urban sprawl and neon lights.
• Major City: Area18 (Landing Zone).
• Moons: Lyria, Wala.
• Orbital Station: Baijini Point.
• microTech (Ice Planet): Home to high-tech campuses and frozen tundras.
• Major City: New Babbage (Landing Zone).
• Moons: Calliope, Clio, Euterpe.
• Orbital Station: Port Tressler.

 

2. Pyro System (Unclaimed/Outlaw Space)

A dangerous, lawless system centered around a dying star that frequently emits deadly solar flares.

• Planets: Pyro I through Pyro VI (Terminus).
• Key Interest Points: * Ruin Station: An abandoned orbital platform on Terminus (Pyro VI) that serves as a massive hub for pirate gangs and black market traders.
• Checkpoint Stations: Checkmate Station and Orbituary, often controlled by rival gangs like the Rough and Ready.
• Environment: Unlike Stanton, there are no "safe zones" here, and landing requires advanced shielding to survive the radiation.

 

3. Nyx System (Independent Space)

A small system located on the edge of a dark nebula, mostly used as a refuge for those hiding from the UEE.

• Delamar (Asteroid): A moon-sized asteroid tucked away in the Glaciem Ring.
• Major Settlement: Levski (Independent Mining Colony).
• Planets: Nyx I, Nyx II (smog planet), and Nyx III (ice giant).

 

Other Key Types of Locations

• Lagrange Points (R&R Stations): Rest and Relaxation hubs found at points like HUR-L1 or ARC-L1. They feature refineries, cargo decks, and medical clinics.
• Jump Points: Massive gateways that allow travel between Stanton, Pyro, and Nyx.
• Derelicts & Covalex Hubs: Scattered throughout space, these are often the sites of salvage or investigation missions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PEOPLE

 

Characters in the Star Citizen universe are divided into three groups: the star-studded cast of the Squadron 42 campaign, the Mission Givers you meet in the multiplayer universe, and the Historical Figures who shaped the game's deep lore.

Squadron 42 Cast (The Big Names)

The single-player campaign features a Hollywood-tier cast whose characters lead the United Empire of Earth (UEE) Navy against the Vanduul threat.

• Admiral Ernst Bishop (Gary Oldman): A legendary commander and a father figure to the fleet, known for his "Bishop's Speech" at the start of the war.
• Lt. Commander Steve "Old Man" Colton (Mark Hamill): Your mentor and wingman throughout the campaign.
• Captain Rachel MacLaren (Gillian Anderson): A high-ranking officer (and daughter of Admiral Bishop) who commands major tactical operations.
• Captain Thomas Wade (Mark Strong): A stern, mission-focused commander of your home carrier.
• Captain Noah White (Liam Cunningham): The commanding officer of the UEES Stanton.
• Julian Wexler (Ben Mendelsohn): A complex character often associated with the darker, more political side of the UEE.
• Cal Mason (Jack Huston): A famed "Sky Captain" and pilot whose exploits were legendary long before the campaign's start.
• Ryan Enright (Henry Cavill): A high-ranking pilot and central figure in the Squadron’s elite operations.
• Thul’Oqquray (Andy Serkis): Captured through motion-performance, Serkis plays one of the high-ranking Vanduul antagonists.

 

Persistent Universe Mission Givers

These are NPCs you physically visit at landing zones to unlock "Verified" or "Unverified" (illegal) story-driven mission chains.

• Constantine Hurston (Lorville): An elitist corporate aristocrat who hires players for "clean-up" jobs to protect Hurston Dynamics' interests.
• Wallace Klim (Grim HEX): A chemist and drug dealer who provides missions in the underbelly of the drug trade.
• Tecia "Twitch" Pacheco (Area18): A former soldier turned mercenary leader who runs the "Dead Saints" gang.
• Ruto (Grim HEX): A mysterious, holographically-masked information broker who deals in assassinations and data theft.
• Miles Eckhart (Lorville/Orison): The head of Eckhart Research, providing legitimate security and bounty hunting contracts.
• Clovus Darneely (Lorville): A salvage specialist who tasks you with recovering experimental technology from downed satellites.

 

Key Historical Figures

Characters you won’t meet in person but whose names appear on ships, monuments, and in lore records.

• Imperator Laylani Addison: The current leader of the UEE (elected in 2950), known for her pro-science and education platform.
• The Messer Family: A dynasty of dictators (Ivar, Deacon, etc.) who ruled the UEE with an iron fist for over 250 years during the "Messer Era."
• Dr. Aka Ibrahim: The scientist who perfected Regeneration technology, allowing humans to be "reborn" into new bodies after death.
• Anthony Tanaka: A young boy whose death during a 28th-century protest became the symbol for the revolution that eventually overthrew the Messers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Reputation System (accessed via the "Delphi" app on your mobiGlas) is the engine that drives your progression in Star Citizen. It tracks your standing with various organizations, security forces, and individual "Mission Givers" like Constantine Hurston and Twitch Pacheco.

