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Star Citizen · Free Fly · unofficial fan guide

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Made by the Community Free Fly Hub · fan content

Free Fly calendar 2026

Free Fly events announced by RSI, plus the expected IAE (dates not announced yet). Months without a Free Fly are collapsed.

Jan—
FebCoramor Free FlyFeb 12–23, 2026Free Fly
Mar—
AprCaptains of Industry Free FlyApr 9–20, 2026Free Fly
MayDrake DefenseCon Free FlyMay 18–27, 2026Free Fly
Jun—
JulFoundation Festival Free FlyJul 29 – Aug 10, 2026Free Fly
AugShip Showdown: Elite Eightfree to fly for existing backers onlynot a Free Fly
Sep—
Oct—
NovIAE Free Flyexpected from Nov 13 (TBC)Expected One of the last this year
DecLuminaliaDecember (dates TBA)not a Free Fly
  • Past Free Flys
  • Expected IAE (dates TBA)
  • Other events (not a Free Fly)

Sources: RSI Comm-Links (This Week in Star Citizen of Feb 9, Apr 6 and May 18, 2026; Foundation Festival 2026; Ship Showdown 2956 – The Elite Eight). IAE 2026: official dates not announced yet.

Latest News

What’s new in the ’verse, checked against official RSI sources. Every item links to its source.

Updated Nov 6, 2026

Latest Official

Alpha 4.11 is now Alpha 5.0 — Genesis starts on Nyx I

CIG renamed Alpha 4.11 to Alpha 5.0 in the November 4, 2026 Roadmap Roundup. The official RSI account said the release brings Genesis technologies together for the first time — Starchitect, Planet Tech V5, Population Manager, Contract Boards, and more — with Nyx I first in line. There is no launch date. LIVE stays on 4.10.2, and CIG clarified that no wipe has been announced or confirmed for 5.0.

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Why the number changed

In the Roadmap Roundup of November 4, 2026, CIG announced that the next major Persistent Universe update, previously listed as Alpha 4.11, is now Alpha 5.0. The official @RobertsSpaceInd post put it simply: “Alpha 4.11 is now Alpha 5.0.” The studio presents the change as a reflection of the scale of the technologies coming together in this release, not as a launch-day announcement.

What CIG confirmed for 5.0

The official post and the public roadmap place several Genesis building blocks on Alpha 5.0: Starchitect, a procedural system that scatters locations across planetary surfaces and assembles them from modular tiles; Planet Tech V5, a rework of how planets are built, populated and rendered, with generation moved to the GPU; the Population Manager, which balances server population and places inhabitants that fit their surroundings; Contract Boards, a new way to browse and accept faction and guild missions at local, regional, global and system scale through Guild Halls, with a redesigned interface; and DGS Planet Subdivision, which splits planets and moons into smaller server territories assigned dynamically, so a single Dynamic Game Server is not responsible for an entire world. Nyx I is the first planet to receive this set.

What is not confirmed

Nyx II and Nyx III, previously targeted for this update, move to Alpha 5.1 as Tentative — a roadmap status, not a release date. The public roadmap places Alpha 5.0 in Q4 2026 as Committed; that is a planning window, not a launch day. CIG did not give a specific date, and LIVE remains on Alpha 4.10.2. A wipe rumor spread after a community-manager reply on Spectrum was misread as an answer about 5.0; CIG clarified that no wipe has been announced or confirmed for this version, and that there are no current plans for one.

Sources

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Official source ↗
PTU

Salvage buffers grow in PTU 4.10.3 — still not on LIVE

A new All Backers PTU build of Alpha 4.10.3 (VERSION 4.10.3-PTU.13107423) raises the internal salvage buffers on the current salvage ships. The Reclaimer goes from 240 to 448 SCU and the Moth from 64 to 240 SCU; the Vulture, Fortune and Salvation get smaller increases. The numbers are in the official patch notes and are not on LIVE, which remains 4.10.2.

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The official numbers

The patch notes confirm that internal storage buffers on the salvage lineup have been increased: Vulture 13→16 SCU (largest box 1 SCU, +23.08%); Reclaimer 240→448 SCU (largest box 16 SCU, +86.67%); Moth 64→240 SCU (largest box 8 SCU, +275%); Fortune 13→14 SCU (largest box 1 SCU, +7.69%); Salvation 6→8 SCU (largest box 1 SCU, +33.33%).

