Star Citizen Free Fly 2026
Try the game free, attach the code, and the bonus is waiting when you upgrade.
By Domux. Updated 2026-10-03.
A Free Fly is a window when anyone can download Star Citizen and fly a rotating roster of ships in the live alpha for free, no purchase needed. It is the cheapest way to try the game, and it pairs perfectly with the referral code: sign up with STAR-JTV7-FXLR during the trial, and the 50,000 UEC is waiting whenever you decide to buy a package.
Right now (30 September 2026): no Free Fly is open to new players. The Ship Showdown 2956 Elite Eight window ended on 2 September and was restricted to existing backers. The last Free Fly open to everyone was the Foundation Festival, 29 July to 10 August 2026. The next one expected to be open to new players is Intergalactic Aerospace Expo (IAE), November 2026 (RSI has confirmed IAE 2956 is happening but has not posted dates; the 2955 event ran 20 November to 3 December). Full schedule and how to get notified.
How to make a Free Fly count
- Create your account with the code now
Open the enlist link✓ Verified referral code · Today: 3 October 2026 and sign up with STAR-JTV7-FXLR, even before the event starts. The link is permanent, so you are ready the moment the Free Fly goes live.
- Download and play free during the window
Install the RSI Launcher, the current build is Alpha 4.10.1. During a Free Fly you can fly the promoted ships with no package.
- Decide, then choose a Game Package for game access
If you are hooked, the cheapest way in is the Citizen Starter Pack at $45. Your 50,000 UEC credits on that purchase because the code is already attached.
The 2026 Free Fly calendar
RSI runs several Free Fly windows a year. Dates shift, so treat anything unconfirmed as approximate and check the official Fly Free page before each event.
| Event | 2026 window | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Coramor (Valentine's) | mid February | done |
| Captains of Industry | early to mid April | done |
| DefenseCon | Free Fly 18 to 27 May | done |
| Foundation Festival | 29 July to 10 August | done |
| Ship Showdown 2956 (Elite Eight) | 26 August to 2 September | ended, existing backers only |
| Intergalactic Aerospace Expo (IAE) | November 2026, dates TBA | next one open to everyone |
IAE in November is the largest event of the year. Historically every flyable ship in the game is free to test for the duration, and it brings the biggest wave of new players. If you want to start during the busiest, most ship-rich window, IAE is it.
Why the code matters more during Free Fly
Choose the player you want to support. A dated form observation shows what the form contained; it does not establish a credited balance or prove that other valid player codes are less reliable.
Sources and updates
By Domux. Public RSI profile, enlisted 3 January 2016.
Edited 3 October 2026. Prices are USD before tax. Check RSI for current offers and event dates.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next Star Citizen Free Fly?
As of 30 September 2026, no Free Fly is open to new players. The Ship Showdown 2956 Elite Eight window ended on 2 September and was restricted to existing backers. The next Free Fly expected to be open to everyone is the Intergalactic Aerospace Expo (IAE) in November 2026 (RSI has confirmed IAE 2956 is happening but has not posted dates; the 2955 event ran 20 November to 3 December). See the full schedule.
Can I use a referral code during a Free Fly?
RSI advertises the 50,000 UEC signup bonus after buying a Game Package. For the referrer to earn a Recruitment Point, the account must own a Game Package and reach $40 USD in eligible fresh-money spending across the pledge store. Store credit and gifted pledges do not count toward that spend. RSI referral conditions
Is Star Citizen free during a Free Fly?
Yes, completely. You download the RSI Launcher and fly the promoted ships in the live alpha at no cost for the event window. You only pay if you decide to buy a Game Package afterward.
Do I keep anything after the Free Fly ends?
Your account stays, and any referral code attached to it stays. You lose access to the free ships when the window closes, but if you buy a package the 50,000 UEC from the code is yours.
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.
Enlist with code STAR-JTV7-FXLR