 

How to Gain Favor with Key Figures

To get an audience with high-level contacts, you generally cannot just walk up to them. You must prove your worth through the "Contracts" manager first.

Constantine Hurston (Lorville, Hurston)

• The Path: Start by taking Hurston Dynamics security or mercenary missions under the "General" tab. You specifically need to focus on "Bunker" missions (defending sites) or "Authorized Execution" warrants.
• The Trigger: Once you reach a certain rank (typically Tier 2 or 3) with Hurston Dynamics, you will receive a personal invitation titled "Appointment with Constantine Hurston" in your "Personal" mission tab.
• The Perk: Unlocks high-paying, "dirty" corporate work, including assassinations and the recovery of sensitive data that isn't strictly legal.

Tecia "Twitch" Pacheco (Area18, ArcCorp)

• The Path: You need to lean into the "Unverified" (illegal) side of the mission board while in ArcCorp space. Look for "Dead Saints" missions.
• The Trigger: After completing a few successful criminal missions without being caught or sent to prison, she will offer a meeting at the Social District in Area18.
• The Perk: She is the gatekeeper for major heist-style missions and smuggling routes that bypass standard security scans.

 

Reputation Tiers & Benefits

Reputation is now "directional." Gaining favor with one group (like the Bounty Hunters Guild) may decrease it with others (like the criminal Vaughn network).

Tier	Status	Typical Benefits
Rank 0	Neutral	Basic "contractor" missions; low pay.
Rank 2	Junior	10% bonus to payouts; access to better mission types.
Rank 4	Senior	Access to specialized gear (e.g., faction-specific armor) and high-tier missions.
Rank 5	Master	Maximum pay bonuses (up to 25%+); specialized ship skins or unique items.

Warning: Failing a mission or abandoning it will cause a significant "Reputation Hit." If your rep falls too low, you may be blacklisted by that organization for several real-world days.

 

Faction-Specific Perks (2026 Updates)

• Medical Orgs: High rep allows you to spawn directly at their clinics or receive discounted "Regeneration" fees.
• Hauling Guilds: Higher ranks unlock the ability to use Freight Elevators for larger, more lucrative bulk cargo contracts.
• Security Forces: High standing allows you to "trespass" in certain restricted areas without getting a CrimeStat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BUTTONS

 

Star Citizen features one of the most complex control schemes in gaming, necessitating a combination of keyboard, mouse, and often specialized peripherals like Joysticks (HOSAS/HOTAS).

As of February 2026, here are the core PC controller assignments for the most common input methods.

 

Keyboard & Mouse (Standard)

This is the default setup. Use the F key for the "Inner Thought" interaction system, which is the gateway to almost every action in the game.

Movement & Interaction

• W / A / S / D: Walk/Strafe
• Mouse Move: Look / Pitch & Yaw
• F (Hold): Interaction Mode (Focus on objects/screens)
• Left Shift: Sprint (FPS) / Afterburner (Flight)
• C: Crouch
• Left Ctrl: Prone (FPS) / Strafe Down (Flight)
• Space: Jump (FPS) / Strafe Up (Flight)

Flight Specifics

• Scroll Wheel: Speed Limiter (increase/decrease maximum velocity)
• B: Toggle Quantum Travel Mode
• N: Landing Gear
• V: Decoupled Mode Toggle (Newtonian physics vs. Flight assist)
• RAlt + L: Toggle LAMP (Cockpit Light Amplification/Night Vision)

 

Gamepad (Xbox/PlayStation)

While supported, a standard controller lacks enough buttons for all functions. Most players use a "Shift" modifier (often the Back/View button) to double the available inputs.

• Left Stick: Pitch & Roll (Flight) / Movement (FPS)
• Right Stick: Yaw & Vertical Strafe (Flight) / Aiming (FPS)
• Triggers (LT/RT): Weapon Groups 1 & 2
• Bumpers (LB/RB): Often mapped to Strafe Up/Down or Roll
• D-Pad: Power Management (Triangle) — Redirecting power to Weapons, Shields, or Engines.

 

Joysticks & HOTAS/HOSAS

For the most immersive experience, players use HOSAS (Hands On Stick And Stick) to control all 6 Degrees of Freedom (6DoF).

• Right Stick (X/Y/Z): Pitch, Yaw, and Roll
• Left Stick (X/Y/Z): Longitudinal (Forward/Back), Lateral (Left/Right), and Vertical (Up/Down) Strafe
• Thumb Hats: Typically mapped to Targeting, Countermeasures (Flares/Chaff), and Mining/Salvage laser controls.

 

How to Manage Assignments

1. Profiles: You can export your assignments as an XML file located in \StarCitizen\LIVE\USER\Client\0\Controls\Mappings.
2. Importing: Use the console command pp_RebindKeys <filename> to quickly load community-made layouts for specific sticks like the VKB Gladiator or Thrustmaster Warthog.
3. New for 2026: The Alpha 4.6 update introduced specific keybinds for Engineering (Physicalized components) and Base Building modes.