Cloud Imperium Games says its Maelstrom damage system is complete in Squadron 42, though substantial work remains before the technology can be introduced across Star Citizen’s persistent universe.
According to the developer’s recent community Q&A, Maelstrom is intended to replace more generalized ship armor and damage behavior with localized, physics-based destruction. The outcome of an impact can take account of factors including the projectile or ammunition used, impact force and the ship components struck, producing more granular structural and visual damage.
The completed work applies to Squadron 42, CIG said. Bringing it to the multiplayer space sim will be a separate task because Star Citizen must support its persistent online environment and a large, varied ship roster. That process will require the system to be integrated and ships to be adapted for the new damage model.
Maelstrom is designed to make damage more consequential than a simple reduction in overall hull health. Localized impacts could affect individual areas and systems of a vessel, while the physical properties of ship materials and components are expected to play a role in how destruction is represented.
CIG did not provide a release date for Maelstrom in Star Citizen. The studio characterized the work as a priority for future implementation, but the feature remains unavailable in the live persistent universe for now.
Sources
Internal sources
- 10 From the Community | Missions, Maelstrom & More
- [TL;DR Cut] CIG Answers: Important Infor For Current Issues and Future Plans | 10 From Community
- Star Citizen New Flight Model & Maelstrom Are READY For Squadron 42!
External sources
- Star Citizen Devs Open Up About New Flight Model, Maelstrom, Big Bugs & Major Gameplay Systems!
- Enderprize on Instagram: “Star Citizen has a brand new flight model that eliminates the master mode system we have had for years, an entire new damage mode called maelstrom is finally ready. They are both in squadron 42 and this weekend I get to fly to Manchester England to play the game for five hours and check out these brand new systems and everything else that’s in the game!! #starcitizen #gaming #streamer #tipsandtricks”
- Maelstrom (destruction system) - Star Citizen Wiki
- 4.8K views · 94 reactions | Star Citizen has a brand new flight model that eliminates the master mode system we have had for years, an entire new damage mode called maelstrom is finally ready. They are both in squadron 42 and this weekend I get to fly to Manchester England to play the game for five hours and check out these brand new systems and everything else that’s in the game!! #starcitizen #gaming #streamer #tipsandtricks | Rick Smith