What this build is

The notes stamp the build as VERSION 4.10.3-PTU.13107423, open to all waves, on the US-only PTU channel, with Long Term Persistence enabled. The test focus is stability, bug fixes and LTP between PTU releases, plus the Vanduul Incursion missions, the LBCO Skarnov rifle, and IAE listed “on an accelerated schedule” — still with no dates. The same notes also mention a salvage-modifier balance pass alongside the buffer increases. LIVE remains Alpha 4.10.2.

What is not on LIVE

These buffer values are a PTU change and may still be tuned before any move to LIVE; CIG has not given a date for 4.10.3 to go live. Community datamines also describe larger salvage fields on the same ships; that is not in the official notes (TBC).

Sources

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Free Fly Hub summary (unofficial fan page). Quotes and trademarks © CIG / RSI.

Official

Nyx I comes to life: new Genesis build brings the Procedural Generation Tracker

CIG released a new Tech Preview Genesis build for an overnight Evocati playtest on Oct 29–30, 2026. It adds new locations and Hauling and Science contracts on Nyx I and debuts the Procedural Generation Tracker. It is a closed test; there is still no date for Alpha 4.11.

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What's new on Nyx I

New site types spread across the planet: moisture farms, science outposts and survey sites, outlaw supply caches, logistics yards, security outposts, construction yards and camps. New contracts, mainly for Hauling and Science, send players to these places.

Why the PGT matters

Ore, harvestable resources and planetary fauna had to stay off in Genesis tests, because a planet split across several servers couldn't track them. The Procedural Generation Tracker handles this across the whole server mesh, so those elements can come back.

What's still open

This is a closed Evocati test, reported from CIG's notes by community sites. Alpha 4.11 remains “Tentative” on the official roadmap for Q4 2026, with no release date (TBC).

Sources

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Free Fly Hub summary (unofficial fan page). Quotes and trademarks © CIG / RSI.

Official source ↗
PTU

The Vanduul got scary: Mauler buff in PTU 4.10.3 splits the community

PTU Alpha 4.10.3 (Wave 1) boosts Vanduul weapons, and players measured the Mauler beam at over 1000% more damage. Spectrum threads are split between “finally a real threat” and “this is too much”. CIG hasn't replied yet.

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What changed

The latest PTU 4.10.3 build strengthens Vanduul weaponry. Community threads put the Mauler beam buff at 1000–1200%+; that figure comes from players, not from CIG's notes.

What players say

Some welcome a more dangerous Vanduul; others question the scale and CIG's balancing method. A PTU test video shows the Mauler in action.

What's next

It is a PTU (test) change and may still be tuned before reaching LIVE. No -CIG response so far (TBC).

Sources

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Free Fly Hub summary (unofficial fan page). Quotes and trademarks © CIG / RSI.

To be confirmed

DATAMINE: first clues of Luminalia paints and the “Epoque II” pack

Not official. Dataminers found in the new Genesis build files a November “Epoque II” set and Luminalia paints for several ships. CIG hasn't announced any of it, so names, items and dates are TBC.

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Epoque II (datamine)

Geist Epoque II armor with backpack, a C54 “Epoque II” rifle and an RSI Meteor paint that may be part of the same line. TBC.

Luminalia paints (datamine)

Paints for the Anvil Hurricane, Argo Raft and Banu Defender in two color schemes. The usual Aurora Mk II paint was not in this batch. TBC.

Read this as

Game-file findings can change or never ship. We'll update when CIG makes it official.

Sources

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Free Fly Hub summary (unofficial fan page). Quotes and trademarks © CIG / RSI.

To be confirmed

Squadron 42 enters Steam’s top 200 most-wishlisted games

Two weeks after wishlisting opened, Squadron 42 shows up at #191 in Steam’s top wishlists and #13 in wishlist activity, according to SteamDB on Oct 23, 2026. This is community tracking of public Steam data; CIG hasn’t commented. The game is still planned for Q2 2027.

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What the numbers show

SteamDB, an independent site that tracks public Steam data, lists Squadron 42 at #191 in top wishlists, #13 in wishlist activity and with about 31,750 followers (read on Oct 23, 2026). Rankings move every day, so the position may already be different.

What’s official

Squadron 42 has an official Steam store page, listed as “coming soon” with a “Q2 2027” release. CIG opened wishlisting on Oct 10, 2026. CIG hasn’t published wishlist numbers or commented on this ranking.

Also spotted

Community members noticed that one of the Vanduul images on the Steam page was swapped for another on Oct 22. There was no official note about the change.

