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 2026-10-18.
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 $60 list (source checked 14 October 2026).
Mining rewards patience over a big wallet. Begin with the Citizen Starter Pack ($60 list (source checked 14 October 2026)) 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 18 October 2026. Source checks have their own timestamps.
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: 23 October 2026Add the code at signup or within 24 hours of creating your account. That is not a deadline to buy. A free account can join public Free Fly events during their announced windows. Special event rewards have separate rules. RSI rules