How much RAM does Star Citizen need?

Cloud Imperium lists 16 GB as a minimum. Many players find 32 GB or more much smoother in large cities and busy areas. Specs can change with patches - check the official RSI Support article.

Does Star Citizen require an SSD?

Yes. Official guidance requires an SSD with substantial free space (commonly 150+ GB for the game install, more if you also keep PTU). Hard-disk installs are a poor experience.

SCRefCode - New player guide

Star Citizen System Requirements

Alpha specs - Official minimums - Comfort tier for cities

Last updated: October 11, 2026

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Official minimum requirements

Summarized from Cloud Imperium's published game/launcher requirements (always re-check the live articles - alpha targets move):

OS: Windows 10 (64-bit, latest service pack) or Windows 11
GPU: DirectX 11.1 compatible graphics card with at least 4 GB VRAM
CPU: Quad-core with AVX, AVX2, and FMA3 - e.g. Intel i7 Haswell or later; AMD Excavator / Ryzen-class or later
RAM: 16 GB+
Storage: 150+ GB SSD required (HDD is not a practical option)

CIG also notes NTFS formatting, free space for the launcher and pagefile, and current .NET Framework components as called out in launcher docs.

Primary sources: Star Citizen Minimum System Requirements - Game and Launcher Requirements.

Squadron 42 published a separate Steam minimum on October 10, 2026: Windows 11, 16 GB RAM, 8 GB VRAM, and 150 GB. That list is not this alpha's support article. Recommended Squadron 42 specs were not filled in.

Recommended / comfortable targets

Meeting the minimum can get the client running; large landing zones and multi-crew content often want more. Many players treat the following as a more comfortable day-to-day target:

Comfortable targets many players aim for beyond the minimum
Component	Comfortable aim	Why it matters
OS	Windows 11 (or fully updated Windows 10)	Driver and DX stack support; keep the OS patched
CPU	Modern 6-8+ core gaming CPU	Busy stations and multi-crew load the CPU hard
RAM	32 GB+	16 GB is often the stutter limit in cities; more RAM helps a lot
GPU	8 GB+ VRAM, current drivers	Higher settings and resolution scale with VRAM and bandwidth
Storage	Fast NVMe SSD, 150 GB+ free (more with PTU)	Load times, streaming assets, and patch headroom
Network	Stable broadband	Online-only alpha; packet loss hurts more than raw Mbps alone

Launcher, install size, and path

Download the RSI Launcher only from robertsspaceindustries.com. Install the game on an NTFS SSD with well over 150 GB free - patches and a second PTU copy can double that. Avoid installing to a spinning HDD or a nearly full drive (shader cache and pagefile need headroom). Default install path is fine; if you move it, use the launcher's install-location settings rather than copying folders by hand.

Live alpha as of October 10, 2026 is Alpha 4.10.2 (deployed October 9: RSI Discovery Month). Specs and install size move with patches - re-check CIG's articles before a large download.

Performance tips

Install on a fast SSD and leave free space for shader caches and large patches.
Start on lower graphics presets; raise settings after you measure FPS where you actually play (cities vs open space).
Close heavy browsers and background apps - they compete for the same RAM the game wants.
Update GPU drivers from NVIDIA / AMD / Intel, not only Windows Update.
During Free Fly, test your PC before buying an expensive package.
If you also install the PTU, budget roughly another full client of disk space.

Laptops

A gaming laptop can run the alpha if it meets the CPU instruction set, has a discrete GPU with enough VRAM, an internal SSD, and preferably 32 GB RAM. Thermals matter: expect fans to work hard in cities. Prefer plugging in power and using a performance power profile while playing.

Requirements FAQ

It can meet the published minimum, but many players see hitching in dense areas on 16 GB. 32 GB is the upgrade that most often improves day-to-day comfort.

Official guidance requires an SSD. Mechanical drives make load times and streaming much worse and are not recommended.

No. Specs only affect whether you can run the client. Enter a referral code such as STAR-HBP4-QP46 when you create your account for the 50,000 aUEC bonus regardless of hardware.

Next steps

Create an RSI account with STAR-HBP4-QP46.
Optional: try the next Free Fly to stress-test your PC for free.
Read the full referral code guide.
Compare starter packs when you are ready to pledge.

Referral code guide

How to redeem, 24h grace, $40 rule, FAQ.

Referral code 2026

This year's bonus, rules, and what still works.

How to redeem a code

Referral vs store promo; enlist steps only on RSI.

Create an RSI account

Enlist walkthrough and where the referral field is.

Starter packs

Ship picks and the ~$40 qualifying purchase.

Ship guide

Flyable roles now, and hulls still in production.

Free Fly events

Try the game free - still enlist with a referral code.

Referral rewards ladder

What referrers unlock; find your own code.

Squadron 42

Steam wishlist, Q2 2027, and why a referral code does not include it.

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