Squadron 42 vs Star Citizen

They are two separate games and separate purchases. Squadron 42 is single-player and not out yet; Star Citizen is the online universe you can play today with a game package.

Sources

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Free Fly Hub summary (unofficial fan page). Quotes and trademarks © CIG / RSI.

To be confirmed

IAE 2956: expected from Nov 13 (to be confirmed)

RSI hasn’t announced dates for the Intergalactic Aerospace Expo 2956 yet. The Nov 13–30 window, at the Tobin Expo Hall in New Babbage, comes from files in the 4.10.2 test build, not from RSI. What is official: the RSI Galaxy will be the show’s main ship.

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What’s official

During a Star Citizen Live, CIG developers said the RSI Galaxy is the big ship planned for this IAE. RSI hasn’t published dates, a location or a schedule for IAE 2956.

Where the Nov 13 date comes from

Dataminers found an IAE schedule in the files of the Alpha 4.10.2 test build: Nov 13 to 30, at the Tobin Expo Hall in New Babbage, on microTech. That’s game data, not an RSI announcement, and it can change.

What past years show

RSI usually announces IAE around Nov 6 or 7: the IAE 2955 “Save the Date” went up on Nov 6, 2025. That edition ran from Nov 20 to Dec 3, 2025, in Orison.

Why we say “to be confirmed”

The same leak has already been wrong: it placed a Constellation Mk V and the Skylark on Nov 13, but both arrived in October, during RSI Discovery Month.

Will there be a Free Fly?

Recent IAEs have included a Free Fly, but RSI hasn’t announced one for 2956. We’ll confirm it here when RSI does.

Sources

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Free Fly Hub summary (unofficial fan page). Quotes and trademarks © CIG / RSI.

Official

RSI is giving away a Constellation Mk V Centaurus (until Oct 22)

RSI is running its own social media giveaway contest for an RSI Constellation Mk V Centaurus. To enter, follow Star Citizen and share your favorite Star Citizen memory in the comments of the official announcement, until Oct 22, 2026. It's not a random draw: RSI staff pick the winners. This is an official RSI contest, separate from our monthly giveaway.

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How to enter

Follow Star Citizen on the platform where you'll post, and comment your favorite Star Citizen memory on RSI's giveaway announcement. It runs on X, Threads, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. One entry per platform, up to five in total, and you must stay a follower until winners are picked.

Who can enter

You must be 18 or older, have an RSI account that has accepted the RSI Terms of Service, and live where the contest is legally allowed. Group or org entries are not allowed. No purchase is needed, and pledging doesn't improve your chances.

Dates and winners

Entries run from Oct 15 until 11:59 PM US Central time on Oct 22, 2026, which is 1:59 AM on Oct 23 in Brasília. On Oct 22, RSI staff pick one winner per platform, judged on quality, creativity and following the rules. Winners get a direct message and must reply within 48 hours.

Not our giveaway

This contest belongs to RSI and follows RSI's rules. Free Fly Hub has no part in it. Our monthly giveaway is separate and has its own rules.

Sources

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Free Fly Hub summary (unofficial fan page). Quotes and trademarks © CIG / RSI.

Official source ↗
Official

Twitch Drops: watch 4 hours, get the Phoenix Insignia Display (Oct 14–27)

From Oct 14 to 27, 2026, RSI is running Twitch Drops for Discovery Month. Watch any Star Citizen stream marked “Drops Enabled” for a total of four hours and you unlock the Phoenix Insignia Display, a holographic decoration for your hangar. You need an RSI account linked to Twitch. It’s a hangar item, not access to the game.

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What you get

The Phoenix Insignia Display is a holographic hangar decoration inspired by the fiery insignia aboard the classic Constellation Phoenix. It’s a cosmetic item delivered to your RSI Hangar. It doesn’t give you access to the game: playing Star Citizen still requires a game package outside Free Fly events.

How to link Twitch and RSI

1) Log in on the RSI website and open your Account Dashboard. 2) Go to Settings, then Linked Accounts. 3) Click the Twitch button, log in to Twitch and authorize the connection. Each RSI account links to only one Twitch account, and vice versa.

How to earn it

Watch any Star Citizen stream on Twitch tagged “Drops Enabled” for four hours in total. The hours add up across streams and sessions. Track progress on your Twitch Drops Inventory page, click “Claim” on Twitch when it’s done, and the item shows up in your RSI Hangar shortly after. You don’t need Amazon Prime Gaming or Luna.

