A Squadron 42 game package is currently unavailable for purchase directly from the official Roberts Space Industries (RSI) store. Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) delisted standalone copies and combo packages in May 2023 ahead of an expected price adjustment for the final commercial launch. While existing backers who already have the single-player campaign listed in their RSI web hangar retain their access, new pledges and buyback options have undergone significant restrictions.
Here is an overview of how Squadron 42 packaging has evolved, what happened to pledge buybacks, and what you need to know about securing access.
Squadron 42 Game Package Status on the Official RSI Store
As of late development, Squadron 42 is in its final polish phase and cannot be purchased as a pledge bundle on the official website. CIG removed the game from active store listings in May 2023. Prior to that removal, players could pick up the campaign either as a standalone digital download or as an add-on alongside a Star Citizen Persistent Universe (PU) starter ship.
According to developer statements and community updates, the delisting was intentional. The studio plans to reintroduce the standalone single-player game at full commercial pricing when it approaches its official release. If you already own a package that explicitly lists "Squadron 42 Digital Download" under the item details in your RSI account hangar, your access remains intact and will be fulfilled upon release.
The Evolution of Star Citizen and Squadron 42 Combo Packages
Package structures have changed several times throughout the project's long crowdfunding history:
| Era | Package Structure | Base Campaign Pricing | Key Policy Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-February 14, 2016 | Unified Pledges | Included in base pledge | All Star Citizen starter packages automatically included Squadron 42 access. |
| February 2016 – May 2023 | Package Split Era | $45 standalone / $15 add-on | Pledges were split into a la carte options; players bought the PU starter and could add SQ42 for $15. |
| May 2023 – Present | Store Delisting | Not available on RSI store | Standalone SQ42 pledges and combo add-ons were removed from the store pending release. |
| April 2026 | Buyback Restriction | Frozen in buyback queues | CIG disabled the ability to reclaim melted packages containing Squadron 42. |
The 2016 Package Split
During the initial Kickstarter and early crowdfunding phases, pledging for any Star Citizen starter pack automatically included access to both the persistent multiplayer universe and the episodic single-player campaign. On February 14, 2016, CIG enacted the official "Package Split." Under this model, new backers were required to purchase either the Star Citizen Persistent Universe starter or the Squadron 42 campaign for $45, with the option to add the other module for an additional $15.
Account Verification
To verify whether your current RSI account holds a valid campaign license:
- Log in to the official Roberts Space Industries website.
- Navigate to Account, then select My Hangar.
- Locate your game package and click the expand arrow on the right side.
- Check the included line items. You must see "Squadron 42 Digital Download" alongside any ship and insurance items. If it only lists "Star Citizen Digital Download," the package grants access strictly to the multiplayer alpha.
The 2026 Buyback Restriction
In April 2026, the Star Citizen community noticed an unannounced change: pledge packages containing Squadron 42 could no longer be repurchased from player buyback queues using store credit tokens or cash.
Following widespread player confusion, CIG Community Director Tyler Witkin (Zyloh) issued an official statement confirming the change was intentional. CIG clarified that the buyback system was originally created as a customer support tool to help players reverse accidental melts, rather than a permanent storage locker for discounted packages or a vehicle for grey-market reselling.
Because Squadron 42 was retired from the store years earlier at legacy pricing ($45 standalone or $15 add-on), CIG permanently disabled buybacks for any melted packages that contained the single-player campaign. Backers who exchanged their old combo packs for store credits are unable to restore those specific pledges.
Legacy Packages and the Grey Market
Because official acquisition routes are closed until CIG relaunches store listings, some players explore secondary sources:
- Third-Party Resellers: Independent platforms such as The Impound have listed legacy combo packages (such as older Aurora MR, Mustang Alpha, Avenger Titan, or original concept LTI bundles containing SQ42). However, inventory across the secondary market is severely constrained, with most listings marked as sold out.
- Gifting Restrictions: Packages can only be gifted once under RSI system rules. If an item was claimed or bought with store credit, it becomes account-bound unless melted and bought back with fresh cash—a path now blocked for any package containing Squadron 42.
- Account Sales: Some players resort to purchasing older accounts containing early backer pledges. This carries inherent security risks and operates outside official RSI support terms.
Production Status and System Specifications
Squadron 42 reached "feature complete" status in October 2023, transitioning into an extended optimization and polish phase. The game features an extensive Hollywood cast—including Gary Oldman, Mark Hamill, Gillian Anderson, John Rhys-Davies, and Liam Cunningham—running on a heavily customized branch of CryEngine known as StarEngine.
While CIG previously aimed for earlier launch windows, recent public store listings, such as its Steam page entry, list a planned release window of Q2 2027.
Official preliminary specifications listed for the title include:
- Operating System: Windows 11 (64-bit)
- Processor: Quad Core CPU (Intel i7 Sandy Bridge or newer / AMD Bulldozer or newer)
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: DirectX 11.1 compatible GPU with 8 GB VRAM
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage Space: 150 GB available space
- Internet: Broadband connection required
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I currently buy a Squadron 42 game package from CIG?
No. Squadron 42 was removed from the official Roberts Space Industries pledge store in May 2023. CIG plans to make the game available for purchase again closer to its commercial launch.
If I melt my old Star Citizen package that includes Squadron 42, can I buy it back?
No. In April 2026, CIG intentionally disabled the buyback option for any package or bundle that includes Squadron 42. If you melt that pledge for store credit, you lose the campaign license and cannot reclaim it from your buyback queue.
Does buying a standard Star Citizen starter pack grant access to Squadron 42?
No. Star Citizen starter packages sold on the RSI store grant access only to the multiplayer Persistent Universe and Arena Commander. Squadron 42 is an independent, standalone single-player game.
Does Squadron 42 include Arena Commander?
Early promotional packages and standalone pledges for Squadron 42 provided access to the Arena Commander flight simulator module so backers could test flight mechanics. However, full access to the Persistent Universe requires a separate Star Citizen game package.
