Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) has officially disabled the ability to buy back any melted pledge package that contains the single-player campaign Squadron 42. If you previously reclaimed or melted an older game package featuring Squadron 42 into store credit, that package can no longer be retrieved through the Pledge Buy Back tool.
This change does not remove Squadron 42 from accounts that currently have an active, unmelted package in their hangar. However, it permanently blocks backers from re-acquiring melted legacy bundles at historical prices.
Official CIG Statement on Disabling Squadron 42 Buybacks
Following community confusion and error messages on the Roberts Space Industries (RSI) pledge store, Tyler Witkin (Zyloh), Head of Community at CIG, confirmed that the restriction was fully intentional rather than a platform glitch.
According to CIG, the buyback system was originally created as a customer support mechanism to assist players who melted pledges by mistake. Over time, players adopted the system as an unofficial fleet management tool and "cold storage" reserve. In the official response, CIG highlighted several key reasons for the shutdown:
- Standalone AAA Focus: Squadron 42 was removed from the general RSI pledge store as both a standalone item and an add-on in May 2023. CIG stated that the buyback system was never intended to serve as a workaround for purchasing delisted products.
- Grey Market Prevention: The studio explicitly addressed the resale market, stating that the buyback queue should not be used to park ships and legacy bundles at their original prices for future profit on the grey market.
- Preparations for Launch: The change was described as part of backend adjustments being made as internal preparations for the release of Squadron 42 advance.
CIG also noted that a temporary caching issue caused a broader error message across the store during the rollout, leading some players to believe that all pledge buybacks were being terminated. That caching bug was resolved, and standard Star Citizen buybacks remain functional.
Why Players Kept Squadron 42 in Buybacks
To understand the frustration surrounding this decision, it helps to understand how the RSI pledge ecosystem operates:
| Feature | Intended Function | Common Community Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Melting (Reclaiming) | Convert unwanted pledges into store credit for new purchases. | Temporarily turn older packages into credit to test newly released flyable ships. |
| Buyback Queue | Repository of previously owned pledges that can be repurchased. | Long-term "cold storage" to lock in legacy concept pricing or discontinued bundle perks. |
| Buyback Tokens | Non-stacking tokens distributed periodically to repurchase items with store credit. | Rotating ships in and out of the active hangar without spending fresh cash. |
When CIG first implemented the Star Citizen and Squadron 42 package split in February 2016, original backers received both games in a single bundle, or were able to purchase Squadron 42 as an inexpensive $15 add-on. Over the years, many long-term players melted those original starter packages to acquire newer standalone ships, trusting that their quarterly buyback tokens would allow them to restore the campaign bundle whenever development neared completion.
With buybacks for packages containing Squadron 42 now locked, any backer who left their legacy package in the melted state must purchase the game separately when it returns for general sale.
Current Account Impact: Active vs. Melted Pledges
The impact of this policy depends entirely on where your copy of Squadron 42 is located within your RSI account:
- Active Hangar (Safe): If you currently own a game package in your "My Hangar" section that includes "Squadron 42 digital download," your access is unchanged. CIG has not revoked any active pledges.
- Buyback Queue (Inaccessible): If your Squadron 42 bundle was melted and currently sits in your buyback queue, the checkout button is disabled. Attempting to reclaim it will display a message stating that the item is unavailable because it was a special, discounted, or limited offer.
- Standard Star Citizen Ships (Unaffected): Standalone Star Citizen ships and packages that do not contain Squadron 42 can still be bought back normally using cash or store credit with a buyback token.
What This Means for Future Pricing
CIG originally delisted Squadron 42 from the store in 2023 with notice that it would return at a later date, and community analysts widely view the closure of buyback loopholes as preparation for a traditional commercial release campaign.
When Squadron 42 returns to commercial storefronts—including its established listing on Steam—it is expected to carry modern standard retail pricing rather than the discounted crowdfunded add-on rates offered between 2012 and 2023. Backers who hold active bundles retain their early-supporter discount, while those who relied on the buyback queue will need to buy into the game at its upcoming retail price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit a customer support ticket to restore a melted Squadron 42 package?
CIG's community announcement stated that the restriction was an intentional policy decision. The terms of the buyback system have always maintained that items permanently removed from the store or tied to special promotions are not guaranteed to remain buyable.
How do I check if my account currently has Squadron 42?
Log into your account on the Roberts Space Industries website, navigate to Account > My Hangar, and locate your game package. Click the expand arrow on the package to view its line-item contents. If it lists Squadron 42 digital download, the single-player campaign is registered to your account.
Are all pledge buybacks being removed from Star Citizen?
No. General Star Citizen buybacks remain active. The recent change applies specifically to packages and standalone pledges that contain Squadron 42. Standard ships and packages that do not include the single-player game can still be repurchased through your buyback queue as long as they meet standard buyback criteria.
