In Star Citizen alpha 4.3.1, medical beacons have been reintroduced, reviving the rescue gameplay loop despite bugs like lack of alerts and confirmation for injured players, with the streamer highlighting both the challenges and excitement of performing rescues using med guns and medical beds. While current issues and exploitations like easy respawns undermine the system, the streamer remains optimistic about future improvements and the unique role-playing opportunities medical gameplay offers.
In the latest Star Citizen alpha 4.3.1 update, medical beacons have been reintroduced, reviving one of the game’s favorite gameplay loops centered around rescuing injured players. The streamer explores the viability and enjoyment of this loop, especially with the current tier zero looting system. However, there are notable bugs affecting the experience: no global alerts notify players of active medical beacons, and the injured players triggering the beacon receive no confirmation that help is on the way. These issues often lead to confusion and missed rescue opportunities but have been acknowledged by Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) with fixes expected in the future.
Another challenge to the medical beacon loop is the ease with which players can simply backspace (respawn) to retrieve their own gear instead of waiting for a rescue, which undermines the incentive to engage with the medical gameplay. The streamer notes that in combat, death in your ship usually results in a full kill and respawn, while fighting at locations like Lazarus offers beds for respawn, similar to other medical facilities. Most encounters involve solo players looting bunkers or smaller sites, making these the typical locations where medical beacons become relevant.
The streamer shares personal experiences rescuing two players: one with a tier three injury and another with a tier two injury. Healing these players costs the rescuer in-game currency (5,000 to 10,000 credits), which can be offset by the 50,000 credits earned per beacon contract, making the loop potentially profitable. Beyond the monetary aspect, the streamer emphasizes the excitement and satisfaction of the rescue missions, enjoying the unpredictability and the role-playing element of medical support.
During the rescues, the streamer uses a med gun and interacts with the injured players, guiding them to medical beds for treatment. However, a current limitation is that rescuers cannot directly heal patients on the beds; injured players must perform their own treatment, which can be confusing for new players. The streamer advocates for the ability to control medical beds to assist less experienced players, highlighting a need for improved medical gameplay mechanics and user interface.
Despite some frustrations and bugs, the streamer remains optimistic about the medical beacon gameplay loop’s future and encourages CIG to continue refining it. The video ends on a positive note with successful rescues completed, expressing enthusiasm for the ongoing development of medical features in Star Citizen and the unique experiences they create. The streamer signs off with a call to fly safe and looks forward to more medical gameplay adventures.