How to download Star Citizen
Via the RSI Launcher, step by step, with the size and SSD gotchas.
By Domux. Updated 2026-10-18.
Download Star Citizen through RSI’s official launcher on Windows. Prepare an SSD and check game access on the account you intend to use.
How big is the Star Citizen download?
RSI lists 150+ GB of SSD storage. This is a storage requirement, not a measured download total. Downloaded bytes, installed files and free space needed for updates are different figures. We have not measured the current build’s transfer or installation size; use the amount displayed by your launcher and leave room for updates. Official PC requirements, checked 18 October 2026.
Install through the official launcher
- Check access on the right account.
Look for a Star Citizen Game Package in My Hangar, or confirmed public trial access. A standalone ship is not a game licence.
- Get the launcher from RSI.
Use RSI’s download page or DOWNLOAD by the account icon. Run the installer and sign in.
- Choose LIVE and the SSD location.
Check the install location before starting. The default is
C:\Program Files\Roberts Space Industries\StarCitizen\LIVE. Select Install and let the launcher finish. - Launch, or verify a failed installation.
Use the launcher’s Verify control for missing or damaged files. Follow the exact error and RSI’s installation instructions before reinstalling.
How long does it take?
Transfer size, your connection, the download service, disk writes and verification all affect the total. A connection’s advertised speed does not establish a time to the first playable session. This guide makes no fixed 45-minute or patch-size promise.
Prepare the account separately
A valid referral adds the standard 50,000 account UEC benefit. Add the code at registration or within 24 hours on an unlinked new account. Game access needs a Game Package outside public trials. The recruiter’s separate $40 eligible fresh-money spending rule is not a second player-bonus threshold. RSI referral rules.
The referral does not reduce download size, add game access or fix a launcher error. See PC requirements and the first-session guide.
Sources and updates
By Domux. Public RSI profile, enlisted 3 January 2016.
Edited 18 October 2026. Source checks have their own timestamps.
Frequently asked questions
How do I download Star Citizen?
Use RSI’s official download page, install the RSI Launcher, sign into the account with game or trial access, choose LIVE and install to an SSD.
How big is the Star Citizen download?
RSI requires 150+ GB of SSD storage. That is not a verified transfer size or current installed size. Check the amount shown by the launcher and allow room for updates.
Can I install Star Citizen on a hard drive?
An SSD is required in RSI’s official system requirements. A traditional hard drive does not meet that requirement. RSI PC requirements
Can I download and play for free?
The launcher download is free. Playing requires a Game Package outside a confirmed public Free Fly; trial audience and dates must be checked separately.
Ready to claim the 50,000 UEC?
The signup link pre-fills STAR-JTV7-FXLR. RSI advertises the bonus after buying a Game Package. The $40 fresh-money threshold determines the referrer's Recruitment Point. RSI referral conditions
Enlist with code STAR-JTV7-FXLR ✓ Verified referral code · Today: 23 October 2026Add the code at signup or within 24 hours of creating your account. That is not a deadline to buy. A free account can join public Free Fly events during their announced windows. Special event rewards have separate rules. RSI rules