Comparison
Squadron 42 vs Star Citizen
Two games, one universe. Here's how they differ — from official CIG sources only.
| Squadron 42 | Star Citizen | |
|---|---|---|
| Mode | Single-player | Multiplayer (online) |
| Internet required | No — offline capable | Yes — always online |
| Status | Targeting 2026 release | Playable now (Alpha) |
| Purchase | Sold separately | Sold separately |
| Setting | Same universe | Same universe |
| Engine | Star Engine (shared) | Star Engine (shared) |
| Campaign length | 40+ hours confirmed | No campaign — open world |
Single-player vs Multiplayer
Squadron 42 is a fully single-player experience — a story-driven military campaign with a beginning, middle, and end. You play alone, offline if you choose. Star Citizen is an online multiplayer persistent universe where players share a live galaxy. CIG describes them as companion projects rather than one being a mode of the other.
Separate Purchases
Squadron 42 and Star Citizen are sold as distinct products on the Roberts Space Industries store. Some historical pledge packages bundled both together, but they are currently separate purchases. Buying one does not include the other.
Same Universe, Same Engine
Both games are set in the same fictional universe — the United Empire of Earth (UEE) — and are built on the same proprietary engine (Star Engine). Ships, locations, and lore overlap. However, Squadron 42's story and characters are self-contained within the single-player campaign.