Squadron 42 on Steam: What to Know First

Squadron 42 is the single-player story campaign set in the Star Citizen universe, and buying it on Steam comes with a few important caveats. Before you purchase, know that it is not yet released, it is sold as a standalone add-on that requires a separate Star Citizen account, and the Steam version is only a launcher that downloads the game from Cloud Imperium Games’ own servers. This article explains exactly what you get, how the purchase works, and what to expect before you spend money.

Background: What Squadron 42 Actually Is

Squadron 42 is a narrative-driven space combat game developed by Cloud Imperium Games (CIG), set in the same persistent universe as Star Citizen but as a completely separate, offline-style campaign. It was originally pitched as a stretch goal in the Star Citizen crowdfunding campaign in 2012 and has been in development ever since. The game features a star-studded cast including Gary Oldman, Mark Hamill, Gillian Anderson, and Henry Cavill, and is designed to be a Wing Commander-style experience with a full story, missions, and cinematic cutscenes.

Importantly, Squadron 42 is not a multiplayer game and does not require a Star Citizen game package to play. It is a standalone purchase, but it does require you to create an account on the Roberts Space Industries (RSI) website and link it to your Steam account. The game is currently in a “feature complete” state according to CIG, but it has no confirmed release date as of early 2025. The Steam page lists it as “Coming Soon” and you cannot buy it directly through Steam yet—you can only buy it on the RSI website, and the Steam version will be a free launcher that you download after purchasing elsewhere.

How the Steam Purchase Works

When Squadron 42 eventually appears on Steam, it will not be a traditional purchase. Instead, CIG has stated that the Steam version will be a launcher that connects to your RSI account. Here is the practical flow:

• You buy Squadron 42 from the official RSI website (either as a standalone pledge or as part of a package).
• You download the free “Squadron 42” launcher from Steam, which is essentially a shell that installs the game files from CIG’s servers.
• You log into the launcher with your RSI credentials, and the game appears in your library.
• You do not need to own Star Citizen to play Squadron 42, but you do need an RSI account.

This means that buying the game on Steam is not like buying a typical Steam game where the key is redeemed and the game is tied to your Steam library. The Steam page will simply be a delivery mechanism, and the actual game license is tied to your RSI account. This has caused confusion in the past, so be aware that if you buy a physical or digital code from a third-party reseller, it will likely be an RSI code, not a Steam key.

Cost and What You Get

The price of Squadron 42 has changed over the years. As of early 2025, the standalone Squadron 42 pledge costs $45 on the RSI website. This price includes the full single-player campaign when it releases, and it also grants you a digital download of the game manual and soundtrack. You do not get any Star Citizen ships or in-game currency with the standalone Squadron 42 package—that is separate.

There is also a bundle called the “Star Citizen + Squadron 42” combo, which costs $72 and includes both the MMO Star Citizen (with a starter ship and game access) and the Squadron 42 campaign. This is often the better value if you are interested in both games, but if you only want the single-player story, the $45 standalone is sufficient. Note that CIG has occasionally offered discounts during events like the Intergalactic Aerospace Expo (IAE) or the anniversary sale, so you might find it cheaper if you wait.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One of the biggest misconceptions is that buying Squadron 42 on Steam gives you a refund through Steam’s policy. Because the Steam version is just a launcher, CIG’s own refund policy applies, not Steam’s. CIG offers a 30-day refund window for pledges, but after that, it is final. If you buy through Steam, you might be able to get a refund through Steam if the game is not released within a certain time, but this is not guaranteed and is a gray area. Always read the fine print.

Another common issue is that people confuse Squadron 42 with Star Citizen. They are separate games. Squadron 42 is a single-player campaign, while Star Citizen is the persistent multiplayer universe. They share the same engine and assets, but progress in one does not carry over to the other. Also, the game is not released yet, so buying it now is essentially a pre-order. There is no playable build available to backers yet, though CIG has shown gameplay demos. If you are not comfortable waiting indefinitely, this might not be the purchase for you.

How to Choose: Standalone vs. Bundle

Deciding between the standalone Squadron 42 and the bundle depends on your interest in Star Citizen. Here are some factors to consider:

• If you only want the story campaign and have no interest in the MMO, buy the standalone at $45.
• If you want to try Star Citizen as well, the bundle at $72 is a good deal because it includes a starter ship (usually an Aurora MR or Mustang Alpha) and 1,000 UEC (in-game currency).
• If you already own Star Citizen, you can add Squadron 42 to your account for $45 without buying a new package.
• Wait for a free-fly event or a referral bonus to get a discount, but note that referral bonuses usually only apply to new accounts.

Also, consider that the game is not finished. If you are the type of person who wants to play immediately after buying, this is not for you. The development has been long and has faced multiple delays, so be prepared for the possibility of waiting another year or more.

System Requirements and Performance

While the final system requirements have not been officially released, CIG has shared some recommended specs for the Star Citizen engine, which Squadron 42 will use. Based on the current Star Citizen alpha, you can expect to need a modern quad-core CPU, 16GB of RAM (32GB recommended), and a GPU with at least 4GB of VRAM (8GB recommended). The game uses DirectX 11 and will likely support DirectX 12 in the future. Because the game is not optimized yet, these numbers could change. It is safe to assume that a mid-range gaming PC from the last few years will run it at 1080p, but for 4K you will need a high-end card like an RTX 3080 or better. The game will also be available on consoles? No, it is PC-only.

Alternatives and What to Do While Waiting

If you are eager for a space combat experience similar to Squadron 42, there are several alternatives you can play right now. Elite Dangerous offers a single-player mode (Solo) and a full galaxy to explore, though it is more sandbox than story-driven. Star Wars: Squadrons is a shorter, focused space combat game with a story campaign, available on PC and consoles. If you want a deep narrative with a crew, try Mass Effect Legendary Edition or the Wing Commander series (which Squadron 42 is a spiritual successor to) available on GOG. These can scratch the itch while you wait.

You can also follow development updates on the RSI website or YouTube. CIG regularly posts “Around the Verse” and “Star Citizen Live” videos that often include Squadron 42 progress. Just be aware that the game has been in development for over a decade, so do not expect a release date announcement anytime soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy Squadron 42 on Steam right now? No, the Steam page is a placeholder. You can only buy it from the RSI website, and the Steam version will be a free launcher that you download after purchasing elsewhere.

Do I need to own Star Citizen to play Squadron 42? No, they are separate purchases. Squadron 42 is a standalone single-player game and does not require a Star Citizen game package.

If I buy Squadron 42, do I get a refund if it never releases? CIG’s refund policy is 30 days from purchase. After that, it is final. Steam’s refund policy does not apply to this launcher-based purchase because the actual game is not sold through Steam.

Will Squadron 42 be on consoles? No, it is PC-only. CIG has not announced any console versions.

What happens to my Squadron 42 purchase if I already have a Star Citizen account? You can add the standalone Squadron 42 pledge to your existing account. It will be tied to that account, and you will be able to download the game through the launcher when it releases.

Is Squadron 42 worth buying now? That depends on your tolerance for waiting. If you want to support development and get the game at a locked-in price, it might be worth it. But if you prefer to buy finished games, wait for release.

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