Star Citizen has quietly increased its entry price from $45 to $60 with the introduction of the upgraded Aurora Mark II starter ship, which offers significant improvements over the original model and reflects a broader trend of evolving starter options. Despite the price hike, discounts will still be available, and the game remains free to play until April 20th, allowing new players to experience the ongoing development and multiplayer features before committing.
Star Citizen has quietly increased its entry price from $45 to $60 with the introduction of the Aurora Mark II ship, marking a subtle but significant change after 14 years of maintaining the original price. This price increase wasn’t immediately obvious, as the $45 starter package was gradually removed from the main page, making the $60 price the default visible option. The shift reflects a “soft” price increase strategy by Cloud Imperium Games (CI), aiming to modernize the starter experience without drawing too much attention to the change.
The Aurora Mark II represents a major upgrade from the original Aurora Mark I, addressing longstanding shortcomings in the starter ship. Over the years, CI realized that starter ships needed more features to provide a complete and up-to-date experience. The new Aurora Mark II includes enhancements like engineering terminals, modular designs, improved cargo space, and VTOL capabilities, making it a much more capable and feature-rich ship. Meanwhile, the original Aurora Mark I will be discontinued later this year and become a collector’s item.
This price increase also signals a broader trend where starter ships are evolving to be more complex and reflective of the current state of the game. Ships like the Avenger and Golem have highlighted how outdated the Aurora was, necessitating a new baseline for newcomers. The removal of the Mustang starter pack and its replacement with the Aurora Mark II pack further consolidates the starting options and price point, with speculation that other ships may also get similar “Mark” updates in the future.
Despite the price hike, the game will still offer discounts throughout the year, meaning players might still find the $45 price occasionally. New players should note that while the Aurora Mark II justifies the higher price with improved features, Star Citizen remains a work in progress and may not yet be ready for everyone. Those interested in the ongoing development and unique multiplayer experience may find the new entry point worthwhile.
Finally, Star Citizen is currently free to play until April 20th, providing an opportunity for new players to try the game without commitment. The video encourages viewers to subscribe for updates and offers a referral link that grants bonus in-game credits. Overall, the price increase reflects CI’s efforts to keep the game evolving while preparing for the upcoming Squadron 42 release, signaling that early adopters have benefited from years of lower prices and ongoing development.