As of October 2026, Steam lists Squadron 42 as requiring Windows 11, 16 GB of RAM, a graphics card with 8 GB of VRAM, and 150 GB of available storage at minimum. RSI publishes a separate, broader set of CIG game requirements that differs on Windows support, graphics memory, and CPU generations. Neither list establishes what frame rate or resolution a PC will deliver.
Squadron 42 minimum PC requirements
Steam’s game-specific listing, checked in October 2026, gives these minimum requirements:
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- Operating system: Windows 11, 64-bit.
- Processor: Quad-core CPU; Intel i7 Sandy Bridge or later, or AMD Bulldozer or later.
- Memory: 16 GB RAM.
- Graphics: DirectX 11.1-compatible graphics card with 8 GB VRAM.
- DirectX: DirectX 12.
- Internet: Broadband connection.
- Storage: 150 GB available space.
These are the values currently shown on Steam’s Squadron 42 store listing; they are published requirements, not independent compatibility or performance test results.
Why RSI lists different requirements
RSI’s support article, updated December 17, 2025, covers CIG games including Squadron 42, rather than presenting a separate game-specific list. Its specifications differ from Steam’s in several important respects:
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| Specification | Steam game listing, checked October 2026 | RSI support article, updated December 17, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11, 64-bit | Windows 10 64-bit (latest service pack) or Windows 11 |
| CPU | Quad-core; Intel i7 Sandy Bridge or later, or AMD Bulldozer or later | Quad-core with AVX, AVX2, and FMA3; Intel i7 Haswell or later, or AMD Excavator or later |
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB or more |
| Graphics | DirectX 11.1-compatible card with 8 GB VRAM | DirectX 11.1 graphics card with 4 GB graphics memory |
| Storage | 150 GB available space | 150 GB or more on an SSD |
| Recommended tier | Only says a 64-bit processor and operating system; no component-level recommendations are listed | No separate recommended tier stated |
Because the two official sources do not agree, do not combine their values into a single definitive list. Steam is game-specific and currently lists Windows 11 and 8 GB VRAM. RSI’s older, broader guidance permits Windows 10 and lists 4 GB graphics memory, but names newer CPU generations and required instruction sets. RSI also says Linux and macOS are not currently supported in its system requirements article.
Can your PC run Squadron 42?
Compare your system with both published lists rather than treating either as a tested guarantee. A PC that meets Steam’s stated minimums matches the more demanding published graphics-memory threshold, but the sources’ CPU-generation details do not line up neatly. If your machine only meets RSI’s older graphics-memory figure or relies on Windows 10, Steam’s listing does not confirm that configuration.
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Neither official source specifies target resolution, graphics settings, expected frame rates, or benchmark results. Meeting a listed minimum therefore does not establish that the game will run smoothly or at a particular visual quality.
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RSI’s support requirements specify a 150 GB or larger SSD. Steam lists 150 GB available storage, without specifying drive type. For a cautious storage check, use RSI’s explicit SSD guidance and make sure at least 150 GB is free on the drive you plan to use; neither source requires a particular SSD interface, speed, or capacity beyond that published threshold.
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RSI also recommends an NTFS drive with at least 100 GB for the RSI Launcher and Star Citizen installation, plus 10 GB of SSD pagefile space. That note names the launcher and Star Citizen, so it should not be treated as an additional Squadron 42-only requirement.
Recommended specifications and upgrade decisions
Steam’s recommended section currently provides no meaningful component recommendations beyond a 64-bit processor and operating system. RSI’s cited article also does not give a separate recommended tier. With no official performance targets or benchmarks in these sources, there is not enough evidence to justify buying a particular GPU, CPU, or complete PC for this game.
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Before purchasing storage, check your computer’s available capacity and drive interface. The published material supports an SSD capacity check, but not a requirement for a 1 TB drive, NVMe, a particular speed, or a particular model.
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Release and download status
Steam currently shows a planned release window of Q2 2027 and says the game is not yet available there, as checked in October 2026. RSI’s support response dated February 4, 2026 said Squadron 42 remained in development and was not available to download; it said RSI accounts with a pledge containing the game would be able to download it after development, testing, and release. These are dated status statements, not a guarantee that the schedule or access terms will remain unchanged. See the RSI availability support page for its statement.
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