The upcoming Star Citizen alpha 4.3 update introduces new PvE exploration gameplay through instanced underground Onyx facilities featuring puzzles and narrative-driven objectives, marking the first real instanced areas in the game. Additionally, the update brings new weapons, armor, quality-of-life improvements like enhanced ladder controls, and AI security turrets, setting the stage for expanded gameplay variety and immersion.
The upcoming Star Citizen alpha 4.3 update is set to introduce new PvE gameplay focused on exploration inside underground facilities known as Onyx facilities. These large, instanced locations will be scattered across the moons of the Stanton system and feature puzzles, platforming, and environmental storytelling rather than combat-heavy encounters. Players will be able to tackle these dungeons solo or in groups, engaging with narrative-driven objectives tied to the ongoing storyline involving the ASD science corporation and their morally questionable experiments related to humanity’s regeneration technology crisis.
These Onyx facilities mark a significant step as they appear to be the first real instanced gameplay areas in Star Citizen, possibly serving as a testing ground for future similar content. While earlier plans had included underground sections within distribution centers, which are yet to be fully implemented, these new underground dungeons could represent the initial iteration of a broader hub of diverse gameplay types. The original vision included mining, stealth missions, courier tasks, and exploration within underground tunnels, some focused on corporate interests and others abandoned, aligning with what is now being introduced.
In addition to the underground facilities, alpha 4.3 will bring new weapons and armor to the game. Notably, a new vault sniper rifle, previously teased in concept art, will join the arsenal along with new utility and light sniper armors. While these armors may not yet have fully functional stats that influence gameplay styles, they are designed with future systems like scanning and FPS radar in mind, potentially offering unique interactions once those features are live.
Quality-of-life improvements are also part of this update, including enhanced ladder controls that allow players more freedom to hang, shoot, look around, and jump off or on ladders, addressing current limitations. Additionally, AI security turrets will be introduced, likely appearing in underground facilities first but potentially expanding to cities, space stations, and outposts. This addition hints at a future where security measures become more integrated into the game world, possibly curbing random player violence and enhancing immersion.
Overall, alpha 4.3 promises to bring a mix of fresh gameplay experiences, narrative depth, and technical improvements to Star Citizen. While some details remain speculative and the patch timeline uncertain, more information is expected in the coming month. Fans can look forward to a richer, more varied game environment with new challenges, gear, and mechanics that pave the way for future expansions and refinements.