The Intergalactic Aerospace Expo (IAE) 2955 has officially taken over Orison, and for anyone curious about the current state of the 'verse, the barriers to entry just dropped. Until December 3, 2025, Star Citizen is running a massive Free-to-Play event that unlocks access to nearly 200 ships and ground vehicles.
The Showroom Floor is Open
If the hum of your current fusion drive is starting to sound a bit worrisome—or you're just tired of looking at the same cockpit panels—this is the time to swap keys. The IAE is traditionally the best window for players to test the meta without spending credits. Usually, getting behind the stick of a capital ship or a specialized fighter requires significant in-game grinding or a pledge. Right now, you can simply head to the expo hall in Orison and rent them for free.
This rotation isn't just about window shopping; it's a stress test for your fleet plans. With nearly 200 vehicles available, this is the moment to verify if that heavy freighter actually fits your playstyle or if the visibility in that new fighter works for your combat maneuvers. The event runs through December 3, giving you just over a week to run the gauntlet.
How do Concept Pledges work during IAE?
With the influx of new pilots, Cloud Imperium Games has issued a necessary clarification regarding concept ships. If you decide to pledge for a vehicle that is still in the "concept" phase, you won't be flying that specific ship out of the hangar immediately. Since these vessels are still in active development, the game provides a "loaner" vehicle—usually the closest functional equivalent in terms of size and role—so you aren't left grounded.
It is worth remembering that while these pledges fund ongoing development, every ship showcased at IAE 2955 is intended to be earnable with in-game credits eventually. The Free Fly event is effectively a preview of what you can grind for later, removing the pressure to open your wallet just to see how a ship handles atmospheric flight.
Teasing Future Support
Beyond the hardware, RSI dropped a sneak peek image on November 23, hinting at upcoming in-game assistance features. While details remain scarce, the timing suggests we might see new systems designed to help new players navigate the complexities of the 'verse—something that becomes increasingly critical as the ship roster expands toward that 200 mark.