How to Make Money (aUEC) in Star Citizen? 2026 Guide

aUEC (Alpha United Earth Credits) is the currency of Star Citizen: you use it to buy ships, components, weapons and to pay mission fees. Here are the most efficient ways to stack it up quickly in 2026, from beginner to seasoned player.

The golden rule: a clean routine

Before the methods, one principle changes everything: players who get rich fast minimise wasted travel, avoid losing their gear and sell efficiently. The biggest income killer is switching activities every 15 minutes. Pick a loop that suits your ship and run it cleanly.

Salvage: the highest ceiling

Once you've unlocked the required reputation, salvage is by far the most profitable method: several million aUEC per hour are possible with the right ship (Argo RAFT early on, C2 Hercules later). The idea: chain salvage contracts, fill your hold and sell the materials. The entry barrier (reputation, initial investment) is real, but the returns follow.

Hauling: steady and stackable

Less spectacular but very reliable. The trick is route stacking: accept several contracts along a single route and deliver them all at once. Planetary loops are faster to stack than long interstellar trips. With a RAFT or a Hull-B and good loading, expect around 1 to 1.5 million aUEC per hour.

Mining: the best solo loop

Mining remains one of the most profitable solo activities. Learn to scan rocks, read their resistance and instability, fracture safely and choose the right refining method. A solo Prospector banks steady profit; ROC mining is perfect to start.

Combat: to get going fast

The Combat Gauntlet mercenary chain is the fastest start after a wipe. By focusing on scenarios suited to your ship, you can aim for around 1 million aUEC per hour. Avoid the hardest scenarios solo: repairs eat your earnings.

Fly like a pro

All these activities demand fine control of your systems: targeting, power, mining. Our USB control panels physically replicate these controls for greater efficiency and immersion. The Mining panel is ideal to optimise your mining sessions, and the General Systems panel for everything else.

Star Citizen is an Alpha: payouts and best methods change with every patch (4.8, 4.9…). Check in-game values before diving in.