Squadron 42: What to Know Before You Play

Squadron 42 is a single-player, story-driven space combat game set in the Star Citizen universe, developed by Cloud Imperium Games. Before you jump in, you should know that it is a separate purchase from Star Citizen, has no official release date yet, and will feature a star-studded cast including Gary Oldman, Mark Hamill, and Gillian Anderson. This article covers everything you need to know before playing, from development history to system requirements and gameplay expectations.

Background: The Long Road to Release

Squadron 42 was first announced in 2012 as part of the original Star Citizen crowdfunding campaign. It was pitched as the single-player “wing commander”-style experience that would complement the persistent online universe of Star Citizen. Over the years, the project has faced numerous delays, with the development scope expanding significantly. The game is built on the same engine and tech as Star Citizen, but it offers a curated, cinematic narrative experience rather than an open-ended MMO.

Development has been marked by high-profile changes, including the departure of original director Chris Roberts from day-to-day oversight (though he remains involved) and the hiring of a dedicated team to focus solely on Squadron 42. As of 2024, the game is still in development, with no confirmed release date, though Cloud Imperium has stated it is in the “polish” phase. This long development cycle has led to both anticipation and skepticism among the gaming community.

Gameplay: What You’ll Actually Do

Squadron 42 puts you in the role of a rookie pilot aboard the UEES Stanton, a military carrier. The game is a mix of space combat, on-foot missions, and dialogue-driven story moments. You’ll fly a variety of ships, engage in dogfights, and make choices that affect the narrative. The game is designed to be accessible to newcomers, with a tutorial that eases you into the controls, but it also offers depth for veteran sim players.

Key gameplay elements include:

• Space combat: dogfights against enemy fighters and capital ships
• FPS sections: on-foot missions with weapons and stealth mechanics
• Dialogue and choices: conversations with NPCs that can alter mission outcomes
• Ship management: managing power, shields, and weapons during combat
• Exploration: limited free-roam within missions, not an open world

Unlike Star Citizen, Squadron 42 is a linear, story-driven campaign. You won’t have a persistent character or a shared universe; it’s a self-contained experience meant to be played through multiple times to see different outcomes.

How to Get It: Purchase and Access

Squadron 42 is sold separately from Star Citizen. You can buy it as a standalone package or as part of a bundle that includes both games. The standard price is $45 (though it may change), and it includes the game and a digital copy of the manual. There are also more expensive packages that include additional ships or in-game currency for Star Citizen.

If you already have a Star Citizen game package, you can add Squadron 42 as an add-on for a discounted price. However, note that Squadron 42 is not included in the base Star Citizen package. You’ll need to purchase it separately. Be aware that buying Squadron 42 does not give you access to Star Citizen’s persistent universe, and vice versa.

System Requirements and Tech

While the final system requirements haven’t been officially finalized, the game is built on the same engine as Star Citizen, which is known for being demanding. Based on the current state of Star Citizen, you’ll likely need a powerful PC to run Squadron 42 at acceptable settings. Here are the estimated requirements based on Star Citizen’s current specs:

• Minimum: Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 1600, 16GB RAM, NVIDIA GTX 1060 or AMD RX 580
• Recommended: Intel Core i7-9700K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X, 32GB RAM, NVIDIA RTX 2070 or AMD RX 5700 XT
• Storage: SSD required, with at least 70GB of free space

These are estimates, and the final requirements could be higher. The game uses DirectX 11, and there’s no official support for Vulkan or ray tracing yet, though they may be added later. If you’re unsure about your hardware, it’s best to wait for the official specs or check community benchmarks closer to release.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One of the biggest misconceptions is that Squadron 42 and Star Citizen are the same game. They are not. Squadron 42 is a single-player campaign, while Star Citizen is a multiplayer MMO. Another common issue is the lack of a release date, which has frustrated fans. Cloud Imperium has been criticized for not providing regular updates, leading to speculation about the game’s status.

Another problem is the game’s scope. The project has been in development for over a decade, and some worry that it may never live up to the hype. However, the developers have shown gameplay footage and have been transparent about the development process, which suggests they are committed to delivering a quality product. It’s also worth noting that Squadron 42 is not a “early access” game; it will be released as a finished product, so you won’t be able to play it until it’s done.

Comparisons: How It Stacks Up

Squadron 42 is often compared to other space sims like Elite Dangerous, No Man’s Sky, and the classic Wing Commander series. Unlike Elite Dangerous, which is an open-world sandbox, Squadron 42 is a narrative-driven campaign. It’s more similar to Wing Commander or Freelancer in that regard. The game also draws comparisons to cinematic shooters like Call of Duty or Mass Effect, but with a focus on space combat.

One unique aspect is the use of a star-studded cast and motion capture, which is rare in the genre. The game is also being built with the same level of fidelity as Star Citizen, which means it will likely push graphical boundaries. However, this also means it may not be as accessible as simpler space games, and the learning curve could be steep for casual players.

Cost and Value

The cost of Squadron 42 is $45, which is comparable to other AAA games. However, there are additional costs to consider. If you want to play Star Citizen as well, you’ll need to buy that separately, which is also $45 for the base package. There are also cosmetic items and ships that can be purchased with real money in Star Citizen, but these are optional and not required for Squadron 42.

Is it worth the money? That depends on your expectations. If you’re looking for a deep, cinematic space combat experience, it could be worth it. However, given the long development time and lack of release date, you might want to wait for reviews before committing. There’s also the possibility of a price increase closer to release, so buying now could save you money if you’re confident you’ll want it.

Safety and Community

There are no safety concerns with playing Squadron 42, as it’s a fictional game. However, be cautious of scams related to the game. Since it’s not yet released, there are no official keys or accounts for sale. Any website offering to sell you Squadron 42 keys or early access is likely a scam. Stick to the official Cloud Imperium Games store for purchases.

The community around Squadron 42 is active and passionate, with forums and subreddits dedicated to discussing the game. Joining these communities can help you stay updated on development news and connect with other fans. However, be aware that the community can be polarized, with some members expressing frustration over delays. It’s best to focus on the official channels for accurate information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Squadron 42 the same as Star Citizen?

No. Squadron 42 is a single-player, story-driven campaign, while Star Citizen is a persistent online multiplayer universe. They share the same technology and some assets, but they are separate products and require separate purchases.

When will Squadron 42 be released?

There is no official release date yet. The developers have said it’s in the “polish” phase, but they haven’t given a specific timeframe. It’s been in development since 2012, so it’s best to stay patient and follow official updates.

Can I play Squadron 42 if I only have Star Citizen?

No. Squadron 42 is a separate purchase. If you own Star Citizen, you can add Squadron 42 to your account for a discounted price, but you won’t get it automatically.

Will my Star Citizen ships carry over to Squadron 42?

No. Squadron 42 is a separate experience, and your Star Citizen ships and progress won’t transfer. You’ll have access to specific ships within the campaign’s story, but not your personal fleet.

Do I need a joystick to play Squadron 42?

No, you can play with mouse and keyboard or a gamepad. The game is designed to be playable with any input method, though a joystick or HOTAS setup may enhance the experience for some players.

Is there multiplayer in Squadron 42?

No. Squadron 42 is strictly single-player. There is no co-op or multiplayer mode planned. The multiplayer aspect of the Star Citizen universe is in the separate Star Citizen game.

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