The Star Citizen Alpha 4.3 PTU introduces performance and visual improvements to the OnX facility, a new medical room in the bunker, and enhanced snow and weather effects on Microtech and Pyro 3, particularly in the Bloom region. Additionally, gameplay changes include the removal of external storage access on Hornet ships and varied NPC bullet penetration mechanics across different ships, indicating ongoing adjustments ahead of the imminent update release.
The Star Citizen Alpha 4.3 PTU testing reveals two main gameplay updates: improvements to the OnX facility’s performance, visual effects, audio, and art polish, and the addition of cloud cover and snow effects to Pyro 3, specifically the Bloom region. The limited number of new features suggests that the 4.3 update is nearing release, likely within a week or two. Besides these noted changes, the tester discovered several unmentioned adjustments during gameplay, including modifications to ship functionalities and environmental effects.
One notable change is the removal of external storage access on all Hornet series ships, including both the Hornet Mark 1 and Mark 2. Previously, players could use the interpilot seat function to open external storage, which was convenient for looting during bunker runs. This feature’s removal complicates looting with these ships, as they lack weapons racks and external storage options. The reasoning behind this removal is unclear, but it may be related to standardizing or upgrading the ships in future updates.
Another interesting discovery involves NPC combat mechanics. Bullets from NPCs can penetrate pilot canopies and damage players inside the cockpit, but this effect varies by ship. For example, the Hornet seems to prevent cockpit damage from NPC fire, while ships like the Gladius, Hawk, and Talon allow shots to hit the pilot. This inconsistency suggests that further testing is needed to understand the mechanics fully and whether it is intentional or a bug.
The bunker environment has received a small but significant update with the addition of a new room, which appears to be a medical facility. This room features medical equipment and a spacious layout but currently lacks interactive elements. The introduction of this new room marks the first change to the bunker layout in years, offering a fresh experience for players. It also hints at potential future expansions or more complex bunker designs with additional rooms and underground facilities.
Finally, the snow effects on Microtech and Pyro 3 have been improved since their initial implementation. The snow on Microtech now has better visuals and sound design, eliminating the earlier problematic rain sounds and providing a more immersive experience with wind and gradual snow cessation. On Pyro 3, snow appears primarily at the poles of the Bloom region, with cloud cover present but snow effects somewhat weak. The tester suggests that the snow effects on Bloom could be stronger or that rain might be added to enhance environmental variety. Overall, these updates contribute to a more dynamic and visually appealing game world.