Does the Star Citizen referral code work on Squadron 42?
Short answer: no, not directly — Squadron 42 and Star Citizen's persistent universe are two separate products on one RSI account, and the referral program rewards a Game Package purchase, not an SQ42 purchase. Long answer: the code can still help if you buy a bundle that includes both. Here's the breakdown people new to RSI's pricing model usually get wrong.
The 30-second answer
RSI sells two distinct products: Star Citizen (the persistent universe / MMO alpha) and Squadron 42 (the single-player narrative campaign). They share an account login but not a Game Package.
The referral program rewards 50,000 UEC when a referred new account completes a Star Citizen Game Package purchase of $40 USD or more. Buying Squadron 42 in isolation does not trigger it. Buying a Game Package — or a bundle that includes one — does.
Star Citizen and Squadron 42 are two products, not two modes
This trips up most new players because the RSI homepage talks about "Star Citizen" as if it's one thing. It isn't. Inside Cloud Imperium Games' product line:
- Star Citizen — the persistent universe alpha. Online, MMO-style, currently runs as a live alpha you can buy a Game Package for. The 50,000 UEC referral bonus belongs to this universe.
- Squadron 42 — a 28-mission cinematic single-player campaign set in the same universe. Different gameplay loop (story-driven, voice-acted), no MMO, no UEC economy. Sold as a separate pledge.
Historically the two were bundled — the original 2012 Kickstarter sold them together. CIG split them into distinct products several years ago and stopped including Squadron 42 in Game Package bundles by default. You now pay separately for each, even though both live on one RSI account.
What counts for the 50,000 UEC bonus
| What you buy | Triggers the 50,000 UEC bonus? |
|---|---|
| Citizen Starter Pack ($60 — Aurora Mk II + 10k UEC) | Yes — qualifies as a Star Citizen Game Package over $40 |
| Any other Star Citizen Starter Pack ($75–$125) | Yes — all are Game Packages over $40 |
| A standalone ship pledge that includes a Game Package | Yes — provided the total is $40+ |
| Squadron 42 only (no Game Package on the account) | No — SQ42 is not a Game Package |
| SQ42 + Star Citizen combo bundle | Yes — the Game Package portion counts |
| A standalone ship pledge with no Game Package attached | No — RSI does not classify it as a qualifying purchase |
The simplest rule: if your purchase includes a Star Citizen Game Package and the total is at least $40 USD, the 50,000 UEC referral bonus triggers. Everything else is independent.
If you want both: the bundle path
Plenty of new players want both products eventually. CIG occasionally sells SQ42 + PU bundles during major events (Anniversary Sale, IAE). These bundles always include a Star Citizen Game Package, so the referral bonus triggers naturally. If you intend to play Squadron 42 when it launches and the persistent universe, watch for a combined bundle rather than buying SQ42 alone first.
If you have already created your RSI account and used STAR-JTV7-FXLR within the 24-hour window, the code is permanently attached. You can wait years before buying anything — when you eventually purchase a qualifying Game Package or bundle, the bonus triggers automatically. There is no expiry on the code attachment itself.
Squadron 42 release status (as of writing)
At CitizenCon 2024, CIG announced Squadron 42 had reached feature complete status and entered polish. The most recent public guidance points to a 2026 consumer release, though no firm date had been published as of this page's update. Until release, SQ42 is sold as a pre-purchase pledge. Buying the pledge gives you access at launch on your existing RSI account.
None of that changes the referral program logic above: SQ42 sitting on an account doesn't help or hinder the 50,000 UEC bonus — only a Star Citizen Game Package purchase does.
FAQ
Does the Star Citizen referral code work on Squadron 42?
Not directly. The 50,000 UEC bonus is paid when a referred account completes a Star Citizen Game Package purchase of $40+. A Squadron 42-only purchase isn't a Game Package, so on its own it does not trigger the bonus.
Can I have both Star Citizen and Squadron 42 on one account?
Yes. RSI accounts hold both products on the same login. You can buy them separately, in a combined bundle, or years apart.
Is Squadron 42 released?
CIG announced "feature complete" at CitizenCon 2024 and the most recent guidance points at a 2026 consumer release. No firm date had been published as of this page's update.
If I buy a SQ42 + Star Citizen bundle, does the bonus apply?
Yes — as long as the bundle includes a Star Citizen Game Package and the total is $40+. Most SQ42 + PU bundles easily clear that line.
Does Squadron 42 use UEC?
No. Squadron 42 is a linear single-player campaign with its own internal economy. UEC is the persistent currency of the Star Citizen PU. The 50,000 UEC referral bonus is therefore PU-only.
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