Dates

RSI lists the campaign as Oct 14 to 27, 2026, but didn’t give start or end times or a time zone. Don’t leave it to the last day.

Sources

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Free Fly Hub summary (unofficial fan page). Quotes and trademarks © CIG / RSI.

Official source ↗
Official

Squadron 42: wishlist now open on RSI and Steam, with a Q2 2027 window

On Oct 10, 2026, Cloud Imperium Games opened wishlisting for Squadron 42 on Steam and released a new trailer. In its Oct 16 newsletter, CIG confirmed the game can be wishlisted on both RSI and Steam. The single-player game is planned for Q2 2027, with no exact date yet. It’s a separate game from Star Citizen.

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What CIG announced

According to CIG’s press release, Squadron 42 is a cinematic single-player adventure set in the Star Citizen universe and is planned for release in Q2 2027. The Steam page lists “Q2 2027” as the release date and says the game isn’t available yet. The new trailer is on the Steam page.

Oct 16: first video from the hands-on event

On Oct 16, the official Squadron 42 account on X posted a 39-second video from the game’s first hands-on event, held the week before, showing attendees at the event and at the play stations: “This is just a glimpse of what made the weekend so special.” CIG says a full video is coming soon, with no date yet. We’ll add it here when it’s out.

Update (Oct 16): wishlist on RSI and Steam

CIG’s weekly newsletter of Oct 16, 2026 confirms that Squadron 42 is available for wishlisting on RSI and on Steam. On the RSI site, the “Wishlist Squadron 42 Today!” banner points to the game’s official site; on Steam, use the store page linked below.

Story and cast

The year is 2945. You enlist as a rookie in the UEE Navy, serve aboard a capital ship and fight in space and on foot. The cast named by CIG includes Mark Hamill, Gary Oldman, Gillian Anderson, Ben Mendelsohn, Henry Cavill, Andy Serkis, John Rhys-Davies, Jonathan Bailey, Mark Strong, Damson Idris and Liam Cunningham.

Squadron 42 vs Star Citizen

They are two different games. Star Citizen is the online multiplayer universe; Squadron 42 is a standalone single-player story. A Star Citizen game package and Squadron 42 are separate purchases. Steam says Squadron 42 requires a Roberts Space Industries account.

Also in the newsletter: Runic bundle

The same newsletter announced the Runic store bundle: Kilgore and Poole Monolith heavy armor with backpack, a Gemini R97 shotgun and an Origin M80 paint. RSI lists it as Warbond only (it can’t be bought with store credit), for a limited time, and it doesn’t include access to the game.

What isn’t confirmed

There’s no exact release date or price yet. We’ll update this page when CIG announces them.

Sources

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Free Fly Hub summary (unofficial fan page). Quotes and trademarks © CIG / RSI.

Official source ↗
Official

Alpha 4.10.2 is Live with RSI Discovery Month

Alpha 4.10.2 reached Live on Oct 9 with RSI Discovery Month, a Stanton event built around the new Constellation Mk V Centaurus. You earn permanent rewards across Defense, Transport and Collection missions. It isn’t a Free Fly: you need a game package to take part.

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What’s in the event

Discovery Month runs in Stanton. Contracts are split into Defense, Transport and Collection tracks, and a combined track fills as you play. Rewards are permanent: you keep what you earn.

Try the Constellation Mk V

Completing the Constellation Rental Offer mission (in the Transport track) lends you the new Mk V Centaurus and its Skylark for five days. It’s a rental, not a ship you keep.

How long it runs

Early guides citing RSI’s FAQ gave Oct 20, 2026 as the end date. We couldn’t open the FAQ directly to confirm it, and some reports say the date was taken out, so check the Journal in your mobiGlas before the last weekend.

Update (Oct 18): server fix in testing

CIG’s official Hotfix Central thread on Spectrum (status of Oct 17) says a server fix, build 12956035, is being tested on multiple shards. It targets three bugs: the vehicle Retrieve button at ASOP terminals turning grey, IASI Courier missions spawning packages in restricted (trespassing) areas, and the vehicle claim timer disappearing after you close and reopen an ASOP terminal. There is no date yet for a general release.

Who can play

Discovery Month is open to anyone with a game package. It is not a Free Fly. Creating an RSI account is free, and we’ll post on this page and in the calendar as soon as RSI announces the next Free Fly.

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Free Fly Hub summary (unofficial fan page). Quotes and trademarks © CIG / RSI.

