Should You Buy Star Citizen Or Wait For Free Fly?
Should you buy Star Citizen now or wait for a free Free Fly event? A clear decision guide weighing risk, cost, timing, and who each option suits.
Quick Answer
Should you buy Star Citizen now or wait for a free Free Fly event? A clear decision guide weighing risk, cost, timing, and who each option suits.
If you’re not sure whether to buy Star Citizen now or wait for a free Free Fly event, the short version is: most new players should wait and test it free first, while players who already know they want in can buy the cheapest package now. This guide lays out the trade-offs so you can decide confidently.
Last updated: June 13, 2026 Current game version: Star Citizen Alpha 4.8.1 (LIVE)
Short Answer
For most newcomers, waiting for a Free Fly is the smarter move — it lets you test the game and your PC for free before spending money. But Free Flys can be weeks apart and run on busy servers, so if you already know you want to play, buying the cheapest game package now is reasonable. Either way, use a referral code for 50,000 free UEC.
Key Takeaways
- Waiting for Free Fly lets you try the game risk-free.
- Buying now gives permanent access and lets you start progressing immediately.
- Free Fly events happen several times a year, but timing isn’t guaranteed.
- Starter packs are relatively inexpensive (~$45 for the cheapest).
- Testing performance before buying is genuinely valuable.
- Use a referral code regardless of when you buy.
Why Many Players Wait For Free Fly
Short Answer
Free Fly removes all financial risk. You experience the actual game — performance, gameplay, and the alpha rough edges — before deciding whether it’s worth your money.
This matters because Star Citizen is demanding and unfinished. Trying it free tells you whether your PC handles it and whether the gameplay loop appeals to you, which a trailer or review can’t fully convey. For dates, see Next Star Citizen Free Fly Event.
Reasons To Buy Star Citizen Immediately
Short Answer
If you already know you want to play, buying now gives you permanent access, lets you start learning and progressing right away, and means you’re not waiting weeks for the next event.
The cheapest package is inexpensive, and you can play whenever you like rather than only during event windows. See Best Star Citizen Starter Pack and Cheapest Way To Play Star Citizen.
Advantages Of Waiting For Free Fly
Short Answer
Waiting is about reducing risk: free access, a real performance test, and a chance to try multiple ships before committing.
Required Table
| Advantage | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Free Access | High |
| Performance Testing | High |
| Try Multiple Ships | Medium |
| No Commitment | High |
Advantages Of Buying Immediately
Short Answer
Buying now is about access and momentum: permanent entry, the ability to start progressing, and no waiting for an event.
Required Table
| Advantage | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Permanent Access | High |
| Start Progressing Early | High |
| No Waiting | Medium |
| Play Anytime | High |
Who Should Wait For Free Fly?
Short Answer
Waiting is ideal for new players, anyone unsure whether their PC can run the game, and budget-conscious players who want to try before paying.
If any of these describe you, hold off and test during the next event. See How Star Citizen Free Fly Works.
Who Should Buy Immediately?
Short Answer
Buying now makes sense for dedicated space-sim fans, players who’ve already researched the game and know they want it, and people comfortable with alpha-stage development.
If you’re confident you’ll enjoy it and don’t want to wait, the cheapest package is a low-cost way in. For an honest gut-check, see Is Star Citizen Worth It.
Decision Matrix
| Your Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| New, unsure if you’ll like it | Wait for Free Fly |
| Unsure your PC can run it | Wait for Free Fly |
| On a tight budget | Wait for Free Fly |
| Already know you want to play | Buy the cheapest package |
| Comfortable with alpha bugs, want to start now | Buy now |
| Want to try several ships first | Wait for Free Fly (esp. IAE) |
Whichever you choose, start with the cheapest package or a free account, and don’t overspend early. See the Beginner Guide.
Should You Use A Referral Code?
Short Answer
Yes — in every case. Whether you buy now or create a free account for Free Fly, entering a referral code at signup locks in the 50,000 UEC bonus. It costs nothing extra.
Use the 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 gives the same 50,000 UEC bonus as any valid code. See Free Fly Referral Code.
FAQ
Should I buy Star Citizen now?
Only if you already know you want to play. Otherwise, test it free during a Free Fly first.
Is it better to wait for Free Fly?
For most new players, yes — it’s a risk-free way to test the game and your PC.
Can I try Star Citizen before buying?
Yes, during Free Fly events. See How Free Fly Works.
How often are Free Fly events?
Several times a year, around CIG’s major events. See Next Free Fly Event.
Is Star Citizen worth buying?
It depends on your tolerance for an unfinished, buggy alpha. See Is Star Citizen Worth It.
What happens after Free Fly ends?
Free access ends; buy a game package to keep playing. Your account remains.
Are Free Fly servers worse?
They’re busier during events, so expect more load and bugs.
Can I keep my progress?
In-game progress is subject to wipes; your account and purchases persist.
What starter package should I buy?
The cheapest — the Citizen Starter Pack (Aurora Mk II). See Best Starter Pack.
Should beginners wait?
Usually yes, unless you’re already certain you want to play.
Related Guides
- Next Star Citizen Free Fly Event — when you can test free.
- How Star Citizen Free Fly Works — the event mechanics.
- Star Citizen Free Fly Referral Code — using a code.
- Best Star Citizen Starter Pack — which package to buy.
- Cheapest Way To Play Star Citizen — lowest-cost entry.
- Is Star Citizen Worth It — an honest assessment.
Sources
Official Sources
- RSI Comm-Link — Free Fly and sale announcements.
- RSI Game Packages Store — current package prices.
- RSI Patch Notes — current version (Alpha 4.8.1).
Additional References
- Star Citizen Wiki — event history.
- r/starcitizen on Reddit — buy-now-vs-wait discussions.
Author Note
There’s no wrong answer here, only the right answer for your situation. If you’re curious but cautious, wait — a Free Fly costs you nothing and tells you everything. If you’ve watched the videos, read the reviews, and you’re itching to play, the cheapest package is cheap enough that waiting weeks for an event isn’t worth it. Just don’t overspend on a big ship before you’ve actually played.
Changelog
June 2026
- Updated for Alpha 4.8.1 and current package prices.
- Linked the next expected event (Foundation Festival, July 2026).
Future Updates
- Re-verify package prices and Free Fly timing.
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.
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