Squadron 42 vs Star Citizen: Story, Multiplayer, Gameplay

Squadron 42 and Star Citizen are two separate games built from the same technology and universe, but they answer different questions. Squadron 42 is a single-player, story-driven campaign set in the Star Citizen universe, while Star Citizen is the persistent, massively multiplayer online universe where you fly, trade, fight, and explore with other players. The core difference is simple: Squadron 42 is a cinematic, offline-capable narrative experience, and Star Citizen is a living, shared online world.

Background: One Project, Two Games

Both games originate from a single crowdfunding campaign launched by Cloud Imperium Games in 2012. The original pitch promised a spiritual successor to the classic space sim Wing Commander. Over time, the scope expanded into two distinct products:

• Squadron 42: A standalone, single-player campaign starring a cast of well-known actors, including Mark Hamill, Gary Oldman, and Gillian Anderson. It is designed to be a polished, linear (though open-ended in missions) story experience, similar to a AAA narrative game.
• Star Citizen: The persistent online universe (PU). It is a massively multiplayer online game (MMO) where thousands of players share a single server shard, with a player-driven economy, ship ownership, and emergent gameplay. It is still in alpha development but playable.

The two share the same engine, flight model, and art assets, but they are developed and released separately. Squadron 42 is often described as the “single-player game” and Star Citizen as the “MMO.”

Story and Narrative: Scripted vs. Emergent

The most significant difference is how each game delivers narrative.

Squadron 42 is a fully scripted, story-driven campaign. You play as a rookie pilot aboard the UEES Stanton, a military carrier. The game features a linear main storyline with branching mission objectives, dialogue choices, and a fixed ending. It is designed to be a cinematic experience, with motion-captured performances and a score. The story is set in the same universe as Star Citizen but takes place during a specific conflict (the Vanduul War) and follows a single character’s journey. There is no multiplayer; you play alone, and the game can be played offline.

Star Citizen has no fixed protagonist or scripted campaign. The narrative is emergent and player-driven. You create a character, choose a career (bounty hunter, miner, trader, pirate, explorer, etc.), and make your own story in a persistent universe. There are in-game missions and events, but they are procedurally generated or dynamic, not a hand-crafted linear story. The “lore” is delivered through missions, environmental storytelling, and player interactions. The story is whatever happens to you and the community.

Multiplayer and Persistence: Shared World vs. Solo

This is the clearest distinction.

Star Citizen is an online-only, massively multiplayer experience. The world is persistent: your ships, credits, reputation, and items remain across sessions. You can interact with other players in real-time, form orgs (guilds), engage in large-scale battles, trade with each other, or grief each other. The game uses server meshing (in development) to allow many players to share the same shard. There is no offline mode; you must be connected to the game’s servers.

Squadron 42 is strictly single-player. There is no co-op, no PvP, and no shared world. You play alone, and the game can be played entirely offline. It is a self-contained experience with a beginning, middle, and end. The only “multiplayer” aspect is that your progress in Squadron 42 may eventually unlock rewards or bonuses in Star Citizen (like a medal or a ship), but the games themselves are separate.

Gameplay Mechanics: Similar Core, Different Goals

Both games share the same flight model, ship controls, and FPS mechanics, but the gameplay loops are different.

Squadron 42 focuses on mission-based gameplay. You will fly scripted combat missions, escort missions, stealth missions, and dogfights. The game emphasizes a narrative arc, with a focus on character progression and a fixed set of missions. There is no open-world freedom; you are guided through a series of levels. The game is designed to be a polished, cinematic experience, with a clear difficulty curve and a defined ending.

Star Citizen is a sandbox. You are free to do almost anything. You can mine asteroids, salvage wrecks, transport cargo, run bounties, explore planets, or just hang out in a spaceport. The gameplay is emergent and unscripted. There is no “end game”—the goal is to make money, buy ships, and experience the universe. The game is still in alpha, so features are being added and changed regularly. The core loop is: earn credits, buy bigger ships, and do more complex activities.

