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For most buyers, waiting is the sensible choice. Squadron 42 is still in development, is not available to download, and its announced release window is Q2 2027—not a confirmed launch date. Before paying, check the live RSI store, your account’s existing pledges, and your PC against the published requirements. Waiting also gives you a chance to assess the final price and independent reviews once the game is available.
Is Squadron 42 available to buy and play now?
No. Roberts Space Industries (RSI) says Squadron 42 remains in development and is not available for download. RSI says owners of a pledge that includes the game will be able to download it after development, testing, and release. Read RSI’s availability answer.
Chris Roberts, chairman and CEO of Cloud Imperium Games, said in an August 27, 2026 letter: “We have taken a look at the release windows at the start of 2027, and decided that Q2 provides a better time for Squadron 42 to release.” He also said a specific release date would be announced shortly after the October 9–10 play sessions. The official materials reviewed here establish the Q2 2027 window, not a specific date; check for a newer announcement before making a decision. Read the archived chairman letter.
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Should you buy now or wait?
| Choice | What it means | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Consider buying only if a current offer is available | Check the live store and checkout for the actual offer and terms. Reviewed official materials do not establish a current standalone preorder or final price. | Someone who has verified the offer, understands the wait for release, and is comfortable buying before launch reviews are available. |
| Wait | Recheck availability, final price, the announced release date, and independent reviews when they become available. | Anyone who wants to play soon, needs a firm launch date, or prefers to judge the finished game before paying. |
There is no independent game-quality evaluation in the official information cited here, so it cannot establish whether the finished campaign will be worth its eventual price. The decision is therefore about your tolerance for buying ahead of release, not a verified assessment of the final game.
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What price and preorder details should you verify?
Do not rely on old prices or listings. A 2016 RSI package-split notice described a $45 base price as non-final and subject to change; it is historical context, not evidence of today’s price or an active offer. See RSI’s 2016 package-split information.
RSI’s current support information describes a discounted Squadron 42 add-on that may be offered at checkout to buyers of qualifying game packages. It does not establish that the offer is available to every account, or confirm a current standalone price or preorder. Check the live store and the terms shown for your account before you pay. Review RSI’s orders FAQ.
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How can existing Star Citizen account holders avoid buying twice?
- Sign in to your RSI account and open My Hangar.
- Review the contents of your existing pledges and look for Squadron 42 access.
- Compare what your account already includes with the exact package or add-on shown at checkout.
- Before completing an order, confirm that the displayed offer applies to your account and that it does not duplicate access you already have.
RSI says the discounted add-on cannot be applied retroactively. Its pledge guidance also warns that not all reclaimed pledges can be bought back, so do not assume you can restore a previous pledge later. Read RSI’s pledges FAQ.
Billing-region taxes may be added at checkout. RSI says tax is not returned as pledge value when a pledge is reclaimed; check the order total and applicable terms before confirming payment. Review RSI’s orders FAQ.
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Can your PC run Squadron 42?
RSI’s published requirements, updated December 17, 2025, list these minimums. Requirements may change before release, so check RSI’s page again near launch. See RSI’s game and launcher requirements.
- Operating system: Windows 10 or Windows 11.
- Graphics: a DirectX 11.1-compatible graphics card with 4 GB of graphics memory.
- Processor: a compatible quad-core CPU with the required instruction support.
- Memory: 16 GB or more of RAM.
- Storage: an SSD with at least 150 GB available.
Linux and macOS are not currently supported. The storage requirement does not, by itself, mean you need to buy a new drive: first check how much space is free on a compatible SSD and whether your system can use any additional drive you might consider.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
