The video showcases extensive testing of the Star Citizen 4.2 PTU update, highlighting major changes to missile and torpedo mechanics, including a new minimum activation distance and improved countermeasures like flares. Despite these updates, the host notes that torpedoes can still bounce off targets at close range and that balancing adjustments may still be necessary for optimal gameplay.
The video features a detailed testing session of the new PTU (Public Test Universe) update for Star Citizen, focusing on the major overhaul of missiles and torpedoes introduced in patch 4.2. The host and his friend Worth conduct various experiments in the Arena Commander, examining the changes outlined in the patch notes, particularly the adjustments to lock ranges, lock timers, activation distances, explosion radii, and torpedo health. A key update is the addition of a minimum activation distance of 1,500 meters for torpedoes, which affects how effectively they can be used at close ranges.
During the tests, the players explore how torpedoes behave when fired within and below the 1,500-meter minimum activation distance. They discover that torpedoes can still be fired at targets closer than 1,500 meters, but they will not lock on or explode immediately upon impact. Instead, they bounce off targets or the ground, only detonating after their timer expires. This change means that players can still “dump fire” torpedoes at close ranges, but these will be less effective and primarily serve as timed explosives rather than lock-on weapons.
The testing also reveals improvements in countermeasures, particularly flares, which now seem to effectively distract or destroy incoming cross-section torpedoes. The host demonstrates that a single flare can neutralize multiple torpedoes, a change from previous versions where flares were less effective. They also test different torpedo sizes, including size 5, 10, and 12, noting that larger torpedoes have longer lock ranges and are more likely to be shot down by PDCs (point defense systems). The effectiveness of flares against these torpedoes is confirmed, with multiple torpedoes being neutralized easily.
Further tests involve targeting and destroying specific ship components, such as engines and power plants, with torpedoes. The host shows that hitting critical areas like the power plant can result in complete ship destruction, emphasizing the importance of precise targeting. They also experiment with intercepting torpedoes mid-flight, demonstrating that torpedoes can be destroyed with enough firepower, especially when fired in salvos. The tests reveal that torpedoes are faster than some fighters, making interception challenging but still possible with coordinated fire.
Overall, the video provides an in-depth look at the recent changes to missile mechanics in Star Citizen 4.2 PTU. While some improvements, such as better countermeasures and damage modeling, are evident, the host notes that certain issues remain, like torpedoes bouncing off targets at close range and the potential for overpowered flares. The testing concludes with observations that, despite the overhaul, torpedoes still require careful use and strategic planning, and further tuning may be needed to balance their effectiveness in gameplay.