Star Citizen’s annual Invictus Launch Week returned in full force for 2955 (2025), delivering two weeks of adrenaline-fueled ship showcases, free fly events, community celebration, and surprise reveals. Held from May 15 to May 27, the event transformed the Bevic Convention Center in Area18, ArcCorp into a rotating exhibition of military-industrial power, giving players old and new a chance to engage with the game’s largest ships, most powerful manufacturers, and boldest designs to date.
This year’s edition saw massive community turnout, driven in part by new ship reveals, a massive Free Fly event, and limited-time purchase opportunities for some of the most coveted ships in the Star Citizen universe.
Free Fly Event Opens the Skies
As with every Invictus event, CIG extended an open invitation to the galaxy. Over the two-week period, Star Citizen became free-to-play, allowing anyone to download and test-fly over 100 ships. This Free Fly brought record participation numbers, showcasing the game’s growing player base and expanding feature set.
For many, this was their first flight through the bustling corridors of Area18, or their first time watching the RSI Bengal cut a path across the sky—experiences previously limited to long-time backers.
Each day, a new manufacturer took over the expo halls, giving players access to that brand’s full fleet for the day, completely free of charge. From light fighters to gunship dreadnoughts, every corner of the game’s vehicular sandbox was represented.
New Ships Take Center Stage: Anvil Asgard & RSI Lynx
This year’s flagship reveal was the Anvil Asgard, a military dropship that redefines troop deployment in Star Citizen. Featuring heavy armor, onboard defensive systems, and a high-capacity interior, the Asgard is a ground-op-focused gunship designed for coordinated offensive play and planetary invasions. With support for multiple combatants and gear stowage, it fills a long-awaited niche for organized ground assaults.
The second major reveal was the RSI Lynx, a luxury exploration rover intended for VIP transport across planetary terrain. Though not a combat vehicle, the Lynx quickly became a fan favorite due to its sleek design and synergy with RSI’s Constellation Phoenix, often described as “a limousine for the stars.”
Both vehicles were made available for free in-game rentals during their showcase days, giving players hands-on access to cutting-edge hardware.
Capital Ships and Spectacle: Javelin Tours and Bengal Flybys
One of the highlights of every Invictus event is the return of the Javelin tour, offering players a rare opportunity to step aboard one of the game’s most iconic capital ships. Docked at orbital stations throughout Stanton, the Javelin welcomed visitors with explorable interiors, NPC crew interaction, and lore-rich displays that helped immerse players in the game’s military narrative.
Equally awe-inspiring were the RSI Bengal flybys—moments where the colossal carrier, too large for player control, swept across the skies in choreographed passes. With players gathering in landing zones and balconies to watch, these events generated buzz and countless screenshots across social media.
Ship Sales & Limited Editions: Rare Hulls Return
For collectors and combatants alike, Invictus is a shopping spree with serious firepower. This year included limited-edition ships available in restricted quantities and time slots, including:
- Aegis Idris-P
- Aegis Javelin
- Drake Kraken
CIG staggered these high-demand sales to accommodate global time zones and reduce server congestion. Meanwhile, players could also purchase newly announced ships like the Asgard and Lynx with either in-game credits (during rental trials) or real-world pledges.
Drake’s Reduced Role and Mystery Teasers
One notable difference this year was the more subdued presence of Drake Interplanetary, a fan-favorite manufacturer known for edgy, rogue-style ships. While they maintained a showcase day and hinted at new models in development, their limited interaction left some fans speculating about possible surprises saved for the upcoming IAE (Intergalactic Aerospace Expo) in November.
Despite this, players praised the detail and atmosphere of each manufacturer’s exhibits, especially Anvil’s cinematic lighting and RSI’s pristine, corporate presentation.
Quality of Life and Dev Communication
Behind the scenes, CIG used Invictus 2955 to continue their commitment to transparency. Regular Spectrum forum posts, developer Q&As, and Discord AMAs kept the community in the loop on ongoing balance work, flight model tweaks, and the evolving roadmap toward version 4.0.
In many ways, the event served as a live showcase of what Star Citizen has become: not just a space sim, but a living sci-fi MMO, where world-building, lore, tech, and community all interlock.
Looking Ahead: Toward Pyro and Beyond
With Pyro—Star Citizen’s long-awaited second star system—looming on the horizon, many see Invictus 2955 as the final big celebration before Star Citizen expands its universe in earnest. The return of Free Fly access, coupled with new ships and revitalized community events, reaffirmed the strength of the game’s ever-growing base and the continued evolution of its ambitious vision.
Final Thoughts
Invictus Launch Week 2955 wasn’t just a celebration of military might—it was a moment of community, creativity, and connection in a game that continues to grow despite its complex journey. With new ships, record player engagement, and clear developer momentum, Star Citizen has once again reminded players why the stars are still worth reaching for.