The “NO BS (SHIPS)” panel at CitizenCon 2024 highlighted the introduction of larger vehicles and drones in the game, including the Construction Support Vehicle (CSV) and the Star Lancer family, which enhance gameplay through modular design and improved construction capabilities. The discussion also featured the Pioneer ship, designed for crafting and building, alongside a preview of upcoming ship designs, emphasizing the importance of community feedback in the game’s development.
In the recent CitizenCon 2024 panel titled “NO BS (SHIPS),” John and Ben discussed the latest developments in vehicles within the game. The panel lasted 37 minutes and highlighted the community’s enthusiasm for ships and buggies. A significant focus was placed on the need for larger vehicles and structures, emphasizing the introduction of drones categorized into four classes: small, medium, large, and extra-large. These drones will facilitate the construction of larger buildings, enhancing gameplay and player interaction.
The panel showcased the Construction Support Vehicle (CSV) from Argo, which is designed to build medium structures and can fit into a Cutlass Black. The CSV has two medium drones and a cargo capacity of 4 SCU. Additionally, the CSV Supply Module (SM) is designed to carry more cargo, supporting the fabrication module. This modular approach allows players to customize their vehicles for specific tasks, improving efficiency in construction and resource management.
The discussion also covered the Star Lancer family of ships, which are larger than the Lancer and serve various purposes, including tactical operations and cargo transport. The BL variant features a drone control center, four large drones, and 16 SCU of supplies. The TAC variant trades some industrial capabilities for combat features like manned turrets, while the Max variant maximizes cargo capacity, boasting 224 SCU. These ships are designed to operate independently, enhancing gameplay immersion.
The panel introduced the Pioneer, which features extra-large drones and is intended for crafting and building mechanics within the game. Despite undergoing several design changes, the Pioneer retains its core functionalities, including medical crafting and support features. The team is actively working on this ship, although no release date has been promised, and it will not be available at the initial launch of base building.
Finally, the presenters shared a slideshow of ship silhouettes, revealing six of the twelve planned designs from last year, with plans to release the remaining five soon. They also teased additional silhouettes for this year, indicating ongoing development efforts by the team. The panel concluded with a call for community support and engagement, reinforcing the importance of player feedback in shaping the game’s future.