Is Star Citizen free to play?
Not always, but free during Free Fly events. Here is how to play for nothing.
Short answer: not always, but yes during a Free Fly. Star Citizen is normally buy-once (from $45), but several times a year RSI runs Free Fly events where anyone can download and play it for free, no purchase. Sign up with STAR-JTV7-FXLR during one and the 50,000 UEC is waiting for whenever you upgrade.
"Is Star Citizen free?" is one of the most common questions new players ask, and the answer has a useful twist that saves you money.
The honest version
- Normally: you need a Game Package to play, the cheapest is the Citizen Starter Pack at $45. Buy-once, no subscription.
- During a Free Fly: completely free. You download the RSI Launcher and fly a roster of ships in the live alpha at no cost for the event window. The IAE in November opens the entire fleet.
- There is no permanent free-to-play tier outside those events, and no free demo otherwise.
How to play free, the smart way
- Make your account now with the code
Sign up at RSI with STAR-JTV7-FXLR, even before a Free Fly. Free, and the code attaches permanently.
- Wait for the next Free Fly
Check the live Free Fly status. When one opens, download and play for free.
- If you love it, buy in and claim 50,000 UEC
A $40+ Starter Pack credits the bonus, code already attached.
So: free to try during events, cheap to own from $45, and 50,000 UEC free on top with code STAR-JTV7-FXLR. Is a Free Fly on right now?
Frequently asked questions
Is Star Citizen free?
Not permanently, but free during Free Fly events. Normally you need a Game Package (from $45). Several times a year, including the IAE in November, RSI lets anyone play free for the event window. Sign up with STAR-JTV7-FXLR so the 50,000 UEC is attached when you upgrade.
Is Star Citizen free to play?
There is no permanent free-to-play tier. You buy a Game Package once (from $45, no subscription), or play free during a Free Fly event. Use code STAR-JTV7-FXLR for 50,000 UEC of in-game currency.
Can I try Star Citizen before buying?
Yes, free during a Free Fly event. Create your account with STAR-JTV7-FXLR first so the 50,000 UEC bonus is ready if you decide to buy a Game Package.
Ready to claim the 50,000 UEC?
One click pre-fills STAR-JTV7-FXLR into the RSI signup form. Finish the account, buy a $40 or larger Game Package, the bonus is yours.
Enlist with code STAR-JTV7-FXLR