Star Citizen Free Fly 2026
Try the game free, attach the code, and the bonus is waiting when you upgrade.
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 (26 August 2026): the Ship Showdown 2956 Elite Eight Free Fly runs 26 August to 2 September 2026, but RSI limited this one to existing backers, so it does not let a brand new account fly for free. 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 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 4.9.0. During a Free Fly you can fly the promoted ships with no package.
- Decide, then buy a $40+ package
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 |
| Invictus Launch Week / DefenseCon | 14 to 27 May | done |
| Foundation Festival | 29 July to 10 August | done |
| Ship Showdown 2956 (Elite Eight) | 26 August to 2 September | running, 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
A Free Fly brings thousands of brand new accounts. That is exactly when stale randomizer codes fail people, because nobody is checking them. Signing up with a maintained code like STAR-JTV7-FXLR means the 50,000 UEC is locked to your account from day one, ready for whenever you upgrade. Here is why pooled codes go dead.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next Star Citizen Free Fly?
As of 26 August 2026, the Ship Showdown 2956 Elite Eight Free Fly is running from 26 August to 2 September 2026, but RSI restricted it to existing backers, so a new account cannot use it. 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?
Yes. Free Fly signups go through the same enlist form, so paste STAR-JTV7-FXLR at account creation. The 50,000 UEC credits later when you buy a $40+ Game Package, but the code stays attached permanently.
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?
One click pre-fills STAR-JTV7-FXLR into the RSI signup form. Finish the account, buy a $40 or larger Game Package, the bonus is yours.
Enlist with code STAR-JTV7-FXLR