Star Citizen delivers the next generation of space flight simulation gaming, combining FPS (First Person Shooter) combat and persistent MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) gameplay to create a living, breathing first person universe capable of truly unlimited gameplay experiences. In addition, through the game's advanced Newtonian physics engine, Star Citizen enables players to experience an unparalleled space sim flying experience with ship control, performance and response calculated based on dozens of dynamically generated physics based variables.

Star Citizen will not require a subscription, and not be free-to-play, it will will be available for a one-time purchase. And while players will be able to play in the Star Citizen universe for free, there will also be virtual items available for purchase with in-game credits so players can customize their ships and other items.

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Foundation Festival, a civic program in-lore aimed at strengthening community spirit, returns to Star Citizen from July 12-31, with an accompanying Free Fly making the game free to play from July 12-19.

With the ‘verse abuzz with talk of the release later this year of the long-awaited Pyro system, an outlaw system teeming with wealth and dangers in equal measure, Foundation Festival event organizers are taking the opportunity to ensure all citizens are flight-ready and prepared for whatever comes their way.

New and returning players can take their first steps into the game with the expanded New Player Experience, available at all starting locations, before investigating more advanced tips and tricks through the Guide System, a program leveraging the Star Citizen community at scale to connect veteran pilots with newcomers to further their training in specific areas. Completing Guided Sessions provides rewards to all participants, with veteran players receiving exclusive pilot cosmetics for sharing their knowledge, while new players will earn useful weapons and their first Multi-Tool, a crucial piece of tech in the ‘verse. During Foundation Festival, each weekend will provide Guided Session participants with bonus rewards, further rewarding players with up to two sets of armor and accompanying weapons for participating in sessions for at least two weekends. A full breakdown of the Guide System categories and rewards can be found here.

Guide System Proficiencies listed below will each reward players with a Foundation Festival paint for the corresponding ship, with the exception of the “Refresher Basics” Proficiency, which rewards players with a commemorative challenge coin. These ships are free to use for the Guide System missions.

Beginner Basics: Anvil Arrow Refresher Basics: Anvil Hornet F7C Mk II Vehicle Combat: Aegis Gladius FPS Combat: Anvil Valkyrie Missions & Reputation: Drake Cutlass Black Racing: Mirai Razor Mining: MISC Prospector Salvaging: Drake Vulture Trading: Drake Caterpillar Medical: Drake Cutlass Red Refueling: MISC Starfarer Touring: Origin 600i Touring Miscellaneous: Crusader Mercury Star Runner

To help equip new players for their adventures, three starter bundles are available at a discounted price through July 31. Each pack includes a game download, bonus ship paint, extra in-game aUEC, and ship insurance. Players can choose from the RSI Aurora MR light fighter, Consolidated Outland’s flexible freighter, the Nomad, and Drake’s famed jack-of-all-trades, the Cutter. With a ‘verse filled with veterans eager to welcome new players aboard, bonus rewards and free access throughout Foundation Festival, a wealth of diverse content to explore, and the promise of a new frontier ahead, there’s never been a better time to join Star Citizen.