The referral program on offer for Star Citizen players is overdue for an update and modernization by CIG’s reckoning, so that’s just what the studio is doing on Wednesday, July 2nd, when it gets an update that promises more goodies for both new players and those who hook those new players into the sandbox. In other words, prepare to hear “use my referral code” from SC influencers even more than usual very soon.

In general, this referral system appears to primarily reward the referrer rather than the referee: Newly arrived players who use a code will get 50,000 in-game credits (up from 5,000), while the rewards ladder for players giving out codes has been refreshed with “more frequent, more meaningful unlocks” like landing zone-themed loot, unique tints, and internet spaceships like the Idris-M and the MISC Raptor. The update will also refresh the leaderboard because even enticing new money to CIG’s coffers apparently can’t be done without a vague PvP element.

Those who are deeply hooked to the referral system won’t need to worry too much, as there will be a “legacy ladder” that grants access to old rewards. Previously referred players will also be counted in the new leaderboards, and referral codes and prospect numbers (aka those who have used someone’s code but haven’t bought a package yet) will all carry over. Like we said, expect more code hawking in the very near future.

source: official site Longtime MMORPG gamers will know that Star Citizen was originally Kickstarted for over $2M back in 2012 with a planned launch for 2014. As of 2025, it still lingers in an incomplete but playable alpha, having raised over $800M from gamers over years of continuing crowdfunding and sales of in-game ships and other assets. It is currently the highest-crowdfunded video game ever and has endured both indefatigable loyalty from advocates and immense skepticism from critics. A co-developed single-player title, Squadron 42, has also been repeatedly delayed.