The video analyzes whether the upcoming RSI Hermes cargo ship can surpass the popular Constellation Taurus by offering a balance of decent cargo capacity, efficient loading through a movable tractor beam, and operational versatility, potentially redefining mid-tier cargo hauling in Star Citizen. It advises players to prioritize practical performance metrics and await official testing before investing, while also highlighting broader upcoming game updates like new missions, mining tech, and flight model changes.
The video discusses the upcoming release of the RSI Hermes cargo ship in Star Citizen and its potential impact on the current cargo ship meta, particularly its relationship to the popular Constellation Taurus. The Taurus has been a favorite for cargo runs due to its decent cargo capacity (1740 SCU), firepower, and solo-friendly design. However, there is a significant cargo capacity gap between the Taurus and the much larger Caterpillar (456 SCU), leaving players wondering if the Hermes will fill this mid-tier niche effectively. The key question is whether the Hermes can offer enough cargo capacity and operational efficiency to justify its cost and make it a worthwhile upgrade.
A critical factor in determining the Hermes’ value is its cargo grid layout and the functionality of its integrated rail-mounted ship tractor beam. Efficient cargo grid design can drastically reduce loading times, which impacts overall credits earned per hour more than raw cargo capacity alone. The video emphasizes that the Taurus, with its efficient loading, sometimes outperforms the Caterpillar on shorter routes despite the latter’s larger capacity because of longer loading times and higher fuel usage. If the Hermes can combine decent cargo capacity with a more efficient loading system and a movable tractor beam, it could become a game-changer for solo cargo haulers.
The video also highlights the importance of the tractor beam’s design, noting that previous ships like the Polaris have fixed tractor beams that are poorly positioned, making loading cumbersome. A movable tractor beam on the Hermes would allow players to optimize loading and internal cargo management, potentially doubling the ship’s utility by also serving salvage operations. This feature could make the Hermes a versatile and efficient choice for players focused on maximizing their cargo runs and operational efficiency. However, players are advised to wait for official Q&A details and test the ship in-game before committing to a purchase.
Beyond the Hermes, the video touches on other upcoming Star Citizen content, including new mining and salvage missions across multiple systems, the introduction of a new mineral called satarite linked to future mining tech like the rockcracker laser, and improvements in ship night vision to enhance visibility during night missions. It also previews seasonal events with exclusive cosmetic rewards and teases upcoming changes to the flight model, which may shift ship handling closer to realistic physics, potentially altering the gameplay feel significantly.
In conclusion, the video urges players to focus on practical performance metrics like credits per hour and loading efficiency rather than marketing hype when considering the Hermes. The ship must offer at least 200 SCU of cargo and an efficient tractor beam system to be a viable upgrade over the Taurus. While the Hermes has the potential to redefine mid-tier cargo hauling, players are cautioned to wait for thorough testing and community feedback before investing. The video also celebrates quality-of-life improvements like night vision and stresses that 2024 could be a pivotal year for Star Citizen’s development, with the Hermes serving as an early indicator of whether the developers have learned from past release challenges.