Official source ↗
Official

Constellation Mk V Centaurus and Skylark: how to fly them now

The Constellation Mk V Centaurus, the new generation of the Connie, arrived with Alpha 4.10.2 along with its RSI Skylark snub. For now, the only way to fly it is a five-day rental from a Discovery Month mission, and taking part needs a game package.

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Mk V Centaurus and Skylark

The Constellation Mk V Centaurus is the new generation of the Connie, and the RSI Skylark is the small snub ship it carries. Both arrived with 4.10.2 and are listed as released on the Roadmap.

How to fly the Mk V right now

Complete the Constellation Rental Offer mission in RSI Discovery Month and RSI lends you the Mk V Centaurus and its Skylark for five days. It’s a rental: when the five days end, the ship goes back. You need a game package to play the event; it isn’t a Free Fly.

Status

The Roadmap lists the Mk V Centaurus and the Skylark as released in 4.10. The rental is temporary and doesn’t add the ship to your hangar for good.

What we’re not covering

Store prices and availability change, so we don’t list them here. Check the official RSI site.

Sources

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Free Fly Hub summary (unofficial fan page). Quotes and trademarks © CIG / RSI.

Official source ↗
Official

Constellation Mk IV rebuilt to Gold Standard; retirement window reported

Alpha 4.10.2 rebuilt the whole Constellation Mk IV family (Andromeda, Aquila, Taurus and Phoenix) to RSI’s current “Gold Standard”. Guides citing RSI also report a retirement window until Jan 27, 2027, with existing Mk IVs staying in the game.

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Mk IV: Gold Standard rework

RSI’s Roadmap Roundup of Oct 9 lists the Constellation Mk IV Gold Standard as released in 4.10: new art, HUD, physical components and a cockpit with better visibility. It covers the whole Mk IV family (Andromeda, Aquila, Taurus and Phoenix).

Mk IV retirement (according to guides)

Guides that cite RSI’s “Constellation Mk IV Celebration” post say the Mk IV is entering a retirement window that ends on Jan 27, 2027, and that existing Mk IVs stay in the game and keep getting updates. We couldn’t open RSI’s page directly to confirm the details, so treat them as unconfirmed until you check the official post.

What we’re not covering

Store prices and availability change, so we don’t list them here. Check the official RSI site.

Sources

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Free Fly Hub summary (unofficial fan page). Quotes and trademarks © CIG / RSI.

Official source ↗
Official

The next IAE is in the works. No dates yet

RSI’s Monthly Report for September 2026 (Oct 7) says the Narrative team “supported the upcoming Intergalactic Aerospace Expo with new additions.” It’s the first official mention of this year’s IAE. RSI hasn’t announced dates, and no Free Fly has been announced.

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What RSI said

The line sits in the Narrative section of the report, which adds that the team does this “as they often do this time of year.” That’s all there is: no dates, no ship lineup and no mention of a Free Fly.

What past years suggest (not an announcement)

Last year’s IAE 2955 ran Nov 20 – Dec 3, 2025, in Orison. RSI’s “Save the Date” came out in early November. If 2956 follows the same pattern, news could land in the coming weeks, but RSI hasn’t confirmed anything, and dates and format can change.

Get ready

Creating an RSI account is free, and having it ready means you can install the launcher before any event opens. Right now, playing requires a game package. We’ll update this page and the calendar as soon as RSI announces dates.

Sources

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Free Fly Hub summary (unofficial fan page). Quotes and trademarks © CIG / RSI.

Official source ↗
  1. PTU

    Alpha 4.10.3 PTU opens to all waves

    Since Oct 30, the 4.10.3 PTU (test server) has been open to all backers on build 13055118. The update fixed quantum travel to the Shattered Blade raid sites and blueprint reward delivery, plus an AI pass and lower Mauler health. The LBCO Skarnov rifle got stronger, with a longer chain-lightning range. Live is still on 4.10.2, with no date yet for 4.10.3.

    Source ↗
  2. Official

    New gifting rules in effect since Oct 30

    For items bought on or after Oct 30, 2026, a gift must be chosen at checkout, with the recipient's email. An item bought for your own account can no longer be gifted later. The redemption code is valid for 30 days; if it goes unused, the gift is cancelled and refunded. Recipients can't pass the item on, and selling gifts is prohibited. Older pledges keep the rules from when they were bought.

