Star Citizen's Alpha 4.0 PREVIEW is Both a Victory & a Defeat

In the latest podcast, B Gamer and Zin discuss the preview of Star Citizen’s Alpha 4.0, highlighting both its promising new features like server meshing and the Pyro star system, as well as the challenges posed by bugs and performance issues. They express optimism about the game’s future, noting strong funding and community engagement, while acknowledging that the full experience may not be realized until next year.

In the latest podcast, B Gamer and Zin discuss the preview of Star Citizen’s Alpha 4.0, highlighting both its successes and challenges. They clarify that while 4.0 is available in a preview state, it is not fully live, as the developers are simultaneously running the previous version (3.20.4.3) for players. This dual approach allows players to choose which version to play while the developers address bugs and performance issues in 4.0. The hosts express their excitement about the new features, particularly server meshing and the Pyro star system, which they believe will significantly enhance gameplay and player interactions.

The discussion emphasizes the mixed feelings surrounding the 4.0 preview. While the performance and stability of the new build are commendable, numerous bugs have led to the temporary disabling of some features, such as the ability to spawn in players’ home hangars. Despite these setbacks, the hosts remain optimistic about the potential for 4.0, acknowledging that it represents a major milestone in the game’s development. They plan to explore the new features further in the coming weeks, though they recognize that the full experience may not be realized until the new year.

Zin and B Gamer delve into the new Morai Guardian ship, discussing its features and pricing. The standard Guardian is priced at $250, while a variant known as the QI is available for $10 more, offering enhanced capabilities like a quantum interdiction drive and upgraded power plants. The hosts debate the merits of each variant, with Zin expressing a preference for the QI due to its additional features. They also touch on the strategic implications of the quantum interdiction drive for both PvP and PvE scenarios, suggesting that it could add depth to gameplay.

The podcast also addresses the funding situation for Star Citizen, noting that the game is nearing $113 million in funding for the year, making it one of the most successful years to date. While the hosts express doubt about reaching the previous year’s total of $117 million, they emphasize that the financial health of the game remains strong. They anticipate a financial report in early January that will provide more insights into the company’s operations and expenditures, especially regarding their UK-based development teams.

Finally, the hosts discuss the Luminalia event, where players can collect gifts and engage with the community. They express enthusiasm for future updates, including customizable hangars and base-building features. Looking ahead to 2025, they are optimistic about the game’s trajectory, suggesting that it may approach a beta-like state by the end of the year. The podcast concludes with a call for community engagement, inviting listeners to share their experiences and thoughts on the game’s development and the recent updates.