Is Star Citizen a scam?

My answer: I wouldn’t call it a scam.

There’s a game you can download and play. We use it for mining, crafting, crew missions and the occasional deeply avoidable disaster. There are also bugs that can eat a session. Both things can be true.

I’d judge it on what you can play today. If that isn’t worth your time and money, wait. A ship brochure isn’t a reason to spend more than you’re comfortable losing interest in.

Quick disclosure: this is our crew’s site, and it carries my optional referral code. I can earn rewards from qualifying recruits. That’s worth knowing before you read my recommendation.

Why does the question keep coming up?

The long development, the trailers, the ship sales and the gap between a good session and a broken one. I understand the scepticism. “It’s an alpha” explains some of the experience; it doesn’t make a wasted evening less annoying.

The current known-issues list includes problems with ship services and landing locations. Read it before spending, not after you’ve convinced yourself the shiny ship will fix everything.

For me, the crew is a big part of why I play. If you want a reliable, finished solo experience every time you log in, I wouldn’t sell you this as that game.

Try it before opening the wallet

1. Check your PC. Read the official requirements and allow time for the download.
2. Use a Free Fly when one is running. The official IAE 2956 page lists access from 13–27 November 2026 without a game-package pledge. Check the current event page before relying on those dates.
3. Do something ordinary. Find a ship, leave the hangar, land again and try one job. That tells you more than another cinematic trailer.
4. Fly with someone. A helpful crew makes learning easier. It cannot fix the server by shouting at it, although we have tested that approach thoroughly.

Start with our first-hour guide. The goal is one good flight, not becoming the admiral of an imaginary fleet by lunchtime.

You don’t need to buy our fleet

Outside a Free Fly, check that what you buy includes game access. A standalone ship and a game package are different things. Read the current store listing carefully.

My advice: start small, learn what you enjoy and use crew seats before buying more. There’s no need to own a specialist ship just to find out whether you like moving salvage boxes.

Before purchasing, read RSI’s current refund policy. It currently describes a 30-day request window for eligible pledges, with exclusions. Don’t assume every purchase or gifted item is covered.

Who should probably wait?

• You have very little gaming time and need it to work reliably.
• Bugs and lost progress ruin the whole evening for you.
• You’re buying mainly because of a feature promised for later.
• You feel pushed into spending to keep up with other players.

There’s nothing wrong with coming back later. The game doesn’t need you to defend it on the internet, and neither do we.

Would I tell a mate to try it?

Yes, during a Free Fly, with realistic expectations and somebody to show them around. I’d also tell them to keep the wallet shut until they’ve actually had a few sessions.

If they enjoy it, great. If they don’t, fair enough. I’m looking for people to fly with, not somebody to win an argument against.