    Source ↗
  3. Official

    This Week in Star Citizen: the Daymar Rally returns on Jan 23, 2027

    The weekly schedule confirmed the return of the Daymar Rally, a community-run race, on January 23, 2027, with sign-ups open and over 510 km of course across three divisions. The weekly newsletter and the October Jump Point (for subscribers) went out on Oct 30. The behind-the-scenes video of the Squadron 42 October event was postponed, with no new date yet.

    Source ↗
  4. Official

    Alpha 4.10.3 hits the PTU with missions against the Vanduul

    CIG opened 4.10.3 on the PTU (test server), for Wave 1 only so far. The patch adds the Vanduul Incursion contract line from Intersec Defence Solutions, with deep-space fights in Nyx against the Vanduul and the Shattered Blade clan (the hardest tiers are built for crews), plus the new LBCO Skarnov rifle. There's no Live date yet.

    Source ↗
Show more (4)
  1. Official

    10 From the Community: the technology episode

    In the second episode, the CTO and gameplay engineering directors answered community questions on stopping bugs that come back every patch, replacing the last Scaleform screens with Building Blocks, social tools, desync and NPC AI. The next episode will cover FPS gameplay.

    Source ↗
  2. Official

    Day of the Vara 2956, Star Citizen's Halloween, is underway

    The in-game Halloween event started on Oct 21 with themed paints for the Drake Vulture, Aegis Eclipse and Kruger Wolf, the skeleton mode's return to Arena Commander (survive two rounds to earn a Vanduul mask) and a pumpkin decorating contest with prizes.

    Source ↗
  3. Roadmap

    Roadmap Roundup: an Intersec mission pack joins the Roadmap

    The Roadmap added the Intersec Defence Solutions Mission Pack card as Committed: new missions in Nyx against the Vanduul threat, with new blueprints to earn. The Character Customization update (eyebrows) was marked as released in Alpha 4.10.2.

    Source ↗
  4. Official

    The First Flight Pack is now the store’s only starter package

    RSI replaced its old starter packages with a single one, the Star Citizen First Flight Pack ($60 list price). It includes the game and the Aurora Mk II, plus 30-day loaners of the Drake Golem (mining), MISC Fortune (salvage) and Crusader Intrepid (cargo), so you can try different playstyles before choosing your next ship.

    Source ↗

What is Free Fly?

Free Fly is a limited-time window when Roberts Space Industries opens the Persistent Universe (PU) to everyone for free. Create an account, download the launcher and try the event ships — no Game Package required while Free Fly is live. The ship lineup varies by event: five ships at Foundation Festival 2026, and a much larger rotating lineup, one manufacturer at a time, at IAE 2955.

Outside Free Fly, you need a Game Package to play in the PU. That’s why IAE — historically the biggest Free Fly of the year — is usually the best time to give the game a proper test drive (2026 dates not announced yet).

A fleet of ships flying in formation above an orange planet
The ship lineup changes with every Free Fly · Star Citizen in-game screenshots

Next Free Fly

IAE 2956 · expected

Expected from Nov 13, 2026 (to be confirmed)

Official dates not announced yet. Keep an eye on the RSI Comm-Link.

In recent years, IAE has brought the biggest Free Fly of the year (IAE 2955 ran Nov 20 – Dec 3, with a different manufacturer’s ships to try each day), alongside the expo’s pledge-store offers.

A fleet with a cargo hauler and containers in deep space
Industrial, combat, exploration — past editions often had the largest lineup of the year · Star Citizen in-game screenshots

Why IAE matters

  • The biggest Free Fly of the year in past editions — IAE 2955 ran for two weeks, with a trial fleet that changed every day.
  • A huge ship lineup in past editions — manufacturer days and rotating trials, so you could get a feel for fighters, industrial ships and multicrew.
  • Expo and sale together in past editions — compare, test, and only buy if it makes sense — directly on the official site.

How to join Free Fly

  1. Enlist with RSI

    Create your account through the enlistment link. To qualify for the +50,000 UEC bonus with your first game package, use the code when you sign up (or within 24 hours). RSI’s sign-up form says the bonus is earned after buying a game package.

  2. Get the RSI Launcher

    Install it from the official site, sign in and download the game. While Free Fly is live, the PU is open to eligible accounts.

  3. Retrieve an event ship and launch

    In the Persistent Universe, retrieve an event ship at an ASOP terminal, leave the hangar and try things out: combat, hauling, exploration — whatever the current patch allows. Event ships are loaned for the duration of Free Fly only; they don’t stay on your account.

