Who Are the 42nd Squadron?
The 42nd Squadron is the United Empire of Earth Navy unit that serves as the setting for Cloud Imperium Games' Squadron 42 campaign. The player enlists as a new recruit and serves alongside the 42nd, fighting against the Vanduul in the Odin system.
CIG has developed detailed in-universe lore for the unit — including its history, a historical battle, and the fighter craft associated with the squadron. The May 2025 subscriber newsletter was dedicated entirely to the 42nd Squadron's history and ships.
CIG announced a 2026 launch window for Squadron 42 at CitizenCon 2954. The release window has since changed — the release date tracker lists every official statement.
Source: RSI Comm-Link — 42nd Squadron Newsletter, May 2025 →
Confirmed Data
| Element | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Featured Unit | 42nd Squadron, UEE Navy | RSI Comm-Link |
| Theater of Operations | Odin system | RSI Comm-Link |
| Primary Adversary | Vanduul | RSI Comm-Link |
| Source Newsletter | 42nd Squadron — May 2025 | RSI Comm-Link |
The Unit
The 42nd Squadron is a United Empire of Earth Navy fighter unit whose history serves as the backdrop for the Squadron 42 campaign. The player character enlists and is assigned to serve alongside the 42nd, engaging in combat operations against the Vanduul in the Odin system. The unit lends its name to the game itself — Squadron 42.
Source: RSI Comm-Link — 42nd Squadron Newsletter, May 2025 →
The May 2025 Newsletter
The May 2025 Squadron 42 subscriber newsletter — timed to an in-game naval holiday event — focused entirely on the fictional history of the 42nd Squadron. It detailed the unit's role in a historical battle, described fighter craft associated with the unit, and introduced a fictional crew character connected to the squadron's past. Downloadable wallpapers of in-game ships were included with the newsletter.
Source: RSI Comm-Link — May 2025 Newsletter →
Formation Flying in Combat
The CitizenCon 2953 "I Held the Line" gameplay showcase featured the 42nd Squadron flying in formation during space combat sequences — one of the most prominent depictions of the unit in action. The showcase demonstrated coordinated multi-ship combat operations as a core part of the Squadron 42 gameplay experience.
The Player's Role
In Squadron 42, the player begins as a new recruit in the UEE Navy and is assigned to the unit. The campaign follows the player through the conflict against the Vanduul in the Odin system, with story interactions involving the full celebrity cast — including veterans like Steve "Old Man" Colton (Mark Hamill) — who serve alongside or command the player throughout the campaign.
More on the 42nd Squadron's World
- Ships & FightersThe fighters and capital ships associated with the 42nd.
- The Odin SystemThe unit’s theater of operations.
- The VanduulThe enemy the 42nd fights in the campaign.
- The CastWho plays whom, sourced only from Cloud Imperium Games.
- Answer the CallThe recruitment line behind the campaign.
- Release Date TrackerEvery official statement on when Squadron 42 releases.
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Join Star Citizen While You WaitFrequently Asked Questions
What is the 42nd Squadron in Star Citizen?
The 42nd Squadron is the United Empire of Earth (UEE) Navy unit at the centre of Squadron 42, Cloud Imperium Games’ single-player campaign. The player enlists as a new recruit and serves alongside the 42nd, fighting the Vanduul in the Odin system.
Is the 42nd Squadron the same thing as Squadron 42?
The game Squadron 42 is named after the unit. The 42nd Squadron is the in-universe UEE Navy fighter squadron the player is assigned to during the campaign.
When is Squadron 42 coming out?
CIG announced a 2026 launch window for Squadron 42 at CitizenCon 2954, and the release window has since changed. The release date tracker lists every official statement.
What star system is Squadron 42 set in?
The Odin system — a white dwarf system that serves as the 42nd Squadron’s theater of operations against the Vanduul.
Who are the Vanduul?
The Vanduul are a nomadic alien species and the primary antagonist faction. Squadron 42 places the 42nd Squadron in the middle of a major Vanduul incursion in the Odin system.
Do I need to play Star Citizen to play Squadron 42?
No. Squadron 42 is a standalone single-player game. Star Citizen is the separate multiplayer universe set in the same galaxy — and it is playable right now.
Where does the 42nd Squadron’s lore come from?
Official Cloud Imperium Games sources only. The May 2025 Squadron 42 subscriber newsletter detailed the unit’s fictional history, and the CitizenCon 2953 "I Held the Line" showcase depicted the squadron flying in formation during space combat.
What role does the player have in the 42nd Squadron?
The player begins as a new UEE Navy recruit assigned to serve alongside the 42nd. The campaign follows the conflict against the Vanduul in the Odin system, with the celebrity cast — including Mark Hamill as veteran Steve "Old Man" Colton — serving alongside or commanding the player.