This video discusses the upcoming changes to cargo hauling in Star Citizen, with a focus on making it a meaningful and rewarding profession. It covers features such as expanded cargo systems, hauling missions, reputation progression, physicalized cargo containers, risks like piracy, rewards and perks, and the functionality of freight elevators and hangars for inventory management and customization.
In this video, Ryan (AKA Mac) discusses the upcoming changes to Cargo in Star Citizen. The developers, Cloud Imperium Games (CIG), recognize that cargo is a vital part of the game that affects various aspects such as inventory, interactions, missions, vehicles, AI, and economy. They plan to expand and unify the cargo system to meet the scale of Star Citizen. The introduction of the Interstellar Transport Guild will lead to the evolution of hauling missions, offering players the opportunity to work for different cargo companies and gain reputation to unlock more lucrative contracts involving various types of commodities.
CIG aims to make cargo hauling a meaningful profession, with a sense of progression. Each type of commodity, ranging from minerals and metals to weapons and clothing, will have unique properties and appearances. Players will need to carefully consider the cargo they are hauling and ensure they have the appropriate tools and ship to handle it. Cargo containers will have physical damage, requiring monitoring for integrity. Some cargo may have specific temperature requirements or need to be handled with care. Players may also face risks like piracy or lawful authorities depending on the legality of the cargo.
Alongside mission and reputation progression, players will have the opportunity to unlock perks and rewards, including branded ship and tool skins, branded clothing, flare items, and collectibles. These rewards cannot be purchased from a website and can only be acquired in-game, giving players a sense of pride and progression. CIG plans to apply similar systems to other professions like mining, bounty hunting, and salvage, encouraging players to carve their own paths and have tangible rewards to show for their hard work.
The video also showcases the functionality of freight elevators, which will provide physicalized access to players’ inventory in hangars and other locations. These elevators can hold up to 960 standard cargo units, allowing players to move items back and forth. Cargo trolleys will also be available, with the ability to hold up to six seu (standardized enclosure unit). Hangars will become personal and persistent spaces, where players can store vehicles, weapons, personal items, and decorate their base of operations. The hanger interface will allow players to interact with their items and vehicles, including performing repairs and outfitting ships.
Overall, these updates to cargo hauling and hangars in Star Citizen will redefine the experience for players, allowing them to engage in the true space trucker profession and have a more immersive and customizable base of operations. Many of these changes are already in the works, with the work on freight elevators set to finish around December. Players can expect to see these updates in early 2023, bringing a new level of depth and realism to the game.