  4. PC requirements

    Always check the official RSI site — specs change with every patch.

Tips for new pilots

An alien ship silhouetted against a sunset
A fleet of ships in formation in deep space

Star Citizen in-game screenshots · unofficial page

Prices checked on Nov 2, 2026 at the official Game Package store (USD; subject to change without notice).

Starter Game Package (list price)

$60

RSI Aurora Mk II

Star Citizen First Flight Pack

The one starter package — The Aurora Mk II is yours; the Golem, Fortune and Intrepid are 30-day loaners

Best for: New players who want to find their playstyle before choosing their next ship.

Pros & cons

Pros: One choice, no guessing which package to buy. For the first 30 days you can try mining (Golem), salvage (Fortune) and cargo hauling (Intrepid) before spending on another ship.

Cons: Only the Aurora Mk II stays on your account; the other three are 30-day loaners. The public store no longer sells starter packages with other ships.

In our Nov 2, 2026 check (logged out, USD), the official store’s Game Packages page still listed a single package, the Star Citizen First Flight Pack, at a $60 list price. That day the store showed it on sale for $45 (−25%), with no end date given on the page. Around Oct 14–15, 2026, RSI replaced the old starter packages (Aurora, Cutter, Avenger Titan, Golem, Salvation, Intrepid, Cutlass and others) with this one package, according to the store itself and community coverage. Sales come and go, so check the official store for the current price.

Our recommendation

Star Citizen First Flight Pack, $60 list price. It’s currently the only Game Package sold in RSI’s public store.

You keep the Aurora Mk II and use the 30-day Golem, Fortune and Intrepid loaners to find out what you enjoy. Other ships can be tried during Free Fly (the lineup varies by event), and many can be bought in-game with aUEC — there’s no need to go beyond the basic package.

  • If you like mining → try the Golem during the 30-day loan
  • If you like salvage → try the Fortune during the 30-day loan
  • If you like cargo hauling → try the Intrepid during the 30-day loan
  • If you like a bit of everything → the Aurora Mk II, which is yours (light cargo and basic combat)
  • If you like real combat → save up aUEC and buy a fighter in-game
  • If you like flying with friends / more room → try bigger ships during Free Fly before spending more

During Free Fly you can try the event fleet before buying anything. Later, you can earn better ships with aUEC in-game — there’s no need to go beyond a basic package.

Earning aUEC in the current patch

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2026

Live-server context around Alpha 4.10.2, which arrived on Oct 9, 2026. The RSI Discovery Month event that launched with it has ended, and Day of the Vara (the game’s Halloween event) is underway. 4.10.3 has been open on the PTU to all waves since Oct 30, with no Live date yet. The best way to earn aUEC changes every patch — treat this as guidance, not a fixed ranking.

Beginner (starter ship, no extra spend)

  • Delivery contracts (box missions) — Accepted through your mobiGlas; they fit in starter ships. Low risk on short routes.
  • Mercenary work / low-threat bounties — Start with the lowest ratings and only move up a tier once you feel comfortable.
  • Cargo hauling contracts — With the Intrepid loaner in your first 30 days you can take on hauling contracts bigger than box missions. Start with short routes around the same planet.
  • Hand mining / simple gathering — With the multi-tool; modest returns, but it teaches you inventory and selling at stations.

Mid-game

  • Commodity hauling — Scales with SCU capacity. Check live prices (UEX, etc.); expect pirates on long routes.
  • Salvage with a dedicated ship — Strong with a Salvation or Vulture once you understand the current patch’s loop.
  • Mining with a Golem/Prospector (+ refining) — Steady returns once you learn scanning and refining; needs more starting capital.
  • High-tier bounties / group combat — Best with a proper combat ship or a party; deaths and claim timers eat into profits.

We don’t list aUEC per hour: numbers vary between guides and change with hotfixes. Focus on stability with your starter; better ships can be bought in-game.

+50,000 UEC bonus with your first game package

Enlist with a referral code and you qualify for the +50,000 UEC bonus with your first game package: RSI’s sign-up form says the bonus is earned after buying a game package. Playing during Free Fly costs nothing, so the bonus only matters if you decide to buy. RSI calls the currency UEC; in the (alpha) game client it shows up as aUEC.

Use the code when you create your account or within 24 hours. After that, Support won’t add it.

Referral code
STAR-22TN-SYHG

The button below already includes the code in the link.

