Star Citizen bounty hunting: the combat money loop
Accept contracts, hunt targets, get paid. More action, more risk, bigger payouts.
By Domux. Updated 2026-10-03.
Bounty hunting is Star Citizen's combat money loop: accept a contract, track down the target, defeat them, and collect the reward. It is more action and more risk than trading or mining, with payouts to match. Here is how it works and how to start.
How bounty hunting works
- Accept a contract. Take a bounty from the in-game mission system, ranked by difficulty.
- Track the target. Travel to the contract area and locate your mark, sometimes a single ship, sometimes a group.
- Defeat and collect. Win the fight, confirm the kill or capture, and get paid. Tougher contracts pay more.
Ships for bounty hunting
You want a capable fighter. Start in a forgiving light fighter like the Gladius and step up to a medium fighter like the Hornet for tougher contracts. Earn them in-game, no real money needed.
The cheap way to start
Begin with the Citizen Starter Pack at $45, take the 50,000 UEC from a referral code to kit out your character and ship, practise combat on low-tier contracts, and earn up to a dedicated fighter. Compare all money loops.
Bounty hunting pays well but bites back. Gear up with the 50,000 UEC from the referral code, learn combat on easy contracts, and grow into a real fighter.
Sources and updates
By Domux. Public RSI profile, enlisted 3 January 2016.
Edited 3 October 2026. Prices are USD before tax. Check RSI for current offers and event dates.
Frequently asked questions
How does bounty hunting work in Star Citizen?
Accept a bounty contract from the mission system, travel to the target, defeat them, and collect the reward. Harder contracts pay more. You want a capable fighter; start with a Gladius and the 50,000 UEC bonus from a referral code to gear up.
What is the best ship for bounty hunting in Star Citizen?
Start in a forgiving light fighter like the Gladius, then move to a medium fighter like the Hornet for tougher contracts. Earn them in-game; begin with a cheap pack and the 50,000 UEC bonus.
Is bounty hunting a good way to make money in Star Citizen?
It pays well but carries more risk than trading or mining. It is a great earner once you are comfortable in combat. Start cheap, gear up with the 50,000 UEC bonus, and practise on low-tier contracts.
Ready to claim the 50,000 UEC?
The signup link pre-fills STAR-JTV7-FXLR. RSI advertises the bonus after buying a Game Package. The $40 fresh-money threshold determines the referrer's Recruitment Point. RSI referral conditions
Enlist with code STAR-JTV7-FXLR ✓ Verified referral code · Today: 3 October 2026