Before you buy
Try Star Citizen without buying
The clean beginner path is simple: wait for Free Fly, create the account correctly, run one fair test session, then decide later whether the game is worth your money.
Use referral code to start with 50,000 UEC.
Use the code during account creation. Free Fly is the test phase, not the time to improvise your signup.
Create account + claim bonus
Where to paste it New accounts only
Quick answer
Short path
Use Free Fly as your trial run. Get the account setup right, run one simple session, and only think about buying after the game gives you one fair yes.
- Do not buy first just to test. Free Fly already answers the core beginner question: do you actually want more of this?
- Keep the trial narrow. One clean loop tells you more than forcing ten systems into one chaotic evening.
- Judge the game fairly. If the session is rough because of queues, lag, or bad setup, retest before you turn that into a permanent no.
- Use the full Free Fly guide for context. This page only solves the narrow “try without buying” question.
Do this now
- Check whether Free Fly is active and use that event window as your test instead of buying a package first.
- Create the RSI account cleanly and use the referral code during signup if you want the beginner bonus.
- Run one short first session so you can answer the real question: do you want another session after this one?
- Only look at buying after the test if the game felt good enough that you want to come back on purpose.
What usually goes wrong
| Mistake | What happens | Do this instead |
|---|---|---|
| Treating the trial like a full hobby start | You overload yourself before you even know if the game clicks. | Use Free Fly only to get one fair first impression. |
| Judging the game from one ugly session | You mistake event chaos or setup issues for the whole game. | Retest with a short loop and use the performance guide if needed. |
| Buying before the test says yes | You spend money before the game has earned it. | Let Free Fly answer the trial question first, then move to buying later. |
Next steps
- Open the full Free Fly guide if you want the wider event path, expectations, and handoffs.
- Run a clean first Free Fly session if you want the shortest beginner-safe trial loop.
- Fix performance before you decide if your trial felt rough everywhere.
- Use the buy-or-wait reality check once the test is done and you still are not sure.
- Use the buying guide only after the trial already gave you a yes.
FAQ
Can I try Star Citizen without buying a package?
Yes. The normal beginner-safe way is waiting for a Free Fly event, creating an RSI account, and using the event window as your trial run.
Is this page different from the full Free Fly guide?
Yes. This page only answers the narrow question of how to try the game without buying. The full Free Fly guide covers the wider event flow and what to test.
What should I actually do in my first trial session?
Keep it to one simple loop: get in, claim a ship, finish one easy contract, then decide whether you want another session.
What if the game runs badly during the trial?
Do not make your buy-or-skip decision from one rough session. Retest with a short loop and use the performance guide if the game feels rough everywhere.
Where does the referral code fit?
If you want the signup bonus of 50,000 UEC, use the referral code during account creation before you start the trial.