In Star Citizen, players step into the boots of a spacefaring adventurer exploring a vast and persistent universe. This sci-fi simulation blends spaceflight, ground combat, trading, missions and planetary exploration into one seamless experience. Whether you choose to be a pirate, trader or explorer – how you play is entirely up to you.

The game’s universe is fully online, powered by a dynamic economy, interactive space stations and a constant blend of PvE and PvP elements. In development since 2017, Star Citizen remains in alpha and is funded through crowdfunding and extensive in-game sales – including virtual ships that can cost several hundred euros.

The most affordable starter package for Star Citizen typically costs around $45 and includes the Aurora MR spacecraft. However, during the current Free Fly event running from July 2 to 14, 2025, the game is entirely free to play – with access to a rotating selection of ships.

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Access to the free-fly event: how it works

The highlight of the current Free Fly event is the in-game guide system, where experienced players help newcomers get started. These volunteer guides assist new pilots through their first steps, offering tips on controls, missions and survival. In return, they can earn exclusive in-game rewards.

Conditions of participation and rewards:

• To qualify for rewards, a valid session must last at least 30 minutes.
• After the session, the new player (Recruit) must confirm the guidance received via the Spectrum forum.
• Both Guides and Recruits will receive exclusive Foundation Festival ship liveries, depending on the type of tutorial completed.
• Rewards will be distributed at the end of the event. Any paint jobs already unlocked cannot be earned a second time.
• The entire program will be monitored – abuse may lead to disqualification.

To join the event, simply create an account on the official Cloud Imperium Games website. According to the community, the Free Fly period began on July 2 and is expected to run until July 14 – although an official confirmation of the end date is still pending.

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As a child in the 90s, my Gameboy was my steady companion. After school, the PlayStation was fired up. When I finally got my first PC, I was completely hooked. My passion for gaming has never waned since. For me, writing for Notebookcheck means reporting on topics that are really close to my heart – in addition to gaming, I also like to write about e-mobility, photovoltaics and innovative gadgets. When I’m not sitting at my computer, I’m probably on water rescue duty on the Baltic coast or trying to counteract the downsides of my geek life – namely sitting for long periods – at the local swimming pool.