In the sprawling cosmos of Star Citizen, your journey begins in one of four distinct cities, each offering its unique blend of experiences, opportunities, and atmospheres. Whether you’re a rookie starfarer taking your first steps in the Stanton system or a seasoned explorer ready to venture further into the universe, your starting location will shape the initial chapters of your galactic odyssey. So, where do you want to begin your adventure? This guide will help newcomers navigate the choices by providing an overview of Star Citizen’s four starting cities: Orison, Lorville, New Babbage, and Area 18. Each city has its own character, opportunities, and challenges, making it essential to select the one that aligns with your aspirations and playstyle. So, let’s take a tour of these fascinating starting points and help you make an informed choice as you set your course among the stars.

Bear in mind: If you choose to follow the tutorial your starting residence will be set to Area 18 on the Planet ArcCorp.

Your choice of a starting city in Star Citizen carries significant weight in defining your initial experience in the game. Each city represents a unique background and lifestyle, opening a door to different opportunities and challenges. The starting city serves as your character’s initial home and primary place of operations, where all your belongings are stored. This includes personal items, weapons, armor, and various other items you may have earned over time. Your choice dictates your first steps in the game, the kind of missions and trade routes available, and your interactions with other players. However, it’s crucial to note that in the current game design, your choice of starting city does not affect where your ships are initially stored. You have the freedom to select your initial ship delivery location, allowing you to start your adventure from the spaceport that best suits your journey. This provides a degree of flexibility, as you can choose to launch from different locations to explore various parts of the game universe, depending on your objectives.

Orison

Orison, the serene floating city perched above the gas giant known as Crusader, provides players with a unique and breathtaking environment. Amidst the idyllic surroundings, you can’t help but notice the grandeur of Crusader Industries, the company responsible for designing this marvel. Crusader Industries specializes in constructing starships and creating state-of-the-art vehicles, and their impressive handiwork can be witnessed firsthand in the form of Orison. This peaceful city embodies a harmonious blend of technology and natural beauty, offering players an unparalleled experience as they explore the towering platforms and lush gardens that make Orison truly extraordinary.s.

Pros:

1. Scenic Beauty: Orison boasts breathtaking landscapes and a serene atmosphere, making it one of the most visually appealing starting locations in the game.
2. Peaceful Environment: The tranquil setting of Orison provides a more relaxed gaming experience for players who prefer a slower pace.
3. Accessibility: Being in a gas giant, Orison serves as a gateway to a wide range of missions and activities in the Stanton system.

Cons:

1. No Ground Vehicle Spawn: There is no way to spawn ground vehicles at Orison or anywhere on Crusader. If your playstyle involves ground vehicles you might want to consider another starting location or you will be forced to find alternative spawn and loading points for your ground vehicles.
2. Limited Industrial Opportunities: Orison is primarily a tourist destination and lacks the industrial and trade opportunities found in other cities.
3. Lower Traffic: The relatively peaceful environment also means fewer players and less PvP action compared to other starting locations.

Lorville

Lorville, nestled on the planet Hurston, provides players with a gritty, industrial cityscape that’s emblematic of a bustling metropolis on the brink of the frontier. This city is a hub for Hurston Dynamics, one of the universe’s leading conglomerates specializing in mining and heavy manufacturing. As you explore its towering spires and bustling streets, you’ll witness the sheer magnitude of industry and mining that fuels the economy of this massive planet.

Pros:

1. Industrial Hub: Lorville is an excellent choice for players interested in mining, refining, and manufacturing, as it’s surrounded by resource-rich areas.
2. Job Opportunities: There are numerous missions and job opportunities related to resource extraction, cargo hauling, and industry in and around Lorville.
3. Trade Hub: Lorville’s location near the Hurston Dynamics corporate headquarters makes it a focal point for trading activities.

Cons:

1. Polluted Atmosphere: Lorville’s industrial nature comes at the cost of a heavily polluted atmosphere, which can make exploration less enjoyable.
2. Crowded and Busy: The city can be crowded, and the fast-paced environment may not suit those looking for a tranquil experience.

New Babbage

New Babbage, perched on the planet MicroTech, is a technological marvel and a beacon of innovation. This city is emblematic of MicroTech Corporation’s pioneering spirit. As one of the prominent tech giants in the Star Citizen universe, MicroTech Corporation is renowned for its advancements in various high-tech fields, from electronics and computing to environmental engineering. In the heart of New Babbage, you’ll encounter a world of cutting-edge technology where frigid landscapes are complemented by the warmth of scientific progress, making it a captivating location for any player eager to delve into the technological wonders of the future.

Pros:

1. Technology Hub: New Babbage is a technological wonder, making it the perfect place for players interested in research, hacking, and high-tech gameplay.
2. Varied Biomes: microTech’s varied biomes offer diverse environments for exploration, from icy tundras to lush forests.
3. Player Hub: New Babbage is a popular choice for players, ensuring a vibrant and social atmosphere.

Cons:

1. Cold Environment: The frigid environment might not appeal to players looking for warm and scenic locales.
2. Occasional Crowds: Like other popular starting locations, New Babbage can sometimes be crowded, which can lead to server performance issues.

Area 18

Area 18, situated on the planet ArcCorp, presents a captivating blend of futurism and urban life. ArcCorp, a powerful corporate entity known for its prowess in producing cutting-edge spacecraft, maintains a dominant presence within this vibrant metropolis. As you navigate the densely populated streets of Area 18, you’ll be surrounded by the fruits of ArcCorp’s labor, from state-of-the-art vehicles to awe-inspiring architecture, providing a glimpse into a future where corporations wield vast technological influence.

Pros:

1. Urban Excitement: Area 18 is an excellent choice for players who enjoy bustling cityscapes and the urban lifestyle.
2. Trade and Commerce: The city’s focus on commerce and trade offers numerous opportunities for trading and cargo hauling.
3. PvP Action: The densely populated location increases the chances of player encounters and PvP action.

Cons:

1. No Ground Vehicle Spawn: There is no way to spawn ground vehicles at Area 18 or anywhere on ArcCorp. If your playstyle involves ground vehicles you might want to consider another starting location or you will be forced to find alternative spawn and loading points for your ground vehicles.
2. Crowded and Noisy: The densely populated environment can sometimes lead to overcrowding and noise, which might not suit players looking for a peaceful experience.
3. Limited Natural Scenery: Compared to other starting locations, Area 18 has fewer opportunities for natural scenery and exploration.

What if I want to change my starting location?

Simply put: You cannot.

However, the selection of your starting location does two primary things for a character:

• Spawns all of their inventory-based items such as weapons and armor components
• Sets their spawn point to the starting location.

Players can always move their inventory-based items by loading them into a ship and hauling them to another port of call.

Players can also change their spawn point to any medical clinic or hospital in the verse at any time. The player will always be able to reset their spawn location to the starting location they initially chose.

If that doesn’t make you super satisfied after having second thoughts about your initial choice in starting location, do not worry. Typically, with every patch pushed to the LIVE service, players are required to re-choose their starting location. It won’t be long until you are allowed to re-choose a starting location.

Ultimately, the best starting location in Star Citizen depends on your personal preferences and playstyle. Consider whether you enjoy scenic beauty, a peaceful environment, industrial opportunities, cutting-edge technology, urban living, or the excitement of bustling commerce. You can also explore other locations in the game as you progress, so your choice is not permanent. It’s a big universe out there, so choose the starting location that resonates with your vision of your Star Citizen adventure.