RememberStar Citizen? You’d be forgiven if you didn’t. The game will make the occasional splash in the headlines, but after more than 12 years of hype, even the most diehard fans are getting impatient. Yes, it’s playable, and honestly, it’s a great experience — but it still lacks some of the most-anticipated features. That’s why it’s such a big deal that Cloud Imperium said thatSquadron 42is nearly finished after years of development.
Squadron 42is the single-player spinoff ofStar Citizen. Cloud Imperium’s annual Citizencon event — aStar Citizen-focused gathering — is running this weekend and ends later today.Squadron 42received an extended gameplay trailer more than an hour in length (although, fair warning, a solid chunk of that is cutscene) and an updated release date of 2026.
After watching the trailer, we have to say that it looks pretty cool. The graphics are smooth, and the lighting is exactly what we would expect from a stage set on a burning starship.
According to Chris Roberts, Cloud Imperium’s CEO,Squadron 42has been feature-complete since last year, but the team is focusing on polishing it as much as they can before release (viaPCGamesN). A 2026 release date would give them time to makeSquadron 42something truly special, but take the news with a grain of salt. Cloud Imperium has been known tomiss deadlines before.
Squadron 42will have roughly 40 hours of gameplay, as well as a ridiculously star-studded cast that includes Henry Cavill, Mark Hamill, Sophie Wu, Andy Serkis, Gillian Anderson, and more. Basically, if they’re a big star in something remotely sci-fi-related, they’re here.
The gameplay will be split between space and ground combat and feature other elements like relationship management. The combat is smooth and makes us think of the lovechild betweenStar Wars: SquadronsandElite: Dangerous. The on-foot segments of the game suggest there will be a survival element to it, as well, with HUD elements for tracking the player’s hydration and oxygen levels, as well as heart rate.
Even if you’ve never paid much attention toStar Citizen, seeing this gameplay trailer might make you a fan.