Development Status and Release: Alpha vs. Near-Complete

The two games are at very different stages of development.

Star Citizen is in an open alpha state. It is playable now, but it is incomplete and buggy. The game is updated regularly with new features, ships, and locations. The developers use a “live” release model, where players can test the game and provide feedback. The full release is years away, and there is no set date.

Squadron 42 is in a more advanced state. It has been in development for a long time, and the developers have repeatedly said it is “feature-complete” and in the polishing phase. However, it has not been released yet. As of 2024, Cloud Imperium Games has not given a firm release date, but they have stated it is “in the final stages of production.” It is expected to be released before Star Citizen’s full launch, but no one knows exactly when.

How to Choose: Which One Is Right for You?

Your choice depends on what you want from a space game.

• If you want a story-driven, single-player experience like Wing Commander or Mass Effect, choose Squadron 42. It is a self-contained, cinematic campaign with a beginning and an end.
• If you want an open-world, multiplayer sandbox like EVE Online or Elite Dangerous, choose Star Citizen. It is a persistent universe where you can play with friends and forge your own path.
• If you want both, you can buy a package that includes both games. Many backers own both. But note that they are separate downloads and separate experiences.

It is also worth noting that Star Citizen is still in alpha, so it can be frustrating with bugs and missing features. Squadron 42, when it releases, will likely be a more polished, complete product.

Common Misconceptions and Problems

There are several misconceptions about the two games.

Misconception 1: They are the same game. No. They share assets and lore, but they are separate products with separate development teams and separate release schedules.

Misconception 2: Buying one gives you the other. Not necessarily. Some pledge packages include both, but you can buy them separately. Check the package details before purchasing.

Misconception 3: Star Citizen is a scam. This is a common accusation, but the game is real and playable. It is in development, and the developers are actively updating it. However, it has been in development for over a decade, and the scope is enormous, which leads to delays and frustration.

Common problem: Star Citizen’s performance. The game is demanding on hardware and can have server issues. This is a known issue in alpha. Squadron 42, being single-player, will likely be more stable.

Cost and Access: What Do You Pay For?

The pricing model is confusing to newcomers. Here is a breakdown:

• Star Citizen is not free-to-play. You must buy a game package (a ship and access to the PU) to play. Prices start around $45. You can also buy in-game currency (UEC) with real money, but it is not required.
• Squadron 42 is a separate purchase. It is often sold as a standalone add-on for $45, or bundled with Star Citizen for around $110. The price may change at release.
• Ship sales are a major source of funding. You can buy ships with real money, but all ships can be earned in-game with credits. This is a controversial practice, but it is not pay-to-win in the traditional sense, as the game is PvE and PvP with skill-based combat.

There is no subscription fee, but the game is still in alpha, so you are effectively paying to test it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Squadron 42 with friends?

No. Squadron 42 is strictly single-player. There is no co-op or multiplayer mode. It is a solo campaign.

Will my progress in Squadron 42 affect Star Citizen?

Yes, but in a limited way. The developers have said that completing Squadron 42 may unlock in-game rewards in Star Citizen, such as a special medal or a ship. However, the two games are separate, and your character and credits do not carry over between them.

Is Star Citizen free to play?

No. You must purchase a game package to access the persistent universe. However, there are occasional free-fly events where you can try the game for a limited time.

Which game should I buy if I only have money for one?

If you prefer a story-driven, single-player experience, buy Squadron 42. If you want an online sandbox to play with friends, buy Star Citizen. If you are unsure, wait for Squadron 42 to release and see reviews, or try Star Citizen during a free-fly event.

When will Squadron 42 be released?

There is no official release date. The developers have said it is in the final polishing phase, but they have not committed to a date. It has been delayed multiple times, so expect further delays.

Is Star Citizen worth playing in its current alpha state?

It depends on your tolerance for bugs and incomplete features. The game has a lot of content and is fun to explore, but it is not finished. If you are patient and enjoy testing games, it can be rewarding. If you want a polished experience, wait for a later update or the full release.

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