Short answer
- Free Fly allows temporary free testing when RSI offers a corresponding action.
- You need a RSI account, but while Free Fly no Game Package for the test period.
- Star Citizen currently does not offer permanent free test access; Free Fly only happens occasionally.
- Use Free Fly to check performance, control, server status and your own fun at play.
What is Free Fly?
Free Fly is a temporary event where Star Citizen can be tried out without immediate purchase. Scope, available ships and time period depend on the respective event.
Time periods and ships provided depend on the action. If a Free Fly event is active, you will find the conditions on the official RSI page and in the current Comm links.
Why Beginners Should Test First
Free Fly honestly shows you how Star Citizen is running on your PC and whether the slow, immersive way of playing appeals to you. You quickly notice whether the control, bugs and learning curve are acceptable to you.
If the test is frustrating, at least you didn't buy a Starter Pack quickly. If it grabs you, you can decide more calmly afterwards.
- Check performance in city, station and space.
- Start, land and test Quantum Travel.
- Try a simple delivery mission.
- Evaluate patience with bugs and waiting times realistically.
Do I need a RSI account for this?
Also for Free Fly you need a RSI account. Registration Manual explains the account creation and the referral code without having to buy a Game Package.
Do I need a Game Package during Free Fly?
During an active Free Fly you normally do not need a Game Package for the test period. Outside of a Free Fly you will need a Game Package to have permanent access to Star Citizen.
If you want to continue playing after the Free Fly, read the explanation first Game Packages for beginners and check the current RSI Store page.
What happens after the Free Fly?
After the Free Fly, the free test access ends. Your account remains valid, but for permanent access to the game you need a Game Package, unless RSI offers any other current action.
If performance, play feeling or Alpha condition have not promised you, it is completely okay not to buy for the time being. This is exactly what a Free Fly is useful as a test phase.
What you should test during Free Fly
Try not only the most beautiful ship. It's important to understand the basics: get out of bed, find space port, call, launch, land, accept mission and come back again.
If this base works for you, then read the Starter Pack Guide. If not, waiting is a perfectly reasonable decision.
Active periods and available ships may vary depending on the action. Therefore, always check the official RSI page before you install or buy.
Typical Beginner's Mistakes
- Buy a Game Package before testing your own PC.
- Search the referral code only after registration.
- Free Fly is confused with a permanent free game access.
- Only pay attention to beautiful ships and ignore performance, Alpha state and pace of play.
Foundation Festival Free Fly confirmed
The next confirmed Star Citizen Free Fly starts at the 29 July 2026 within the Foundation Festival. The final date, the test vessels and the exact activation have not yet been published.