Star Citizen mining: the beginner's money loop
Crack rocks, refine ore, earn UEC. A satisfying, lower-combat way to start earning.
By Domux. Updated 2026-10-03.
Mining is one of Star Citizen's most popular money loops: find mineral-rich rocks, crack them with a mining laser, scoop up the ore, and sell it refined. It scales from solo to full crews, and it is a satisfying, lower-combat way to earn UEC. Here is how it works and how to start cheap.
How mining works
- Prospect. Scan rocks (on foot, in a vehicle, or in a ship) to find ones with valuable minerals.
- Extract. Use a mining laser to heat the rock to the right energy window and crack it, then collect the ore.
- Refine and sell. Take raw ore to a refinery, then sell the refined materials for UEC. Higher-value minerals mean bigger payouts.
Ways to mine
You can mine on foot with a handheld tool, in a ground vehicle, or in a dedicated mining ship, from a solo prospecting ship up to a multi-crew mining vessel. Start small and scale up as you learn the energy windows and the best minerals.
The cheap way to start
You do not need a mining ship to begin, and you do not need to spend real money on one. Your referral bonus gives you a head start: sign up with the referral code for 50,000 UEC, then buy or rent mining gear and ships in-game as you earn. Start with the cheapest pack, the Citizen Starter Pack at $45.
Mining rewards patience over a big wallet. Begin with the Citizen Starter Pack ($45) and the referral code for 50,000 UEC, learn the loop, and earn your way to a mining ship in-game. The Prospector mining ship.
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 mining work in Star Citizen?
Scan rocks for valuable minerals, crack them with a mining laser at the right energy window, collect the ore, then refine and sell it for UEC. You can mine on foot, in a vehicle, or in a mining ship. Start cheap with a Starter Pack and the 50,000 UEC bonus from a referral code.
What do you need to start mining in Star Citizen?
You can start with a handheld mining tool, then work up to a mining vehicle or ship in-game. You do not need to buy one with real money. The 50,000 UEC referral bonus (a referral code) gives you starting capital.
Is mining a good way to make money in Star Citizen?
Yes, it is one of the more reliable, lower-combat money loops, and it scales from solo to crew. Begin with a cheap Starter Pack and the 50,000 UEC bonus, then earn up to dedicated mining ships.
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