The latest Star Citizen update highlights ongoing issues with the buggy Alpha 3.24 live build, while players eagerly await Alpha 4.0, which will introduce significant changes and new features like the Argo ATLS exo-suit. CIG’s Chief Technology Officer discussed the challenges faced during the 3.24 launch and the importance of upcoming server meshing tests, as the community looks forward to future updates and events.
In the latest update for Star Citizen, the ongoing Jumptown event will continue until September 12th, 8:00 PM UTC. However, many players are experiencing issues with the Alpha 3.24 live build, which is reported to be quite buggy, making gameplay difficult. Players are currently waiting for Alpha 4.0, which is expected to come with a wipe of the Alpha UEC balance. Alongside this, a ship sale is happening until the same date, and there are upcoming events like the Intergalactic Aerospace Expo in November and possible announcements during CitizenCon in October.
The Alpha 3.24.18 PTU is addressing numerous issues from the 3.24 update while introducing the Argo ATLS, an exo-suit that features a powerful tractor beam mechanism. This suit has been anticipated for years, and players can spawn it directly in their hangars. While there is no confirmed release date or pricing for the suit, it is expected to be available for sale soon, likely coinciding with the 3.4.1 live patch. The inclusion of these suits in the 3.24 trailer suggests that they were initially intended for the 3.24 live release but faced delays.
Benoit Bour, CIG’s Chief Technology Officer, discussed the challenges faced during the 3.24 update’s release in a recent Star Citizen Live segment. He highlighted that various fundamental systems were involved, leading to a rough launch. The team is actively working on hotfixes to resolve issues, but some bugs remain due to the complexity of player interactions in the live environment compared to testing phases. The release of 3.24 was necessary to gather more data for ongoing optimizations.
Server meshing tests, which were scheduled for last week, encountered issues that prevented their execution. These tests aim to combine new network technology with increased player capacity on a single server shard, ultimately contributing to the development of Alpha 4.0. Benoit explained that previous tests provided valuable insights, but delays in launching the new system have impacted the current state of the game. The team is working on resolving these issues and expects to conduct tests soon.
Lastly, updates on various game elements were shared, including character customization options and the introduction of space cows in Alpha 4.0. The narrative team is also set to release a guide on the Asperia Prowler ship. In the upcoming week, there will be a Q&A session focused on cargo and hangers, providing players a chance to engage with developers. Overall, the community remains excited about future updates, the potential of the Titan suits, and the imminent arrival of Alpha 4.0.