Squadron 42 Price — What the Game Will Cost at Launch

Cloud Imperium Games has not officially announced the launch price of Squadron 42. The Steam store page lists the game as Coming Soon without a price tag, and the studio has not committed to a specific figure. However, based on developer statements, industry standards for AAA single-player titles, and the campaign scale, a retail price between $40 and $80 USD is the most commonly cited range.

Why There Is No Confirmed Price Yet

Squadron 42 standalone pledge sales were delisted from the RSI store in May 2023. This means that for the past several years, new customers have had no way to purchase the game directly. The remaining pre-launch distribution channels are limited to the Steam wishlist and following official announcements.

The pricing strategy will likely be revealed closer to launch, alongside the firm release date announcement. CIG typically bundles pricing information with major marketing pushes, and a price reveal is expected to accompany the next cinematic trailer or a dedicated comm-link post.

What the Price Might Be

Several data points inform the expected pricing:

1. Industry standard for AAA single-player: Major single-player releases from large studios typically launch at $60 to $70 USD in 2027. Games with extensive performance capture, orchestral scores, and cinematic production values often sit at the higher end.

2. CIG\u2019s own statements: Chris Roberts has described Squadron 42 as a full AAA release, suggesting the studio views it as competitive with premium titles rather than an indie-scale product.

3. The episodic model: The Q2 2027 release constitutes Episode One of a planned trilogy. Whether the price covers all episodes or just the first is a key question that remains unconfirmed. Episode Two, subtitled Behind Enemy Lines, was offered to early Kickstarter backers and will release separately.

4. Backer packages: Kickstarter backers and early RSI pledge holders already own Squadron 42 as part of their existing packages. They will access the game through their RSI game libraries without additional purchase.

Existing Backers and Access

Players who purchased Squadron 42 pledge packages prior to the May 2023 delisting will receive the game as part of their existing purchase. These backers will launch the title through the RSI game library. CIG has not yet detailed whether previous pledge holders will automatically receive complimentary Steam keys or if they will remain tied to the standalone RSI Launcher client.

For players who did not purchase a pledge before the delisting, the only path to owning the game at launch will be a new purchase through Steam or a reinstated RSI store listing.

How to Stay Informed About Pricing

• Steam wishlist: Adding Squadron 42 to your Steam wishlist at store.steampowered.com/app/4045720 ensures you receive a notification when the game becomes available for pre-purchase or purchase.
• RSI website: Follow robertsspaceindustries.com for comm-link posts, which historically carry pricing and availability announcements.
• Official YouTube: Trailers and announcements at youtube.com/@Squadron42 often accompany pricing reveals.

Price Context From CIG's History

CIG has not published Squadron 42's launch price, and pricing for a premium single-player campaign is a separate question from Star Citizen's ship-store economy. What can be said with confidence: the game is a standalone, story-driven product that will be sold on Steam and the RSI store, and the Steam page currently has no price field because the game is not yet available for purchase. Any specific price figure circulating before an official announcement is speculation. The reliable signal will be the Steam page updating with a price alongside the confirmed release date.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will Squadron 42 cost?

The price has not been officially confirmed. Industry expectations place it between $40 and $80 USD, consistent with a full AAA single-player release. An exact figure will likely be announced closer to the Q2 2027 launch window.

Can I pre-order Squadron 42 now?

No. Standalone pledge sales were delisted in May 2023 and have not returned. The game is not currently available for pre-order or pre-purchase on any platform. You can add it to your Steam wishlist to be notified when it becomes available.

Will Kickstarter backers pay extra for Episode Two?

Early Kickstarter backers were offered Episode Two as part of their original pledge. Whether this remains valid for the final release, and what Episode Two\u2019s standalone price will be, has not been confirmed.