- Squadron 42 how to buy: The campaign will be sold as a standalone single-player PC game.
- Official store first: Buy only through the official website or verified storefronts.
- Release window: Current public listing points to a Q2 2027 release window.
- Not out yet: No legitimate download keys exist before release — beware of pre-sale scams.
- Check editions: Compare standard and bundled options before checkout.
Squadron 42 How to Buy: Current Status
Squadron 42 is the cinematic single-player campaign set in the Star Citizen universe, developed by Cloud Imperium Games. If you are searching for how to buy Squadron 42, the first thing to understand is the game's current retail status: as of October 2026, Squadron 42 has not formally launched, and the current public release window listed on its Steam store page is Q2 2027.
That means the safest purchasing path today runs through official channels — the Squadron 42 official website and Roberts Space Industries — where backers can pledge for packages that include the campaign.
Video Highlights:
- Official cinematic teaser showing the campaign's military sci-fi tone
- Confirms the single-player, story-driven direction of Squadron 42
- Useful for evaluating whether the campaign fits your taste before buying
Because Squadron 42 has not launched, any third-party site claiming to sell "instant download keys" for the full game is not a legitimate source. Stick to the official website and major verified storefronts only.
Where You Can Buy Squadron 42
There are three realistic purchase channels, each with different timing and trade-offs. Compare them before spending money.
| Channel | Availability | What You Get | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official RSI Pledge Store | Available now | Backer packages that include Squadron 42 access | Early supporters who also want Star Citizen perks |
| Steam | Pre-launch page live, release window Q2 2027 | Standalone purchase once released | Players who want a simple one-time buy |
| Other storefronts | Not confirmed | Unknown | Wait for official announcements |
RSI pledge packages grant access when the campaign releases, while a future Steam purchase is a standard retail buy with no backing perks. If you only want the single-player campaign and nothing else, waiting for the retail release is usually the simpler option.
Step-by-Step Buying Guide
Follow these steps to purchase Squadron 42 safely through the official store.
Visit the Official Site
Go to squadron42.com or the RSI Squadron 42 page. The old RSI page now redirects to the official site, confirming it as the primary storefront.
Create an RSI Account
Register a Roberts Space Industries account. All purchases and game access are tied to this account, so use an email you control long-term.
Compare Packages
Review which pledge packages include Squadron 42, and note which ones bundle Star Citizen multiplayer access, ships, or other perks you may not need.
Check System Readiness
Before checkout, confirm your PC has a modern 64-bit Windows setup, a recent dedicated GPU, plenty of RAM, and a fast SSD with ample free space.
Complete Checkout Securely
Pay through the official store only, keep your receipt, and never share account credentials. Access is delivered to your RSI account, not a third-party key.
If you do not want to pledge early, you can wait for the Steam release. Add the Squadron 42 Steam page to your wishlist and buy it as a normal standalone title when it launches.
Editions and Purchase Options Compared
While final retail editions have not been fully announced, here is how the current options compare.
| Option | Includes Squadron 42 | Includes Star Citizen | Typical Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squadron 42 pledge package | Yes | No | Single-player fans |
| Combo package (SQ42 + Star Citizen) | Yes | Yes | Players wanting both experiences |
| Standalone retail (post-launch) | Yes | No | Standard buyers |
Single-Player Only
- Squadron 42 campaign
- No multiplayer universe
- Lowest-cost path for story fans
Combo Package
- Both games
- Access to the persistent universe
- Higher price tier
Wait for Retail
- Steam standalone
- Simple one-time purchase
- No backer perks needed
Official presentations describe a chapter-based campaign of roughly 28 chapters with an expected playtime of about 30 to 40 hours, featuring space combat, first-person missions, and a cinematic cast including Mark Hamill, Gary Oldman, and Gillian Anderson.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
Before You Buy Squadron 42:
- Confirm the purchase is through the official RSI store or a verified storefront
- Create and secure your RSI account with a strong password
- Check your PC meets the expected hardware categories (modern GPU, SSD, ample RAM)
- Compare packages to avoid paying for Star Citizen content you don't want
- Track the release window (currently listed as Q2 2027) before expecting access
FAQ
Q: Can I buy and play Squadron 42 right now?
Not as a released game. As of October 2026, Squadron 42 has not formally launched. Current public listings point to a Q2 2027 release window, and access today comes only through official backer pledge packages on the Roberts Space Industries store, which grant the campaign when it releases.
Q: How to buy Squadron 42 without buying Star Citizen?
Choose a pledge package that includes only Squadron 42 rather than a combo package, or wait for the standalone retail release on storefronts like Steam. The campaign is designed as a self-contained single-player experience, so multiplayer access is not required.
Q: Is Squadron 42 available on consoles?
No console versions have been announced. Current public information lists PC as the platform, so plan on a capable Windows PC with a modern GPU, fast SSD storage, and sufficient memory.
Q: Are third-party key sites safe for Squadron 42?
No. Since the game has not launched, any site claiming to sell download keys for the full campaign is not a legitimate source. Purchase only through the official RSI store or verified major storefronts once the game releases.