The latest Star Citizen patch notes for 3.23 introduce a major AI update that enhances ship combat AI, making them more formidable and realistic by incorporating real persistent combat data. This update aims to give AI ships more intelligent behaviors and maneuvers, blurring the line between player and AI flight, providing diverse and challenging gameplay experiences for players while ensuring a safer and more secure environment in high-risk areas.
The latest Star Citizen patch notes for 3.23 introduce a major AI update that aims to enhance ship combat AI, making them more formidable and realistic. The AI ship pilots have been toughened with new behaviors based on real persistent combat data collected from experienced dogfighters. This update aims to give AI ships more move sets, intelligent maneuvers, and distancing techniques, blurring the line between player and AI flight. Cloud Imperium Games has been vocal about wanting NPCs to feel like human players, which is why they collect player data to replicate behaviors with NPCs in ship combat and FPS combat.
While the AI update raises concerns about all NPCs fighting in the same formidable way, it is believed that not every ship should behave similarly in combat. There are different behaviors exhibited by ships in combat, ranging from junior to elite or ace pilots. It is suggested that the new formidable opponents should be reserved for specific situations, such as high-tier bounty hunting missions, squadron leaders, or high-security star systems like Terra. The introduction of elite NPCs could provide a challenge for players seeking action while ensuring safe areas in the game where griefers cannot operate freely.
The improved NPC behavior in Star Citizen’s 3.23 patch is seen as a strategic move by Cloud Imperium Games, especially with the upcoming server meshing and replication layer enhancements. With the expected improvement in server frames, NPC behavior is anticipated to become more responsive and realistic in the persistent universe. This update aligns with the developers’ goal of creating a dynamic and immersive gaming experience for players, where NPCs can adapt and challenge players in various scenarios.
The introduction of elite AI pilots in specific locations like high-security star systems or during escort missions could enhance the overall gameplay experience in Star Citizen. Players seeking challenging encounters can engage with these formidable opponents, while regular players can go about their activities in the verse without constant threats. The presence of elite NPCs could also serve as a deterrent for players engaging in unwanted PvP activities, ensuring a safer and more secure environment for all players.
Overall, the major AI update in Star Citizen’s 3.23 patch brings significant improvements to NPC behavior in ship combat, aligning with the developers’ vision of creating a dynamic and immersive universe. By introducing formidable AI opponents in specific scenarios, the game aims to provide diverse and challenging gameplay experiences for players while maintaining security in high-risk areas. With the upcoming enhancements in server technology, players can expect a more responsive and engaging gaming environment as they explore the vast universe of Star Citizen.