In Star Citizen, “races” refers to intelligent species in the setting, not a list of playable character options. A species is distinguished by intelligence beyond simple animal sentience. [1]
That distinction helps you read lore discussions without assuming that every species named in the universe is available to play. This section is a brief lore overview, not a guide to choosing a playable species; it separates species identity from the broader universe they inhabit. For example, when you encounter a species name in a story or discussion, treat it as part of the setting’s lore rather than as a character-selection option.
The word “race” can make the topic sound like a gameplay category, but the focus here is what kind of being a species is in the fiction. The universe is the wider setting; species are one part of it, not a synonym for the whole setting. Keeping those ideas separate gives you a clearer starting point for the rest of the overview.
How do species fit into the universe?
Species fit into Star Citizen’s universe through their histories and their relationships with humanity and with one another. To make sense of those connections, look beyond a species’ name and consider the events that shaped its place in the setting.
The Xi’an and Kr’Thak show how an old conflict can continue to matter after open fighting ends. The two were once in conflict during the Spirit Wars, and they have since been under a tense ceasefire. [2] That history gives their relationship a background of unresolved tension rather than a simple, settled peace.
For a newcomer, this is a useful way to read species lore: ask what past events influence how groups relate in the present. A ceasefire, for example, can mean that conflict has paused without erasing the history behind it. This keeps the focus on how the setting’s peoples affect one another, not just on a list of names.
Species also belong to a broader picture of intelligent life in the universe. In the setting’s terminology, the label refers to beings whose intelligence has developed beyond simple animal sentience. [1] That framing helps you treat species as participants in a shared universe, with their own histories and connections, rather than as isolated entries in a catalog.
When you encounter a name such as Xi’an or Kr’Thak, connect it to the relationships and events attached to it. The Spirit Wars and the tense ceasefire provide a concrete example: a past conflict can remain part of how two peoples are understood even after the fighting has changed. [2] Following those connections gives you a clearer sense of how species fit into the setting and interact with humanity.
Which species should newcomers recognize?
The names to recognize first are Vanduul, Xi’an, and Banu: the lore broadly associates them with raiding, diplomacy, and trade. [3] Those quick associations give you a handy starting point when these species come up in a story or conversation.
Vanduul, Xi’an, and Banu
Think of the Vanduul as raiders, the Xi’an as diplomats, and the Banu as traders. [3] For example, if a discussion turns to diplomacy, the Xi’an are the name to keep in mind; if it turns to trade, listen for the Banu. [3] These are broad lore associations, not a complete account of each species.
The Kr’Thak matter to know because of their history with the Xi’an. [2] They were once in conflict in the Spirit Wars, and the two have since been under a tense ceasefire. [2] When you encounter the Kr’Thak in a discussion of Xi’an history, that conflict and uneasy ceasefire provide useful context.
What should you know before exploring the lore?
Learning a species’ lore is different from knowing whether you can play as that species; treat story and gameplay availability as separate questions. A character’s place in the setting can be interesting to explore even when you are not looking to create or control one. [1]
Follow the story, not just the label
To get a richer picture, follow a species through its history, culture, and relationships with others. Instead of stopping at a label such as “trader” or “diplomat,” ask what its past suggests about how it interacts with other people in the setting. Those details give you more to notice when a name or group comes up again. [3]
For example, the Kr’Thak and Xi’an have a history of conflict known as the Spirit Wars, followed by a tense ceasefire. [2] That history can help you read their relationship as part of an ongoing story rather than a simple species description. When you encounter a new group, look for the same kinds of connections: what shaped its past, what matters to its culture, and how it relates to others.
Keep lore and playability separate
If you are curious about playing as a particular species, check its status for the specific game version you plan to play. Lore details alone do not answer that gameplay question, so avoid treating a species’ presence in the setting as proof that it is available as a playable character. [1]
A practical approach is to keep two questions in mind: “What is this species’ story?” and “Can I play as it in this version?” You can follow the first through histories and relationships, then verify the second separately before planning a character around it. This keeps your lore exploration useful without assuming that every species described in the setting has the same role in gameplay.
A useful starting point for Star Citizen’s species
The key takeaway is that Star Citizen’s species are intelligent beings with their own histories and relationships, so their lore is about more than a name or a single trait. [1] As you explore the setting, keep the Vanduul, Xi’an, Banu, and Kr’Thak in mind; these names give you useful reference points without turning a lore overview into a promise about gameplay. [2][3]
A practical next step is to follow one species at a time through the stories attached to it. When a name comes up, note who it is connected to and what history is being discussed; for example, the Kr’Thak and Xi’an are associated with the Spirit Wars and a tense ceasefire. [2] That gives you a concrete thread to follow while keeping the focus on the setting’s lore.