Star Citizen: Change perspective - here's how it works

Star Citizen also offers a lot to the eye. Whether for visual impact or practical purposes, you should know how to switch perspectives. We explain how.

Functionality vs. epic views: A change of perspective makes a lot of difference in Star Citizen.

In Star Citizen, circumspection is required. Depending on the situation, one perspective may be more suitable than the other.

Star Citizen: First person and shoulder view - both are possible

By default, you always wake up in the first person perspective in Star Citizen. This is convenient, because it shows them via HUD all the information. But there is another way:

• By default, "F4" is the key to switch to the third person. This allows you to see your character from behind and look over his shoulder.
• A HUD does not exist there, however. The outside perspective is therefore mainly suitable for photographic purposes, as the view is very clear and tidy.
• The same applies when you are at the helm of your spaceship. In the exterior view you see your vehicle and the environment in all its glory, but for this no control displays.
• This can also be an advantage for manual landings to see exactly where your ship is.
• By holding down "Y", you can move the camera with the mouse. This allows for other views - also good for impressive screenshots or even precise landings.

It is not least thanks to the outside perspective that Star Citizen players like to call themselves part-time photographers. When it comes to the nitty-gritty, however, the first person remains the first choice. That's set to change, by the way, as improvements and enhancements to the third-person view are in the works.