The rotation has shifted in the verse, and Star Citizen just kicked off a highly specific 48-hour Free Fly window. Starting November 23, 2025, the floor belongs to the non-human manufacturers: Aopoa, Banu, Esperia, and Gatac. If you have been looking to test drive something that doesn't rely on standard human avionics, you have two days to log in and rent these hulls for free.
Exotic Flight Models on Display
This rotation is a sharp departure from the usual industrial or military hardware we see from Aegis or Anvil. The manufacturers featured in this 48-hour block offer some of the most distinct flight experiences in the game. Aopoa brings that distinct Xi'an verticality and maneuverability, while Banu ships offer that strange, organic synergy between pilot and machine. Esperia continues to bridge the gap by reproducing Tevarin and Vanduul designs for human hands.
Because this is a limited 48-hour window, you need to prioritize what you want to test. If you are tired of traditional atmospheric drag, grabbing a Khartu-al or the San'tok.yāi should be your first move to see how Xi'an thruster tech handles gravity.
The Gatac Railen Update
For those of us tracking the development pipeline, the most interesting detail in this update isn't necessarily the flyable ships—it's the one we can't fly yet. The Gatac Railen, the Xi'an cargo hauler that promises to shake up the trade meta with its unique triangular cargo pods, has received an updated hologram on the show floor.
While it's not flight-ready today, updates to in-game holograms usually signal that the vehicle team has made significant progress on the model geometry. It is worth visiting the expo hall just to inspect the scale and layout changes, as this ship represents the first dedicated industrial competitor to the Hull series from an alien manufacturer.
How does this compare to the Drake lineup?
The timing of this alien takeover provides a stark contrast to the recent "Talkin' Shop" segment RSI promoted on November 22. That discussion focused heavily on Drake Interplanetary—a manufacturer defined by exposed wires, duct tape, and pure utility. Moving directly from Drake's "get it done at any cost" aesthetic to the elegant, floating tech of Gatac and Aopoa really highlights the visual diversity currently in the verse.
This Free Fly event is active now. Head to the expo hall in-game to rent the vehicles before the rotation changes again in 48 hours.