Could this be an early Christmas surprise for long-suffering fans? Chris Roberts has revealed that Squadron 42, the story-driven campaign tied to Star Citizen, has never been closer to release. The game is now fully playable from start to finish, with development focused on polishing, making a long-awaited launch feel more realistic than ever.
Thirteen years have passed since Star Citizen first appeared in a playable state, evolving from a simple hangar prototype into a vast and ambitious universe. Despite that growth, the project has consistently avoided a full release, remaining in alpha for over a decade, while its single-player campaign, Squadron 42, has yet to reach players. According to Cloud Imperium Games, however, this narrative experience, starring Henry Cavill and Gary Oldman, now has its strongest chance so far of launching in 2026.
This renewed optimism is not without precedent. Back in 2024, the studio had already suggested a 2026 release window, though without committing to a specific date. Then, in September of this year, content director Jared Huckaby expressed uncertainty about whether the game would arrive next year, stressing that this was not an indication of a delay, but rather an effort to keep expectations in check.
The outlook has shifted once again following new comments from Chris Roberts, founder and CEO of Cloud Imperium Games, shared on the game’s official blog. Roberts explained that development is now centered on quality and refinement, with an internal beta in preparation. He also noted that the studio does not intend to run a prolonged marketing campaign, preferring instead to let players experience the game once it is genuinely ready. He confirmed that Squadron 42 is currently playable from beginning to end, and that the team regularly plays through it internally.
According to Roberts, Squadron 42 will be a substantial experience, offering more than 40 hours of gameplay, with every chapter already completed and undergoing rigorous testing. He highlighted that this has been made possible by the technology Cloud Imperium Games has developed over many years. Seamless transitions between on-foot exploration, vehicle control, planetary landings, and interstellar travel, all without loading screens, are intended to deliver a level of immersion that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Even so, caution remains advisable. Similar assurances have been made in the past, only to fall short, making it wise to approach these claims carefully. What does appear certain is that Squadron 42 features an impressive cast, including Mark Hamill, Gillian Anderson, Henry Cavill, Gary Oldman, and Mark Strong. It is also important to note that this does not signal an imminent release for Star Citizen itself, as the campaign is being developed and released as a standalone project.
Forrás: 3djuegos
