Cloud Imperium Games is once again turning its spotlight on the community with the return of the Foundation Festival, running from 2 to 14 July. The annual celebration arms newcomers with free access to Star Citizen’s persistent universe, a line-up of eight flyable ships and vehicles, and an overhauled referral system which hands new players 50,000 aUEC the moment they sign up (and referrers some perks as well).
Fresh off the Alpha 4.2 “Storm Breaker” update, the event is pitched as the ideal on-ramp for anyone curious about the still in early access alpha game which still has the ambitious goal of being a sci-fi sandbox experience. During the Free Fly window, players can test-drive craft including the versatile Drake Cutter, the cargo-friendly Intrepid from Crusader Industries and Consolidated Outland’s Nomad.
To ensure greenhorns are not left drifting in the void, the studio has bulked up its New Player Essentials portal with step-by-step tutorials, written guides and quick-fire video explainers. The in-game Guide System also pairs rookies with veteran volunteers who can walk them through everything from basic flight controls to advanced cargo runs.
Coinciding with the festival is a rebuilt referral scheme. A clearer interface and improved tracking tools make it easier for existing pilots to invite friends, while newcomers receive an immediate 50,000 aUEC to spend on gear, ship rentals or a first cargo haul. Both referrers and referees can earn layered rewards by climbing the program’s milestone ladder.
Those ready to take a more permanent leap into the ‘verse can pick up one of three discounted starter packs through 16 July:
- Drake Cutter Pack – a manoeuvrable jack-of-all-trades suited to short-haul missions
- Crusader Industries Intrepid Pack – tuned for heavier cargo duties
- Consolidated Outland Nomad Pack – a sleek freighter best known for its flexible hold and lift-off-ready ramp
Each bundle includes the Star Citizen game client, a special-edition ship paint and other goodies.
In development by Cloud Imperium Games and their studios across North America and Europe, Star Citizen is being helmed by Wing Commander (1990s) creator Chris Roberts. The game has currently been in a long-term alpha phase with no confirmed release date. Despite this, the studio has raised more than 800 million USD through on-going crowdfunding. Please keep in mind should you decide to purchase towards Star Citizen, that this is an incomplete project and that you are pledging towards an extended crowdfunding campaign with no 100% guarantee of a finished product.
