Star Citizen has expanded its focus to include in-depth industrial gameplay, introducing mechanics such as mining, salvage, refueling, cargo management, and engineering, with elements like active ship refining and interactive cargo hauling on the way. Engineering will become essential with the new RezNet system, and future updates promise to enhance mining with new vessels capable of refining and processing, enriching the game’s industrial ecosystem.
Star Citizen Industrial Gameplay Overview:
Overview & Developments:
Star Citizen’s industrial gameplay has evolved significantly in recent years, transitioning from a combat-focused experience to a more diverse one that includes numerous industrial professions. Recent updates have included mining, salvage, refueling, cargo hauling, and more. Players who prefer non-combat roles have seen increased attention, with mining already an established gameplay element and salvage mechanics starting to take shape. Refueling, while implemented, is still somewhat limited but expected to improve with the upcoming Pyro system. The introduction of a more robust cargo system is also on the horizon, along with the promise of repair, crafting, and engineering mechanics.
Salvage Gameplay:
Salvage in Star Citizen is broken down into multiple categories: hull scraping, component retrieval, hull munching, and siphoning various substances like fuel and data. While all these mechanics are still in development, most are expected to create a deep and rewarding gameplay loop. For instance, hull scraping works as the opposite of ship repair, and component retrieval allows players to extract and potentially reuse parts from wrecks. The video discusses various aspects of salvage gameplay, providing insights into what players can expect in the future, such as siphoning fuel or data from derelict ships or disabled ships, which is still under development.
Refining Gameplay:
Refining gameplay, which is notably absent from much discussion, is meant to involve player interaction and strategy. Unlike the mostly AFK station-based refining currently available, ship-refining will be an active process where players have to monitor the refining procedure closely. Players will be able to tailor their refining equipment to specific types of mining, such as mineral or gas extraction, adding a layer of customization to how ships operate. Refining will also be affected by developments in other areas of the game, such as the ongoing expansion of mining gameplay.
Cargo Hauling and Management:
Cargo hauling is expected to receive substantial improvements, with the introduction of freight elevators and instance hangers that will allow players to interact with cargo in physical space. Engaging with cargo hauling will become more tactile and involve actual loading and unloading processes. Eventually, players will have access to persistent hangers, spaces that can be used to safely store and manage cargo and vehicles over time. The implementation of different cargo box sizes and the need for manual interaction when transferring cargo into and out of hangers will add depth to the cargo career.
Engineering Gameplay:
Engineering is set to be a pivotal element of industrial gameplay, necessitated by the upcoming changes to ship systems. The Resource Management System (RezNet) will replace the older pipe system and facilitate the relay gameplay seen in ships, outposts, and potentially future base building. Engineering roles are divided into tuning, maintaining, and managing, each requiring different skillsets and responsibilities. Players can choose to specialize or handle all aspects, from adjusting components before a journey to damage control and power distribution during operations. The system will provide a plethora of interactions, including managing power allocation, dealing with malfunctions, and maintaining ship components in working order.
Mining Gameplay:
Lastly, mining remains an integral part of Star Citizen’s industrial gameplay. Recent discussions and Q&As have touched upon new ships like the Argo Rastra, which will serve as mining vessels with enhanced capabilities compared to existing mining ships such as the MISC Prospector and Argo MOLE. The upcoming mining ships will include refining capabilities and expanded options for ore processing, alongside the prospect of participating in a larger mining operation ecosystem.