“How many times have you had to abandon ship after unexpectedly running out of fuel? In this episode of Inside Star Citizen, we look at how ship-to-ship refueling will work in Alpha 3.17, plus a look at the newest grav-lev vehicle to hit the 'verse.”
In this episode of Inside Star Citizen, the focus is on the introduction of the refueling mechanic in the game. Refueling adds an element of interconnectedness between players, as it allows for the first player-to-player trade in the game. Previously, ships were able to generate fuel out of thin air, but now ships without fuel generation capabilities will have to rely on other players to bring them fuel. Players can purchase fuel into their Starfarer’s fuel pods, either quantum or hydrogen fuel depending on market availability. The process involves requesting fuel through the service app, docking the Starfarer with the stranded ship, and transferring fuel as per the payment request.
The UI for refueling is still being iterated upon to ensure that it provides all the necessary information without overwhelming the player. The scarcity of resources, including fuel, is emphasized as players venture further into other solar systems. There might be systems with no stations or civilizations, requiring players to carefully plan logistics and acquire fuel for their ventures. Refueling is considered a significant milestone in the game’s persistent universe and will be included in the upcoming alpha 3.17 release.
Additionally, the episode introduces the hover quad, a new ground vehicle by Consolidated Outland. This hovercraft is designed for all-terrain travel and does not focus on combat. It has a wider wheelbase, allowing it to handle rocky surfaces without stability issues. The hover quad was initially developed as an add-on for the Nomad concept. It provides players with a means of transportation in compact areas or when they want a more immersive experience on the planet’s surface.
Overall, the episode highlights the importance of the refueling mechanic and its impact on player interactions and resource scarcity in Star Citizen’s persistent universe. It also introduces the hover quad as a versatile ground vehicle option for exploring planets and moons.