Star Citizen Free Fly 2026: IAE public trial
Try the game free, attach the code, and the bonus is waiting when you upgrade.
By Domux. Updated 2026-11-11.
Use this public trial to find out whether you enjoy Star Citizen before buying. A free RSI account can join during the IAE window; permanent access and referral benefits have separate conditions.
IAE 2956: public Free Fly, 13 to 27 November
Opens 13 November 2026 at 16:00 UTC, or 17:00 in Denmark and Central Europe; runs through 27 November. Public access includes accounts without a Game Package. Sources checked 11 November 2026, before opening. The official FAQ gives no exact closing time.
Start in New Babbage on microTech, ride the Metroloop to Tobin Expo Center and use the Traveler Rentals terminals. Every account gets access to an Aurora Mk II during IAE. Learn a short flight first, then compare a different ship role with a 48-hour rental.
IAE newcomer guide: first visit, ships to try and rewards · Official Play Now instructions · Official IAE FAQ.
Rentals, rewards and buying are separate
The official FAQ gives 48-hour rentals, with each vehicle rentable once. IAE access and the event Aurora are temporary. Twitch rewards require linked accounts and claiming each watch-time milestone; Best in Show paints require eligible ownership. Follow the full newcomer route and manufacturer schedule.
IAE questions
When is Star Citizen IAE 2026?
IAE 2956 starts on 13 November 2026 at 16:00 UTC and runs through 27 November. The official FAQ does not give an exact closing time. The opening is 17:00 in Denmark and Central Europe.
Can a new player join IAE without buying Star Citizen?
Yes. RSI explicitly allows anyone, including accounts without a Game Package, to play during the IAE Free Fly. Create an RSI account and follow the official Play Now instructions when access opens. A free account alone does not grant permanent access.
How do I reach the IAE and rent a ship?
Choose Stanton and New Babbage on microTech as your first residence. Follow the IAE signs and Metroloop to Tobin Expo Center. Use Traveler Rentals terminals in the main hall, then retrieve the rented ship at a suitable ASOP terminal. Each rental lasts 48 hours; each vehicle can be rented once.
What can I keep after the IAE Free Fly?
Trial access and rental ships expire. Twitch Drops are separate claimable account rewards: link RSI and Twitch, watch Drops Enabled Star Citizen streams, then claim each milestone in Twitch inventory. Best in Show paints require eligible ship ownership; merely renting a finalist does not qualify.
Does a referral code unlock IAE ships or discounts?
No. STAR-JTV7-FXLR is an optional new-account referral, not an event access code or checkout coupon. The standard benefit is 50,000 UEC under RSI rules, with game-package conditions separate from temporary trial access. Add a code at signup or within 24 hours on a new, unlinked account. No special IAE referral gift is established by the sources checked here.
Sources and updates
By Domux. Public RSI profile, enlisted 3 January 2016.
Edited 11 November 2026. Source checks and historic signup observations have separate dates.