The December 10th, 2024, 4.0 ePTU update introduces significant improvements such as enhanced star map markers for better navigation, vehicle rental price rebalancing, and updates to ship HUD options, despite two known issues with disappearing hangars and missing inventories. Additionally, the M Starfarer ship received a power boost, and network optimizations have improved overall gameplay performance, making for a smoother experience in high-traffic areas.
On December 10th, 2024, the new 4.0 ePTU update for a gaming build was released, featuring a server configuration that includes four servers in Stanton, six in Pyro, and a total capacity of 500 players. The update, described as “spicy,” comes with two significant known issues: players’ hangars disappearing upon arrival and missing local inventories at various locations. The video showcases testing of the update, focusing on several smaller but important features rather than major gameplay changes.
One of the notable improvements highlighted in the video is the polish applied to the star map markers. The new design allows for easier identification of locations, with asteroid bases and stations represented by distinct shapes and colors. For example, planets are now marked with a white circle that becomes a holographic image when zoomed in, while moons and space stations have their unique symbols. This enhancement streamlines navigation and makes it simpler for players to locate key areas within the game.
The update also includes a vehicle rental price rebalance, although the host experiences server errors when attempting to rent a ship. Despite this, other updates are discussed, such as improvements to the ship’s HUD (Heads-Up Display) options, which now allow for toggling between advanced and standard displays depending on the player’s navigation mode. New keybinds have been introduced, allowing for greater customization and functionality when controlling ship displays.
Additionally, the M Starfarer ship received a significant buff with the addition of a second size three power plant, enhancing its power capacity to support its systems better. The Prospector ship’s exterior has also been updated to facilitate easier attachment and detachment of cargo pods, addressing long-standing issues with physicalized cargo mechanics that hindered gameplay. These changes contribute to a more user-friendly experience for players operating these larger ships.
Lastly, the video discusses network optimizations implemented in this build, aimed at improving overall gameplay performance. The host notes a smoother experience in the game, particularly in high-traffic areas like the Stanton jump gate, where previously abandoned ships appear to have been effectively cleaned up. This indicates that the developers are making strides toward enhancing the game’s performance and addressing issues that have affected player experiences in the past. Overall, the update, despite its known issues, shows promise with various improvements that enhance gameplay and user experience.