The 2018 CitizenCon Trailer
Cloud Imperium Games published the Squadron 42 CitizenCon trailer on October 12, 2018. It introduced the campaign's cinematic tone and its ensemble cast, and it framed the whole game as a recruitment pitch: the UEE Navy needs pilots, and the player is the one who steps forward. That framing — answer the call — has anchored Squadron 42's marketing ever since.
Source: RSI Comm-Link — Squadron 42 CitizenCon Trailer (2018) →
What You Are Answering
In the fiction, the call is the United Empire of Earth's appeal for volunteers. The player enlists as a new UEE Navy recruit and is assigned to serve alongside the 42nd Squadron in the Odin system, on the front line against the Vanduul. Squadron 42 is a military story told from the bottom rung: you are not a chosen hero, you are a recruit who signed up.
Answering the Call Today
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 release-date statement. Until it ships, the playable way into the universe is Star Citizen, the separate multiplayer game. Creating an account is free, and enlisting with a referral code starts you with a 50,000 UEC bonus.
Want to Play Now?
Squadron 42 isn't out yet. But Star Citizen — the multiplayer universe in the same galaxy — is playable right now. Use a referral code to start with 50,000 UEC bonus credits.
Join Star Citizen While You WaitFrequently Asked Questions
What does "answer the call" mean in Squadron 42?
It is the game's signature recruitment line — the framing device that casts the player as a civilian who enlists in the United Empire of Earth (UEE) Navy. In Squadron 42, answering the call means signing up, reporting for duty, and serving with the 42nd Squadron against the Vanduul.
Where does "answer the call" come from?
The official Squadron 42 CitizenCon trailer, published by Cloud Imperium Games on October 12, 2018. The trailer introduced the star-studded cast and closed on the recruitment framing that has anchored Squadron 42's marketing since.
How do you answer the call today?
Squadron 42 is not out yet — CIG announced a 2026 launch window at CitizenCon 2954, and the release window has since changed. Until it ships, the way in is Star Citizen, the playable multiplayer game in the same universe: create an RSI account, and enlisting with a referral code starts you with a 50,000 UEC bonus.