The video discusses significant changes to rock mining in Star Citizen 4.1, including new laser options for the Graycat Rock and improved storage capabilities, but highlights issues with mining mechanics that prevent players from utilizing the new features effectively. Despite some positive updates, the host advises players to wait before engaging in rock mining due to persistent bugs that disrupt gameplay.
In the video, the host discusses significant changes to rock mining in the latest Star Citizen patch 4.1, emphasizing that numerous improvements have been made compared to previous versions. The host typically creates “what has changed” videos for all blue-collar game loops in Star Citizen, aiming to inform players who may have been away from the game about the current state of their favorite activities. The focus of this video is on rock mining, and the host plans to explore new features and adjustments by visiting a refinery station.
One of the notable additions in this patch is the ability to switch mining lasers on the Graycat Rock, with two new options available: the Hoffed and the Helix. The Helix is touted as the most powerful mining laser, although the host humorously points out a redundancy in its description. Additionally, the introduction of a Graycat Rock or Pod allows players to fill it up and store it in a warehouse without the previous cumbersome transfer process between the Graycat Rock and the player’s inventory.
The video also highlights changes to the types of ores that can be mined with the Graycat Rock. Certain ores, like Apherite, Hadenite, and Dolbach, have been moved to the hand-minable loop, meaning they can no longer be mined with the Graycat Rock but can still be collected using a multi-tool. The host notes that while the physics of the Graycat Rock have improved—no longer clipping through the ground—there are still some issues with jitteriness during gameplay.
As the host travels to Magda to test out the new features, they encounter a major issue: the mining mechanics seem to be broken, as they cannot mine the new minables introduced in the patch with the Graycat Rock. Despite this setback, they find that mining is still possible with the Atlas Geo, suggesting that the problem may be specific to the Graycat Rock. The host expresses frustration over this bug, especially since the patch was intended to enhance the mining experience.
In conclusion, while the 4.1 patch introduces some positive changes to rock mining, such as the ability to switch lasers and improved storage options, it also suffers from significant bugs that hinder the core mining functionality. The host advises players to hold off on jumping into rock mining until these issues are resolved. They invite viewers to share their thoughts on the changes and other aspects of the patch, indicating that further updates and fixes will be necessary for a smoother gameplay experience.