The recent Star Citizen live stream focused heavily on upcoming FPS gameplay improvements, including new weapons, armor changes, and enhancements in Squadron 42 that will eventually make their way to the Persistent Universe (PU). A notable highlight is the ongoing development of the Apex Valakar creature, which the team is refining to ensure a memorable and well-balanced fight involving both ground and ship combat. Although no exact release timeline was given, the creature is expected to appear sometime this year in locations like Daymar and Monox.
Several new FPS gadgets are in development to expand combat options beyond the current grenades and monocular. For Squadron 42, breaching charges and deployable shields are being introduced, while the PU will see an area denial grenade this year, likely designed to control enemy movement. The team also teased additional gadgets planned for future updates, aiming to diversify tactical gameplay.
A major focus was on armor specialization and customization, with the introduction of a starware system allowing players to mix clothing and armor pieces. Combat clothing will offer some damage mitigation without the bulk of heavy armor, catering to areas where armor is restricted. Armor weight will impact movement, sound, and detection, with heavier armor muffling hearing but improving weapon handling, and lighter armor enhancing stealth capabilities. These changes are already implemented in Squadron 42 and will gradually come to the PU.
Armor types will be more role-specific, moving away from heavy armor as the default choice. Categories include assault, stealth, hunter, medical, engineer, resource specialist, explorer, and a future super heavy armor with exceptional protection but limited self-healing and mobility. Wearing full armor sets will grant unique perks, encouraging players to commit to specific roles. Helmets will also see specialization, with flight helmets focusing on ship data displays and combat helmets retaining combat visors.
The stream also covered new weapons expected this year, such as the long-awaited crossbow, a lever-action rifle, a medgun pistol, and various new grenade types. Weapon durability, including overheating and malfunctions, is already in Squadron 42 and will come to the PU. FPS polish in Squadron 42 includes smoother weapon switching, better stance transitions, improved sprint behavior, and new weapon audio. Finally, downed state mechanics will improve, allowing players to crawl while incapacitated and potentially self-revive using med pens, adding more depth to combat survivability.
