Star Citizen is not free at all times.
To access it, you need to buy a starter pack starting at approximately $45 on the official website of Roberts Space Industries.
The only exception is events Free Fly, which let you try the game for free for a few days, several times a year. The game runs only on PC and is already playable today, despite its alpha status.
What is Star Citizen?
Star Citizen is a space simulator an open-world game, developed by Cloud Imperium Games edited by Chris Roberts. In it, you explore a vast universe of science fiction, filled with planets, space stations, and ships that can be piloted in real time.
The game is still in the’alpha, with no definite release date. It is famous for its record crowdfunding, having raised several hundred million dollars from the community. You can already play it on PC, but some bugs Issues related to this status are to be expected.
How can I play for free with Free Fly?
The only way to test Star Citizen for Free depends on what happens Free Fly. During these free trial periods, you can download the game on your PC and play without purchasing a pack, piloting a selection of ships made available to you. These trials cost several times a year, often during major community events:
- Invictus Launch Week (usually in May)
- Foundation Festival (in the summer)
- Intergalactic Aerospace Expo (in November, which is usually the longest month of the year)
To take advantage of this, create a free account on the website of Roberts Space Industries, retrieves the code for the current event, and then downloads the launcher.
During the trial, you can try out the full gameplay experience: missions, planet exploration, and space battles. The upcoming dates are available directly on the website RSI or through community videos on YouTube.
Is the free trial worth it?
Definitely yes, if you're on the fence about buying it. A Free Fly lets you discover the breadth of the world of Cloud Imperium Games, to try out a few missions and get a real sense of it before spending a single dollar. This is the best chance to see if you like the game, even though it's still in alpha.
If you like it and want permanent access, you'll need to purchase a starter pack. The store at Roberts Space Industries offers more than a dozen packages.
To know Which ship should I choose? Depending on your budget and playing style, here are the main options.
Mustang Alpha or Aurora MR package
To get started without breaking the bank, you can choose from three affordable starter ships: the Mustang Alpha, l'Aurora MR and theAvenger Titan. These are the most cost-effective packages under 60 $.
the Mustang Alpha and theAurora MR both cost about 45 $ on the official website.
Between the two, the’Aurora MR is more versatile : It lets you explore, transport cargo, and complete your first solo missions. Since the price may vary depending on promotions, be sure to check the current price before buying.
L'Avenger Titan is a step above in terms of capacity. Before investing in this package, make sure you really like the game by trying out a Free Fly.
100i package with a discount of 30%
the 100i is a small ship designed by Origin, which is appreciated for its sleek design. At full price, it costs more than the’Aurora MR Given that the gameplay is quite similar, this makes it a poor choice without a discount.
With a discount of at least 30 %, such as the one occasionally posted on the official website of Roberts Space Industries, the 100i falls below the rate of the’Aurora of approximately 0,50 $.
Another benefit: with this package, you can create a upgrade toward the’Avenger Titan for just 5 $ Furthermore.
the 100i so it becomes interesting if the style Origin if you like it, or if you want to join the Titan at a lower cost. Always check the exact price before buying.
Avengers Stalker Bundle
Like the packs Reliant Kore, Arrow Where Nomad, l'Avenger Stalker falls within the range 60 $ to 100 $, just above the entry-level packs. It's a ship versatile solo, capable of doing a little bit of everything: light transport, planetary exploration, and initial combat missions.
In this price range, the’Avenger Stalker is still a solid choice. Take the time to compare several ships in this tier on the official website of Roberts Space Industries before you finalize your purchase, and avoid spending hundreds of dollars right off the bat.
Package Cutlass Black
the Cutlass Black is aimed at players ready to cross the threshold of $100. It is a versatile spacecraft from transport and light combat, much more capable than the small starter models.
In this price range, you'll also find the Hornet F7C and the Freelancer, but the Cutlass Black remains the most affordable option for what it offers.
Specifically, it offers a proper hold, a multi-crew compartment, and everything you need to tackle a series of transport or exploration missions. It's a good compromise if you want to move beyond a single-seat ship without breaking the bank.
Once you've mastered the basics of gameplay, the Cutlass Black becomes a real asset in everyday life.
Anvil C8X Pisces Expedition Package
L'Anvil C8X Pisces Expedition isn't really a traditional ship: it's a small shuttle, designed for local exploration. Its main drawback is that it quickly becomes limited to the area around your starting point.
To travel to more distant planets, you'll need a bigger ship.
This pack is suitable for Learn the basics of gameplay on its own, but you'll quickly want to upgrade. Keep that in mind if you're looking for a unique entry-level option—just don't expect too much from it.
Andromeda Constellation Bundle
The Constellation Andromeda is the worst choice for a starter pack on Star Citizen. It's a big ship multi-crew High-priced, designed for experienced players.
You're paying way more than you need to just to access the game, and this ship needs a crew to be truly effective. Playing solo, you'll quickly find yourself going in circles.
It might be worth considering if you're targeting the goodies and accessories come with it. Otherwise, it’s best to avoid it and go with an affordable single-seater ship.
If you want to know how high prices can go, take a look at the most expensive ship in Star Citizen.
UEE Exploration 2950 Package
The pack UEE Exploration 2950 is the the one everyone advises against the most To start with. It's an update to the pack UEE Exploration 2948 (formerly reserved for doormen), now available to everyone, but sold at a very high price.
Its only value lies in its relevance to those who are directly targeting the Carrack, a large space exploration ship. You can get this ship at much better price by setting up a chain of CCUs (successive upgrades).
In addition, once you reach the rank of building superintendent, you'll get access to free play periods anyway. So it's better to start with an affordable starter pack and try out the gameplay during a free trial, and discover the world of Star Citizen at your own pace.
English