After investigating this particular issue, it turns out that there are multiple culprits that might be responsible for the apparition of this error code. Here’s a shortlist of instances where you might see this error:
Method 1: Clearing incorrect RSI Entries
As it turns out, you might encounter this problem due to some incorrect entries in the RSI servers. This scenario was confirmed by several users that were previously encountering the 10002 error when trying to launch Star Citizen conventionally. Fortunately, you can fix this problem by navigating to the location where your Windows installation holds the RSI server entries and removing the problematic files. Additionally, you can simply reset the host files to their default values. Here’s a quick guide on clearing the incorrect RSI entries in order to fix the 10002 error with Star Citizen: In case you’re still encountering the 10002 error, move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 2: Dealing with an Overprotective Antivirus
As it turns out, you can encounter this error in instances where you’re using an overprotective antivirus or firewall that is blocking the connection between your local Start Citizen installation and the game server. If this scenario is applicable, you have 3 ways forward:
Disable the Real-Time Protection of your antivirus/firewall Uninstalling the overprotective security suiteWhitelisting RSILauncher.exe and StarCitizen.exe in your antivirus or firewall.
Depending on your preferred way of handling this, follow sub guide A to disable the real-time protection or uninstall the 3rd party security suite. In case you don’t want to renounce your security suite, follow sub guide B for step by step instructions on whitelisting the 2 main game’s executable from Windows Firewall or Windows Defender. If you use a 3rd party suite and you have no problem uninstalling it, follow sub guide C to uninstall it from your computer.
A. Disable Real-time Protection of Firewall/Antivirus
If you’re using a 3rd party antivirus, you should be able to disable the real-time protection by using the tray bar icon. Simply right-click on the icon associated with your Antivirus or Firewall suite and look for an option that allows you to disable the real-time protection. In case you are using the native protection suite (Windows Firewall + Windows Defender), follow the instructions below to disable the real-time protection on both:
B. Whitelisting RSILauncher.exe and StarCitizen.exe in your Antivirus/Firewall
If you are using a 3rd party suite, search online for specific steps on excluding the 2 main executables of Start citizen (RSILauncher.exe and StartCitizen.exe) Once you do this, launch the game again and see if the issue is resolved. In case you are using the native security suite, follow the on-screen instructions below to whitelist the 2 executables in Windows Firewall:
C. Uninstalling the Overprotective Antivirus or Firewall
In case you’re using a 3rd party security suite and you suspect it might be blocking the connection with the game server due to a false positive, there’s also the option of uninstalling it and making the transition to the native protection suite (Windows Defender + Windows Firewall) Here’s a quick guide on uninstalling the overprotective 3rd party suite: If the same problem is still occurring, move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 3: Forwarding the Ports used by Star Citizen
According to some affected users, this problem can also occur due to a NAT (Network Address Translation) issue. It’s possible that the TCP and USB ports that the game users are not opened in your network, so the game has no way of communicating with the game server. If this scenario is applicable, you should be able to fix the problem by ensuring that TCP 8000 – 8020 and UDP 64090 – 64110 destination ports are forwarded or open in and out of your firewall and router. On the vast majority of routers, you can get the job done by enabling UPnP (Universal Plug and Play). This ensures that your router is allowed to open the ports automatically for the applications that require it (including Star Citizen). However, in case your router doesn’t support UPnP, you will need to forward the ports used by Star Citizen manually from your router settings. If this scenario is applicable, follow the instructions below for generic instructions on how to do this: Note: These are just general guidelines that will help you get the job done. But keep in mind that the name of the settings you’ll see on your screen will be different depending on your router manufacturer. In case the problem is still not resolved and you’re still seeing the 1002 error code, move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 4: Using a VPN
In case you are still encountering the 10002 error code even after following the instructions above, it’s possible you’re dealing with some inconsistency caused by your ISP. Most commonly, issues of this kind are actually caused a Level 3 ISP node. To go around this problem, you can use a VPN solution. And you don’t necessarily have to settle for a paid option, there are plenty of free options that will allow you to hide your real location without the need to commit to a monthly payment plan. If you’re undecided, you can go for a gaming VPN from our updated list. In case you’re looking for step-by-step instructions on how how to install and set up a VPN, we’ve got you covered. Follow the instructions below to install the free version of Hide.Me VPN: In case the same problem is still occurring, move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 5: Reinstalling the Game in a Different Location
If none of the potential fixes above have worked for you, chances are you are dealing with some kind of game installation inconsistency. Several affected users have confirmed that they managed to fix this issue by reinstalling the game in a different location and ensuring that you have plenty of space left (over 60 GB). If this scenario is applicable, you should press ahead with the reinstallation Star Citizen in an attempt to resolve the 10002 error. Here’s a quick guide on reinstalling the game conventionally in a different location in order to fix the problem:
How to Fix Installer Error in Star Citizen on PCStar Citizen Alpha 3.3 Coming in October with CitizenConStar Citizen Crashing on Windows? Try These FixesStar Citizen Squadron 42 Single-Player Mode Shown Off in Leaked Footage
