How Star Citizen Free Fly Works
Star Citizen Free Fly events let you play for free for a limited time. Here's how to join, which ships you get, how long events last, and what happens after.
Quick Answer
Star Citizen Free Fly events let you play for free for a limited time. Here's how to join, which ships you get, how long events last, and what happens after.
A Free Fly event is Star Citizen’s free trial: for a limited time, anyone can create an account, download the game, and fly a selection of ships without buying anything. It’s the best way to test the game and your PC before spending money. Here’s exactly how it works.
Last updated: June 13, 2026 Current game version: Star Citizen Alpha 4.8.1 (LIVE)
Want the dates? See Next Star Citizen Free Fly Event (next expected: Foundation Festival, July 2026 — verify).
Short Answer
During a Free Fly event, you create a free RSI account, download the RSI Launcher, install Star Citizen, and play the ships made available for that event — at no cost. Events are time-limited (often around a week, longer for the IAE), require no game package, and end when the event closes. Your account and any referral eligibility remain afterward.
Key Takeaways
- Free Fly events are temporary free-trial periods.
- No purchase is required to participate.
- Multiple ships are available to try (selection varies by event).
- Your account remains after the event; free access does not.
- Servers can be busier and buggier during events.
- Use a referral code when you sign up.
What Is A Star Citizen Free Fly Event?
Short Answer
A Free Fly is a limited-time event during which Star Citizen is free to play. CIG opens the game to anyone with an account and provides a set of ships to fly for the event’s duration — no game package needed.
These events are usually tied to CIG’s annual calendar (military showcases, festivals, CitizenCon, and the IAE). They’re designed to let newcomers experience the game and to showcase ships to existing players.
Required Table
| Feature | Free Fly |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free |
| Account Required | Yes |
| Game Package Required | No |
| Time Limited | Yes |
| Ships Included | Yes |
How Do You Join A Free Fly Event?
Short Answer
Create a free RSI account, download and install the RSI Launcher, install Star Citizen, and launch the game during the event window.
Steps
- Create an account on the RSI enlist page (enter a referral code here).
- Download and install the RSI Launcher.
- Install Star Citizen through the launcher.
- Launch the game during the event period and start playing.
For the referral side, see Star Citizen Free Fly Referral Code.
Which Ships Are Included?
Short Answer
The selection changes between events. Smaller events offer a handful of ships; the IAE typically rotates a large lineup across the event so you can try many manufacturers.
Required Table
| Ship Access | Availability |
|---|---|
| Starter Ships | Usually available |
| Premium Ships | Sometimes |
| Event/Rotating Ships | Varies by event |
Check the event’s Comm-Link post for the exact list, since CIG curates it per event.
How Long Do Free Fly Events Last?
Short Answer
Durations vary. Many Free Flys run roughly a week; the IAE tends to be longer (often around ten days), with ships rotating throughout.
Required Table
| Event Type | Typical Duration (verify) |
|---|---|
| Festival / showcase Free Fly | ~1 week |
| IAE | ~10 days (rotating ships) |
| Special / patch events | Varies |
Always confirm the exact window on the Comm-Link.
What Happens After Free Fly Ends?
Short Answer
Free access ends and you can no longer play unless you buy a game package. Your account, settings, and referral eligibility stay intact.
If you enjoyed it, the cheapest game package (the Citizen Starter Pack with the Aurora Mk II) is enough to continue. See Best Star Citizen Starter Pack and Cheapest Way To Play Star Citizen. Still on the fence? Weigh it up in Should You Buy Star Citizen Or Wait For Free Fly.
Is Free Fly Good For Beginners?
Short Answer
Yes. It’s the lowest-risk way to test the game: you can check whether your PC runs it well, try different ships, learn the basics, and decide if you enjoy it — all without spending money.
The main caveats are busier servers and the usual alpha bugs during high-traffic events. Go in with patience and a beginner guide open, and you’ll get a fair sense of the game.
Common Problems During Free Fly
Server Performance
High player counts during events can mean slower servers and more hitching.
Longer Queues
Popular events can produce login queues, especially at launch.
Increased Bugs
More players surface more bugs. Relog or switch servers when needed.
