Squadron 42 Included With Star Citizen? Buyers Guide

Squadron 42 is not automatically included with every Star Citizen game package. Whether you get it depends entirely on which package you buy: the standalone Star Citizen package does not include Squadron 42, while the “Star Citizen + Squadron 42” combo package does. This guide explains exactly what each package contains, how to check what you own, and what to consider before spending money on either game.

Background: Two Games, One Universe

Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) has been developing two separate titles under the same fictional universe. Star Citizen is the persistent online multiplayer world where you fly ships, trade, fight, and explore alongside other players. Squadron 42 is a single-player, story-driven campaign set in the same universe, often described as a spiritual successor to Wing Commander. They share ships, lore, and technology, but they are distinct products with separate development timelines and separate game packages.

This split causes most of the confusion. When you back Star Citizen during a crowdfunding campaign or buy a package from the official store, you are not automatically buying both games. The store sells two main package types: one with only Star Citizen, and one with both Star Citizen and Squadron 42. The price difference between them is the current standalone value CIG places on Squadron 42.

How Package Bundling Works

On the official Roberts Space Industries (RSI) store, game packages are listed with clear labels. A standard package, often called the “Star Citizen Starter Package,” includes digital download access to the persistent universe, a starter ship, and some in-game currency (UEC). It does not include Squadron 42. To get both, you must select the “Star Citizen + Squadron 42” combo package, which costs more and explicitly lists Squadron 42 as an included item.

If you already own a Star Citizen-only package, you can add Squadron 42 later as a separate standalone purchase. CIG has sold Squadron 42 as an add-on for a fixed price (historically $45 USD, but check the current store). This add-on is tied to your account, not to a specific package, so it will apply regardless of which package you own.

How to Check What You Already Own

Many backers forget what they bought years ago. To verify whether Squadron 42 is on your account:

1. Log in to the official RSI website.
2. Go to your Account settings, then the “My Hangar” section.
3. Look for any item labeled “Squadron 42” or a package that says “Star Citizen + Squadron 42.”
4. Check the package description: it will list “Squadron 42 Digital Download” as an included item.

If you see only “Star Citizen Digital Download,” then you do not have Squadron 42. If you see a separate line item called “Squadron 42 Standalone,” then you do.

Common Misconceptions and Problems

The most widespread misconception is that buying any Star Citizen package gives you both games. This was true for very early crowdfunding backers (before 2013), but it has not been true for years. Another common error is assuming that Squadron 42 will be free once it releases. It will not – it is a premium single-player game with its own budget and will require purchase.

A related problem: some players buy a used Star Citizen account or a gift package from another player. Those packages may or may not include Squadron 42, and the seller’s description is not always accurate. Always check the package contents in the hangar before finalizing any trade. CIG does not support account gifting of Squadron 42 separately from a package; the add-on is bound to the account that purchased it.

Finally, note that Squadron 42 is not yet released. It has been in development for over a decade with multiple delays. Buying the add-on now is a pledge, not a purchase of a finished product. You are funding development and will receive the game when it launches.

How to Choose: Which Package Should You Buy?

Your choice depends on what you want to play:

• Buy Star Citizen only if you are interested solely in the multiplayer universe and want to spend the minimum amount to get in.
• Buy the combo package if you know you will want the single-player campaign eventually and want to lock in the current price.
• Wait and buy Squadron 42 later if you are unsure about the single-player game or want to see reviews first.

There is no financial penalty for waiting – the standalone Squadron 42 add-on has been priced consistently, and buying it later does not give you any extra benefits. However, if CIG ever raises the price (as they have for some ships), waiting could cost more.

Comparing Costs and Value

As of 2024, the cheapest Star Citizen starter package is around $45 USD, and the combo package with Squadron 42 is around $70 USD. The standalone Squadron 42 add-on is $45 USD. So buying the combo is effectively a $25 discount on the two games separately. If you plan to play both, the combo is the better value. If you only want the multiplayer, the starter package is sufficient.

Remember that these are crowdfunding pledges, not retail purchases. You are not buying a finished product today; you are funding ongoing development. The value you receive is access to the current alpha build of Star Citizen and a promise of a future Squadron 42 release.

Safety and Account Considerations

Only buy from the official RSI store or from CIG-authorized retailers. Third-party grey market sites often sell packages at a discount, but they carry risks: the original owner can reclaim the account, packages may be bought with stolen credit cards, and CIG’s terms of service prohibit some transfers. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Never share your account credentials. CIG support will never ask for your password. If you buy a used account, you have no recourse if the seller changes the password later. For these reasons, the official store is the only safe way to add Squadron 42 to your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Squadron 42 without buying Star Citizen?

No. Squadron 42 is sold as an add-on to a Star Citizen game package. You must own a Star Citizen package (either the multiplayer-only or the combo) to purchase the Squadron 42 add-on. There is no standalone Squadron 42-only package.

If I buy the combo package, do I get both games immediately?

You get access to Star Citizen immediately (the alpha build). Squadron 42 is not yet released, so you will receive it when it launches. Your account will show the Squadron 42 entitlement, but you cannot download or play it until release.

Will Squadron 42 be free for Star Citizen backers?

Only for early backers who pledged before the games were split (before 2013). For everyone else, Squadron 42 is a paid add-on. It is not free with a standard Star Citizen package.

Can I melt (exchange) my package and buy the combo later?

Yes. You can exchange a game package for store credit and then buy a different package, as long as you have not used the original package’s game access code. However, if you melt a package that includes Squadron 42, you lose that entitlement unless you buy it back with store credit. Check CIG’s current buy-back policy before doing this.

Is Squadron 42 worth buying now?

That depends on your patience. The game has been in development for many years with no announced release date. If you want to support CIG and lock in the price, buying now is fine. If you prefer to wait for reviews and a finished product, you can buy it later at the same price.

Related

• XLOOKUP Wildcard Match Example
• Hard Disk Clicks: Causes, Fixes, and Data Recovery
• Sony Xperia: Still Committed to Phones?