The Star Citizen Alpha 3.21.x roadmap update introduces new ships, missions, jump points, and tractor beams. The update also focuses on improving online networking technology, particularly with the replication layer update, to bring the game closer to achieving server meshing.
In this Star Citizen roadmap update for Alpha 3.21.x, several new features and changes are being introduced. The update signifies a major milestone in the game’s online networking technology, bringing it closer to server meshing. The patch cycle will include testing new underlying technology through a separate testing channel. This new channel will match the current live release in terms of content and features while introducing large tech changes that need to be validated before being added to the live release. The primary focus is on server authority over specific areas, which is a significant step towards Alpha 4.0 and beyond.
In terms of content, the update will enable all of the old Crusader platforms, with various missions and tasks available. Players will have retrieval consignment missions, where they must locate and extract critical items, as well as steal evidence missions, where they infiltrate security posts and steal files. Additionally, a new ship called the Crusader A1 Spirit Light bomber will be introduced as a focused bomber variant.
The update also includes the implementation of vehicle tractor beams, allowing players to tow larger objects using ships. This will be beneficial for practical purposes such as mining and salvage. Other new ships planned for the update include the Tumbril Storm light tank and the Crusader C1 Spirit, a small multi-crew cargo ship. Further updates are anticipated in the form of economy changes, bug fixes, optimization, and potentially the introduction of Vulcan-related improvements.
The replication layer update is a critical component of the 3.21 patch cycle. It involves moving the replication layer off the game servers and setting it up as a standalone service. This step is an important part of achieving server meshing. Initially, the update will be released as part of the preview channel, which will run in parallel with the live servers. Once the replication layer is deemed reliable, it will be migrated to the live servers in a future 3.21.x patch.
Overall, the 3.21.x roadmap update for Star Citizen brings significant advancements to the game, including new missions, ships, jump point locations, and the implementation of tractor beams. The milestone in online networking technology brings the game closer to server meshing, and the replication layer update is a critical step towards achieving this goal.