A Confusing First Experience
The game has a steep learning curve, and Free Fly drops you in cold. A beginner guide helps a lot.
For honest context on the game’s state, see Is Star Citizen Worth It.
Problems Summary
| Problem | What To Do |
|---|---|
| Slow servers | Relog or switch servers |
| Login queue | Try off-peak hours |
| Bugs | Relog; expect alpha rough edges |
| Feeling lost | Follow a beginner guide |
Should You Use A Referral Code?
Short Answer
Yes. When you create your account for Free Fly, enter a referral code so your 50,000 UEC bonus is lined up if you decide to buy a package later. It costs nothing and has no downside.
Use the referral link to auto-fill it:
https://www.robertsspaceindustries.com/enlist?referral=STAR-2RLP-3H4X
Disclosure: This is my personal referral code. Using it costs nothing extra and provides the same 50,000 UEC bonus as any valid code. I may receive referral progress if your account later qualifies.
More detail: Star Citizen Free Fly Referral Code, and the full breakdown in our main Star Citizen Referral Code guide.
FAQ
How does Star Citizen Free Fly work?
You create a free account, install the game via the RSI Launcher, and play the available ships free during the event window.
Is Star Citizen Free Fly really free?
Yes. No purchase is required to play during the event.
Do I need a game package?
No, not during Free Fly. You need one to keep playing afterward.
Which ships are included?
It varies by event; the IAE usually offers the widest rotating selection.
How long do Free Fly events last?
Often about a week, with the IAE running longer. Verify per event.
What happens when Free Fly ends?
Free access ends; buy a game package to continue. Your account remains.
Can I keep my progress?
In-game progress is subject to wipes regardless, but your account and purchases persist. Verify wipe status for the current patch.
Should beginners try Free Fly?
Yes — it’s the best low-risk way to test the game and your PC.
Are Free Fly servers crowded?
Yes — expect busier servers and more bugs during events.
Can I use a referral code?
Yes — enter one at signup for the 50,000 UEC bonus.
Related Guides
- Next Star Citizen Free Fly Event — current and upcoming dates.
- Star Citizen Free Fly Referral Code — using a code.
- Star Citizen Referral Code — the main referral guide (50,000 free UEC).
- Should You Buy Or Wait For Free Fly — timing your purchase.
- Best Star Citizen Starter Pack — after the event.
- Cheapest Way To Play Star Citizen — lowest-cost entry.
- Star Citizen Beginner Guide — make the most of your trial.
- Is Star Citizen Worth It — deciding after you try.
Sources
Official Sources
- RSI Comm-Link — Free Fly rules, ships, and durations.
- RSI Enlist Page — account creation.
- RSI Patch Notes — current version (Alpha 4.8.1).
Additional References
- Star Citizen Wiki — event history and ship lists.
- r/starcitizen on Reddit — Free Fly newcomer experiences.
Author Note
Free Fly is genuinely the smartest way to try Star Citizen — you get to see whether the game runs on your rig and whether the gameplay clicks, all without spending a cent. Just go in expecting busy servers and a few bugs; that’s the nature of a free trial in an alpha. Set the account up with a referral code so, if you do buy in, the bonus is already waiting.
Changelog
June 2026
- Updated mechanics for the current event format and Alpha 4.8.1.
- Linked the next expected event (Foundation Festival, July 2026).
Future Updates
- Re-verify event durations and ship lists per event.
- Update wipe/progress notes with each major patch.
Fusion Thunder
Founder & EditorI'm Fusion Thunder, the founder of Beyond Max Level. I'm a lifelong gamer and content creator who doesn't just play games — I like to push them to their absolute limits. This site is the written extension of my YouTube channel, @BeyondMaxLevel, where I break down the open-world epics and big RPGs worth going deep on into clear, no-fluff guides you can actually follow.
Related Guides
Guide Star Citizen Referral Code
Use a current Star Citizen referral code to get 50,000 free UEC when you create your account. Here is the code, how to use it, and how the bonus works.
Guide Where To Enter A Star Citizen Referral Code
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Guide Can You Add A Star Citizen Referral Code After Signup?
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