Arena Commander or AC is in-game simulation played from a sim pod within the Star Citizen universe. For Star Citizen Alpha, Arena Commander is accessed through the main menu and consists of a variety of game modes that can be selected, including several multiplayer game modes and some options to play offline if one so wishes. The options to select the desired modes are shown below.
How to access Arena Commander
To access Star Citizen Alpha one will need an RSI account and a game package which includes a ship and access to the full game, including Arena Commander. The option to play AC will be available from the main menu of the game after logging in.
Game Mode Options
Star Citizen's Arena Commander environment is not a single game mode, but rather an amalgamation of single-player and multiplayer experiences. These modes can either be a range of team focused Player-vs-Player (PvP) matches, Player-vs-Environment (PvE) modes against game-controlled enemy ships, or a exploring a map to test fly ships. Aside from that, the modes can also focus on ship-based scenarios or First Person Shooter (FPS) style matches. Here are some examples of the game modes available in AC:
Team-Based PvP modes include:
- Duel - Ship-based showdown between two players.
- Squadron Battle - Ship-based team combat, between two teams of up to 8 players each.
- Control - FPS-based team combat, between two teams of up to 12 players each.
Free-For-All PvP modes include:
- Elimination - FPS-based combat between up to 12 players.
- Battle Royale - Ship-based combat between up to 16 players.
- Classic Race - Ship and Vehicle based racing among up to 8 players. Also available in Offline mode.
PvE modes include:
All of the below options can played single player in Offline mode. Note that no rewards will be granted if playing offline or alone in either Swarm mode.
- Free Flight - Ship-based test flying and exploration among up to 16 players.
- Pirate Swarm - A team of up to 4 players against a squadron of enemy pirates.
- Vanduul Swarm - A team of up to 4 players against a squadron of enemy Vanduul ships.
Experimental Modes
Our teams are constantly trying to innovate on new exciting ways to play and to accomplish this, we will periodically be trying out and adding new game modes within AC.
For more information on this experimental mode initiative, as well as the schedule of what will be included and when, head to this commlink on the RSI website for more detailed information.
Available Ships
Arena Commander currently allows all flyable ships in Free Flight and in private matches. For ranked AC games larger, multi-crew ships are not able to be used and select ships may not be available in certain combat modes. However, an AC appropriate loaner is available to anyone who owns one of those ships.
For more information on what loaners are given to what ships, go here: Loaner Ship Matrix.
Changing Ship Equipment
You can alter your ship's equipment by going into the Vehicle Loadout button from the bottom of the main Arena Commander menu page.
Rental Equipment Credits (REC)
Completing multiplayer public matches earns you Rental Equipment Credits (REC), which can be used to rent ships and equipment for use within AC. Currently, you can only customize the load-out of the ships that you have pledged for. REC-rented ships cannot be customized, and are only available in AC.
Rewards!
By defeating the Pirate Swarm in an online multiplayer match players can unlock access to pledge for the Aegis Gladius or Drake Caterpillar – Pirate Edition on the Pledge Store.
Similarly, by completing 25 waves of an online multiplayer Endless Vanduul Swarm match, you will earn the Vanduul Aggressor badge on Spectrum, which will also grant your account the necessary clearance to pledge for the coveted Vanduul Glaive.
Both feats must be completed in an online "ranked" multiplayer match, though if other players are not present or leave partway through your rewards will not be withheld if you still prevail.
IMPORTANT! Defeating these modes only unlocks the pirate-themed versions of the ships on the pledge store. You will not be able to upgrade a ship you own to this special pirate-themed ship livery.
Additionally, these ships can only be pledged for once.
I can't login to Arena Commander for some reason!
If this has happened to you, please contact RSI Support for assistance.