Captain Zir Hayes reviews the improvements to Prospector mining in Star Citizen patch 4.9, highlighting a 20% increase in mining laser power and faster scanning that enhance the mining experience and make the activity smoother and more enjoyable. While the income from mining remains moderate compared to other blue-collar activities, the Prospector is still valuable for players focused on contracts, reputation, or a relaxed gameplay style.
In this video, Captain Zir Hayes reviews the changes to Prospector mining in Star Citizen patch 4.9. He explains that his channel focuses on testing blue-collar gameplay loops such as mining, salvaging, and hauling, providing real-time reactions and honest assessments to help players decide if these activities are worth their time. For this test, he chooses to mine at Magda, avoiding the visibility issues at Aberdine, and begins by scanning and mining various rocks, noting some technical difficulties like a corrupted file but continuing the process regardless.
One of the key improvements highlighted is a 20% increase in mining laser power, which made breaking down larger rocks easier compared to previous patches. Captain Zir notes that the prospector felt more capable with this buff, allowing him to tackle rocks he previously might have avoided. Additionally, scanning was faster and more responsive, which enhanced the overall mining loop experience by reducing the frustration of finding viable rocks to mine. A notable quality-of-life improvement is the ability to sell gems directly from the backpack, streamlining the selling process for mined materials.
During the mining run, Captain Zir manages to fill about 30.61 SCU of cargo with various ores including titanium and astatine. After refining the materials, he earns approximately 47,000 UEC, which he considers decent but not exceptional. He points out that while the Prospector mining loop is improved, it may not be the most lucrative blue-collar activity for players focused purely on maximizing income. Other activities like breaking down and salvaging ship weapons currently offer better financial returns for the time invested.
Despite the moderate income, Captain Zir emphasizes that the Prospector remains valuable for players working on mining contracts, building reputation, or simply enjoying a more relaxed and methodical gameplay experience. The improvements in gameplay smoothness and mining capability make the activity more enjoyable, even if it is less profitable compared to other options. He encourages players who appreciate the mining loop for its own sake to give the Prospector another try in patch 4.9.
In conclusion, Captain Zir affirms that Prospector mining in 4.9 is better thanks to the laser power increase and improved scanning, resulting in a smoother and more satisfying experience. However, players seeking maximum UEC should consider alternative blue-collar loops. He invites viewers to share their experiences with the Prospector in the comments and reminds them to subscribe for ongoing testing and honest evaluations of blue-collar gameplay in Star Citizen.