Star Citizen Setup Guide
How to Install Star Citizen
From checking your account and SSD to choosing the correct launcher path, installing the LIVE build and repairing damaged files.
RSI Launcher workflow checked 11 October 2026
Preflight Check
Before you download
- Game access: your RSI account needs a Game Package or current Free Fly access.
- Supported PC: Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11 and compatible hardware.
- Storage: at least 150 GB on an SSD, plus additional free space for updates and the pagefile.
- File system: RSI recommends an NTFS-formatted installation drive.
- Account security: enable RSI multi-factor authentication and keep recovery codes safe.
Step by Step
Install the RSI Launcher and game
Confirm your game access
Open My Hangar on the RSI website and filter for Game Packages. A standalone ship is not enough by itself. During a Free Fly, eligible accounts receive temporary access without a package.
Prepare your SSD
Choose an NTFS-formatted SSD with at least 150 GB available and additional headroom. Avoid filling the drive to its limit because patches and file verification need working space.
Download only from RSI
Sign in at robertsspaceindustries.com and use the official Download page. Do not install launcher files from mirrors, file-sharing pages or advertisements.
Install and sign in
Run the installer, open the RSI Launcher and sign in to the account that owns the package or Free Fly access. Complete any authentication prompt.
Select the LIVE channel
For normal play, use the LIVE environment. PTU, EPTU and Tech Preview channels are separate test environments and may not always be available.
Check the install location
Open the launcher Games settings and confirm the destination drive and folder. If the path later points somewhere else, the launcher may think the game is missing.
Install Star Citizen
Start the game installation and allow the launcher to finish every download and verification stage. Network limits and concurrent download settings can be adjusted if the connection is unstable.
Launch the Persistent Universe
When the launcher reports the LIVE build as ready, start the game. Choose the Persistent Universe for the shared online world or Arena Commander for focused practice modes.
Maintenance
Updates and Verify Files
The RSI Launcher normally detects its own updates. Game patches are downloaded through the selected game channel. Keep the install path unchanged unless you deliberately move the files.
When should you verify?
- After an interrupted or failed update.
- When the launcher reports missing or corrupted files.
- After repeated launch errors or unexplained crashes.
- When an existing installation is not detected at the correct path.
Open the relevant game channel in the launcher Games settings and use Verify. Let the process finish before running other resource-intensive programs.
Troubleshooting
Common installation problems
| Problem | First checks | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Install button is missing | Confirm the correct account, Game Package or active Free Fly access. | Sign out fully, restart the launcher and sign in again. |
| Game appears uninstalled | Compare the launcher install location with the actual StarCitizen folder. | Correct the path, then run Verify. |
| Download or patch fails | Check free SSD space, connection stability and launcher download limits. | Restart the launcher and verify the selected channel. |
| Files repeatedly corrupt | Check drive health, security software and interrupted downloads. | Use Verify and consult the current RSI launcher troubleshooting article. |
| Launcher is blocked | Allow the official RSI Launcher and Star Citizen executables in security software. | Do not disable protection globally; add only the documented files. |
FAQ
Installation questions
How much storage does Star Citizen need?
RSI currently specifies a 150+ GB SSD. Leave additional free space for updates, verification and the Windows pagefile.
Can I install Star Citizen on a hard drive?
An SSD is an official requirement. Install the launcher and game on SSD storage rather than a mechanical hard drive.
Do I need a Game Package before installing?
For normal access, yes. During an official Free Fly, an eligible RSI account can install and play without owning a package for the duration of the event.
Will Verify Files delete my settings?
Verify is designed to check and repair game files. Before major troubleshooting, independently back up any custom control profiles you do not want to recreate.
Official Sources
Information checked against RSI
Installation complete?
Continue from the main menu to your first successful takeoff, quantum jump and landing.