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As of October 2026, Steam lists a minimum of Windows 11, a quad-core processor, 16 GB of RAM, a DirectX 11.1-compatible graphics card with 8 GB of VRAM, DirectX 12, broadband internet, and 150 GB of storage for Squadron 42. RSI publishes a separate, broader set of CIG requirements that differs on Windows, graphics memory, and CPU generations. Neither source provides performance benchmarks, so meeting a listed minimum does not guarantee smooth play.
Squadron 42 minimum PC requirements on Steam
Steam’s game-specific listing, checked in October 2026, gives these minimum specifications:
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- Operating system: Windows 11, 64-bit
- Processor: Quad-core 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: Version 12
- Network: Broadband internet connection
- Storage: 150 GB available space
Steam’s Squadron 42 listing also specifies a 64-bit processor and operating system. Its recommended section currently provides no component-level recommendations.
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RSI’s published requirements differ
Roberts Space Industries (RSI) maintains a general requirements page for CIG games, including Squadron 42. Its latest update shown is December 17, 2025. It lists:
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- Processor: Quad-core CPU with AVX, AVX2, and FMA3; Intel i7 Haswell or later, or AMD Excavator or later
- Graphics: DirectX 11.1 graphics card with 4 GB of graphics memory
- Memory: 16 GB or more
- Storage: 150 GB or more on an SSD
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 specifically addresses the launcher and Star Citizen installation, so it should not be treated as an additional Squadron 42 requirement. RSI says Linux and macOS are not currently supported. See RSI’s requirements page.
How to interpret the conflicting specifications
These are two official lists with different scopes and dates, not one combined specification. Steam’s game-specific minimum asks for Windows 11 and 8 GB VRAM, while RSI’s December 2025 general CIG list allows Windows 10 or 11 and names 4 GB of graphics memory. Their listed CPU generations also differ: Steam names Sandy Bridge and Bulldozer, while RSI names Haswell and Excavator and specifies AVX, AVX2, and FMA3.
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Use the Steam listing as the game-specific minimum shown on Steam, and keep RSI’s values attributed to its broader support page. Neither source explains the discrepancy or provides a component-by-component reconciliation, so do not assume one list overrides the other.
Can your PC run Squadron 42?
Compare your system with both published lists, especially if it falls between their graphics-memory or CPU thresholds. Check your Windows version, processor model and instruction-set support, RAM, graphics-card memory, and free storage. The available official information does not establish frame rates, target resolution, graphics settings, or whether minimum-spec hardware will deliver smooth gameplay; it is not a performance guarantee.
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How much SSD space do you need?
RSI’s general CIG requirements specify an SSD with at least 150 GB, while Steam lists 150 GB of available storage without specifying a drive type. SSD capacity is therefore the clearest storage check in RSI’s published list. Neither source requires a 1 TB drive, NVMe, a particular speed, or a specific model. Check your PC’s drive interface and available capacity before deciding whether you need more storage.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Release timing and download availability
Steam currently gives Squadron 42 a planned release window of Q2 2027 and says it is not yet available there. RSI’s support page, dated February 4, 2026, also said the game was still in development and not available for 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 and may change; check the Steam listing and RSI download FAQ for current availability.
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