The video offers an in-depth exploration of the Caterpillar’s command module in Star Citizen Alpha 4.8 PTU, demonstrating its features like tractor beams, detachment mechanics, and interaction with the mothership, while addressing viewer questions about docking, storage, and gameplay quirks. It highlights current limitations, bugs, and potential exploits, providing valuable insights into the ship’s functionality and areas for future improvement.
In this video, the creator explores the Star Citizen Alpha 4.8 Wave 1 PTU update with a focus on testing the Caterpillar’s command module and answering viewer questions. The Caterpillar itself has not received significant updates in this patch, and in some cases, it appears slightly worse, such as issues with the elevator causing damage. The command module features an engineering terminal and two tractor beams, one on each wing, including one on the command module itself. The module can be detached smoothly using a keybind, and when detached, it still allows some interaction with the mothership, such as power management and turret operation, but the ship cannot be flown without the command module.
A notable test showed that when the command module is detached, the mothership remains powered, and the tractor beam can even be used to pull the command module back, although this can cause issues like the command module getting stuck or self-destructing. The video also highlights that the Caterpillar can operate as a stationary turret platform without the command module. The vehicle loadout manager currently does not allow customization of the command module’s components or weapons, though this could change in future updates. The creator also tested storing and reclaiming ships, noting that the command module cannot be stored separately and that reclaiming a ship without a command module leaves it unusable.
The video addresses questions about docking and ownership, explaining that docking with another player’s Caterpillar requires approval, but abandoned or NPC Caterpillars can be docked with freely. Claiming a Caterpillar without a command module results in receiving a new ship with a command module, suggesting a potential exploit for duplicating command modules. The creator also tested the compatibility of the Caterpillar with the Polaris hangar, confirming it fits but the hangar door clips the top turret, requiring the door to be kept open. Tractor beam functionality was examined, showing that cargo and vehicles can be moved onto the command module, making loading easier, especially with two players.
Several bugs and quirks were encountered, such as the command module detaching unexpectedly, difficulty docking with moving ships, and issues with storing reclaimed ships. The video also confirmed that beds inside the Caterpillar work for logging out, and that the ship appears exactly where it was left upon logging back in. However, the toilet in the command module lacks an interaction to make the character sit on it. The creator plans to follow up with additional videos focusing on combat capabilities and stealth potential for the command module.
Overall, the video provides a thorough hands-on examination of the Caterpillar’s command module features, current limitations, and various gameplay mechanics related to docking, tractor beams, storage, and ship interaction within the Star Citizen Alpha 4.8 PTU environment. It answers many community questions while highlighting areas needing improvement or further development in future patches.