How to download Star Citizen in 2026
Maintained by Domux. Editorial approach and referral disclosure
Use the official RSI Launcher and check SSD space before buying access. Download size, installed size and available storage are different figures.
How big is the download?
RSI requires 150+ GB of SSD storage. That is the official storage requirement, not a verified current transfer total. We have not measured this build’s downloaded bytes or installed files. Read the amount displayed by the launcher, allow room for updates and check RSI’s requirements. Source checked 18 October 2026.
From account to installation
- Check the account first.
Use the RSI login that owns Star Citizen access. In My Hangar, verify a Game Package rather than a standalone ship. A confirmed public trial can provide temporary access under its announced conditions. Official package contents and prices
- Prepare a referral on a genuinely new account.
A valid referral adds the standard 50,000 account UEC benefit. Add the code at registration or within 24 hours on an unlinked new account. Game access needs a Game Package outside public trials. The recruiter’s separate $40 eligible fresh-money spending rule is not a second player-bonus threshold. RSI referral rules.
- Download the launcher at RSI.
Use the official download page, run the installer and sign in. The launcher download itself does not grant game access.
- Select LIVE and check the install location.
Use an SSD. The default is
C:\Program Files\Roberts Space Industries\StarCitizen\LIVE. Confirm the destination before selecting Install. - Wait for the launcher to finish.
Transfer size, connection, disk writes and verification affect total time. There is no fixed time from signup to the first ship in space. Use the launcher’s progress rather than an unmeasured 150 GB or patch-size estimate.
- Launch or investigate the reported error.
For missing or damaged files, use Verify and follow the official launcher installation instructions. Check service status and the exact error before a full reinstall or another purchase.
Three storage questions
- Downloaded data: the bytes your launcher needs for this installation or patch.
- Installed files: the resulting build on disk.
- Available SSD space: capacity for installation, verification and later updates. The 150+ GB requirement does not measure the other two.
Avoid buying a repair
A login or entitlement problem can come from the wrong account. A download problem does not mean another Game Package is needed. Use RSI’s instructions and logs; this guide does not recommend disabling security software or paying for an unofficial installer.
SSD and the current build
An SSD is required. Alpha 4.10.2 went LIVE on 9 October 2026; update the selected channel before a trial. Patches do not have a fixed size or guaranteed timetable. RSI PC requirements
Prepare a new RSI account with the code; game access and alpha balances follow separate rules.
STAR-JTV7-FXLR Create account with codeAdd the code at signup or within 24 hours of creating your account. That is not a deadline to buy. A free account can join public Free Fly events during their announced windows. Special event rewards have separate rules. RSI rules
✓ Verified referral code · Today: 11 November 2026FAQ
How do I download Star Citizen?
Install the official RSI Launcher, sign into the account holding game or confirmed trial access, select LIVE and install to an SSD.
How big is the Star Citizen download in 2026?
RSI requires 150+ GB of SSD storage. That is not a measured current transfer or installed size; inspect the amount shown by the launcher.
How long does it take?
It depends on the actual transfer, connection, download service, disk and verification. This guide has no measured time-to-play result.
Can I use a hard drive?
RSI requires an SSD. A traditional hard drive does not meet the published requirement.
Do I have to reinstall for every Free Fly?
An existing installation needs the build required for that event. Follow the current launcher update instructions rather than assuming every event needs a fresh installation.