Create your free RSI account

Referral code • unofficial fan page

FAQ

Questions grouped by topic — open a group to see the answers.

Getting started 6 questions
What is a Game Package (pledge)?

It’s the paid package in the RSI store that gives you permanent access to Star Citizen and includes a starter ship. Without a Game Package, you can only play during Free Flys.

Free Fly or buy: what’s the difference?

During Free Fly, RSI opens the PU for a limited time without requiring a Game Package. Outside the event, you need a Game Package to play. Try it during Free Fly before you decide.

What are the PC requirements?

They change with every patch. Check RSI’s official specs page — we don’t repost numbers that go stale quickly.

How big is the install?

Big: RSI asks for an SSD with 150+ GB of free space (official requirement as of Sep 29, 2026), and it grows with each patch. The launcher shows the current size when you download.

Is it pay-to-win?

Ships and cosmetics sold for real money buy convenience and shortcuts, but progress and aUEC can also be earned by playing. The meta shifts and wipes happen — there’s no permanent “win”.

Is the game still in alpha?

Yes. Builds break, features come and go, and inventory and progress wipes happen. Expect some technical rough edges.

In-game money 4 questions
Are UEC and aUEC the same thing?

RSI lists the referral bonus as UEC. In the alpha client, the PU currency shows up as aUEC (“alpha UEC”). In practice, it’s the virtual economy of the current patch.

What does a wipe do to my in-game money?

Wipes can reset or adjust aUEC, inventory and progress. Pledge-store items (like your package ship) come back via claim; anything earned only in-game may be lost.

How do I earn aUEC?

Contracts in your mobiGlas (deliveries, mercenary work, etc.), hauling, mining, salvage and patch events. See the Tips section for what pays best in the current patch.

Does the referral bonus disappear in a wipe?

In-game credits follow the wipe rules of each patch. The bonus comes with your first game package bought on an account created with the code, and the code won’t “reload” it later. Enter it when you create your account (or within 24 hours).

Ships 4 questions
What are insurance and claims?

If your ship is destroyed, you reclaim it at an ASOP terminal after the claim timer. Package insurance covers the base hull; extra components may follow their own rules.

Where is my hangar?

After you spawn at a station or planet with an ASOP terminal, use it to retrieve your ship. Personal hangars keep evolving — the layout changes between patches.

Can I buy ships with aUEC?

Many of them, yes: in-game dealers sell a selection of ships for aUEC (what’s available depends on the patch). That’s why a basic starter is enough: you can earn more ships by playing.

What are melting and CCUs?

Melting exchanges a pledge for store credit. A CCU (Cross-Chassis Upgrade) upgrades one ship to another in the store. These are pledge-store tools — take your time and check the value first. From Oct 1, 2026, RSI says each account’s primary Game Access pledge can’t be melted or gifted.

Death and losses 3 questions
What happens when I die?

You respawn at a medical bed (on a ship, at a clinic, in prison, etc., depending on the situation). You may lose loot you hadn’t stored; your destroyed ship goes to claim.

What is CrimeStat?

Your level of criminal offense under UEE law. Criminal actions raise it, attract security and restrict where you can go. You can clear it through the in-game options available in the patch.

Do I lose my Game Package ship?

Not permanently: you reclaim it through insurance at an ASOP terminal. You may lose time and cargo.

Playing with friends 3 questions
How do I form a party?

Right in the game client (friends and party). Sharing a ship (multicrew) depends on the ship and the seats available.

What are orgs?

Player organizations on the RSI site — basically guilds. They’re great for learning from veterans and flying together; join public orgs that fit how you play.

Is there a community in my language?

Most likely. Star Citizen has active communities in many languages, including large English and Brazilian ones. Look for orgs on the RSI site and in open forums — and never share your password or codes with strangers in private messages.

Account security 4 questions
Do I need 2FA?

Yes — turn on two-factor authentication for your RSI account. It’s the bare minimum to keep your hangar and account safe.

Can I share my password?

No. Never share your password, recovery email or 2FA codes.

How long can I use a referral code?

When you create your account or within 24 hours. After that, Support won’t add it; the only workaround mentioned is closing the account (with no pledges or gifts) and creating a new one.

Is the referral link safe?

Only use the robertsspaceindustries.com domain. This is an unofficial fan page — be wary of any site that asks for your RSI login.

Ready for the next Free Fly?

Create your free account now and be ready to launch when RSI announces the next Free Fly.

Create your free RSI account

Referral code • unofficial fan page