Ryan (Mac) provides an update on the Star Citizen Alpha 4.6.6 patch going live today, highlighting new features like medium mining missions, the RSI Hermes ship release, and over 160 bug fixes aimed at improving game stability and addressing persistent issues. He also previews the upcoming 4.7 roadmap, emphasizing crafting as a key feature, while encouraging viewers to support his channel and stay tuned for further developments.
In this video, Ryan (aka Mac) provides an update on the much-anticipated Star Citizen Alpha 4.6.6 patch, which is expected to go live today around 4:00 p.m. UK time. The recent Release Candidate 2 build included some ship and vehicle updates, such as visual and sound polish for the Aurora Mark 1 Gold Standard and the MISK Freelancer. Additionally, a small stability and Long-Term Persistence (LTP) update was mentioned, though details remain unclear. LTP is crucial as it ensures items persist across patches, and Ryan hopes this update might address some ongoing issues with item disappearance, but it likely pertains to new items specific to 4.6.6.
A highlight of 4.6 is the introduction of medium mining missions, which have been shared by the organization’s mining division lead. These missions require players to bring their own mining ships and involve mining and refining ores for payouts. While the rewards seem fair, Ryan notes that balancing pay versus effort and risk across different professions remains a work in progress. Another important improvement in 4.6 is the star map now displaying resource availability on planets and moons, making it easier for players to locate mining and harvesting spots.
The RSI Hermes ship is also set to release with this patch, accompanied by a “Behind the Ships” episode that will explore its features. Ryan points out some design choices, such as the rear door potentially limiting crate sizes and the on-rails tractor beam’s operational quirks, which may affect cargo handling. While he is not personally excited about another hauler, he acknowledges the Hermes’ living quarters and tractor beam could make it a useful option for certain players.
Ryan addresses the current state of the game, noting that version 4.5 has been plagued by significant server issues affecting ship requests, inventory, and mining activities, leading many players to hold off until 4.6. The upcoming patch promises over 160 bug fixes targeting these problems, which Ryan hopes will stabilize the Persistent Universe and allow for smoother gameplay. He also mentions that the reduced patch cadence this year will give the developers more time to address issues post-release, potentially improving overall game quality and feature implementation.
Finally, Ryan previews the upcoming roadmap update, expected shortly after 4.6 goes live, which will reveal some of the planned content for 4.7, likely releasing at the end of March. While the initial roadmap cards may be limited, crafting is anticipated to be a key feature. He encourages viewers to support his channel through links and subscriptions, invites them to join his streams, and expresses excitement for the depth and improvements coming to Star Citizen throughout the year.