In the latest “Last Week in Star Citizen,” host Irad discusses significant updates from March 17th to 21st, including the rollout of multiple patches for version 4.1 that enhance AI behaviors, gameplay mechanics, and ship features. The week also saw the closure of the Cloud Imperium Games Los Angeles studio, with a tribute planned for the team, as development focuses on key projects like Squadron 42.
In the latest episode of “Last Week in Star Citizen,” host Irad provides a detailed overview of the significant updates and developments in the Star Citizen universe from March 17th to March 21st. The week kicked off with a fresh edition of “This Week in Star Citizen,” where updates were shared regarding an upcoming patch that promised new features, improvements, and fixes. The episode of “Behind the Ships” on Thursday focused on the new Atlas Geo vehicle, set to be released in patch 4.1. The week concluded with the RSI newsletter, highlighting ongoing community engagement.
Throughout the week, several patches were introduced to the Public Test Universe (PTU) for version 4.1, with patch 8 refining various locations and AI behaviors. Improvements included enhanced animations for AI characters and adjustments to the gameplay mechanics, such as item recovery systems and prison oxygen repair rewards. Notably, the fuel storage for the SRV vehicle was significantly increased, facilitating longer missions for tow operators. The audio team also enhanced the sound effects for several ships, contributing to an immersive gameplay experience.
On March 18th, patch 9 brought further improvements to cave exploration and visual effects, while also introducing additional AI enhancements, such as improved perception for NPCs. The gameplay was adjusted to disable certain contracts temporarily, and ship updates corrected various issues, ensuring a smoother experience for players. By March 19th, patch 10 rolled out significant refinements, including optimization of locations and improvements to weapon balancing, addressing recoil and projectile speed for various weapons.
The week continued with the release of patch 11 on March 20th, which temporarily removed the newly introduced Drake Golem and Argo Atlas Geo for further testing. The AI received additional texture updates, enhancing the diversity of NPCs in the game. Ship fixes were also implemented to ensure correct weapon loadouts, contributing to a more balanced gameplay experience. By March 21st, patch 12 primarily focused on critical bug fixes, resolving various gameplay issues and improving overall stability.
In a bittersweet announcement, Cloud Imperium Games revealed the closure of their Los Angeles studio, a decision made as they streamline development efforts towards the completion of key projects like Squadron 42. To honor the contributions of the LA team, a special in-game tribute will be given to Chairman Club members. Overall, the week showcased significant progress in the development of Star Citizen, with alpha 4.1 promising quality-of-life improvements and exciting new content as the community eagerly anticipates future updates.