Overview

• The developer is targeting a 2026 launch for Squadron 42 and forecasting Star Citizen 1.0 for 2027–2028, with outlets stressing these are windows rather than firm dates.
• Roberts says he hopes Squadron 42 will be almost as big an event as Grand Theft Auto 6 and reports indicate the release would steer clear of GTA 6’s May 26, 2026 debut.
• Crowdfunding totals are reported at more than $858 million by PC Gamer, with other coverage citing figures exceeding $1 billion, underscoring the project’s unusual scale.
• Squadron 42 is described as “Top Gun meets Star Wars” and features an ensemble cast including Gary Oldman, Mark Hamill, Gillian Anderson, Henry Cavill and others.
• Star Citizen’s persistent universe has been in early access since December 2017, and elements from Squadron 42 are expected to inform improvements for the eventual 1.0 release.