Those who have been around video games will have heard of Star Citizen before. Originally introduced with a Kickstarter campaign, Star Citizen is one of the largest crowdfunding efforts players have ever seen, having received over $500 million in funding between its inception and today.
Still, even with all that funding, the development of the game has moved very slowly. The game is still far from a full release, and much of the content that is released in their Alpha can be prone to bugs. That said, the game is playable for those who want to experience the starting pieces of what could be one of the biggest titles of video game history.
With all this backing, many would think the game wouldn’t have a large price tag on it, but is this true? This guide will go over Star Citizen’s pricing, whether or not the game is free to play, and what players can expect if it isn’t.
- Magnetic non-contact X and Y axis sensors provide enhanced longevity and improved accuracy. A dual spring centering mechanism provides a progressive, smooth movement that further aids your control.
- Multifunction LCD Display affords even greater control of your navigation within Flight Simulator X, thanks to direct control of the simulation’s radio panel functionality.
- 3D Twist with Rudder Lock, essential for simulation control. For those that already have rudder pedals, you can lock off the axis in order to prevent accidental activation.
- 5-position Grip System: Maintain excellent ergonomic comfort with no need to stretch to reach buttons
- 282 Programmable Commands over 3 modes: Have all of the commands in Elite Dangerous or Star Citizen under your fingertips with no need to switch back to your keyboard
Do You Have to Pay to Play Star Citizen?
Usually yes. Star Citizen usually costs at least $45 USD to get started, with other packages including other ships for higher costs.
While this is usually true, Star Citizen does offer free-to-play periods to get players interested in their game. These events are called Free Fly, during which players can participate in trying out the game. There is currently a free-to-play period planned to begin on November 17, 2023, and will last for 7-10 days.
With this free event, Star Citizen is celebrating the Intergalactic Aerospace Expo (IAE), an in-game world celebration. Players will be able to test-fly several ships at this event, including many ships that are still in development. This will be a good time for players to get a look at the type of content that they can expect as the game develops.
For those more interested in the currently available gameplay, this free-to-play period has players covered. The player will get access to an Aegis Avenger Titan ship, which means they’ll be able to experience the rest of the game as intended.
For more information on Star Citizen, make sure to check out our other guides, like How To Leave Hangar in Star Citizen, How To Reset Character in Star Citizen, and How To Repair Ship in Star Citizen.